SCION Oct-Dec 2015

THE FINE LIFE Meet the entrepreneurs in the business of luxury

JUST FOR THE MEN

TIME IS LUXURY

CRUISING THE SEAS

10 luxe essentials to lead the pack

Million-dollar watches that wow

Why you’ll never regret going small

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Co n t e n t s

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C

M

Y

CM

MY

42 34 11 – AROUND THE WORLD

34 – COLOUR ME FALL

ACCESSORIEs

39 – IT’s all in the suit

COVER STORY

42 – A SHOE DEVOTEE TElls all

56 – THE ART OF ACCESSORISING

14 – IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS FASHION & BEAUTY 24 – ON THE FASHION TRAIN 26 – THE ANDROGYNOUS GIRL

44 – WHAT MAKES A MAN 50 – BEAUTY UPDATES 52 – A BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE 54 – HEY, GOOD LOOKING

59 – MILLION DOLLAR BABIES 66 – TALE AS OLD AS TIME TRAVEL & dining 68 – NEWS FOR THE GLOBETROTTER

70 – DINE WITH THE STARS 74 – NEW CHEF IN TOWN

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CY

CMY

K

77 82

77 – SMALL SHIPS, BIG EXPERIENCE

100 – GHIBLI BLOWS THE OPPOSITION AWAY

82 – HISTORY, HIGHWAYS AND HACIENDAS

102 – FORD’S MUSTANG – THE NEW ACTION HERO

DESIGN & SPACES

SOCIETY

88 – UPDATES FOR YOUR HOME

105 – GETTING AQUAINTED WITH JAVED AHMAD

90 – THE CREATOR OF EVERLASTING DESIRABILITY DRIVING FORCE

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98 - FOR THE AUTOMOBILE ENTHUSIAST

109 – raya in the river 110 – LONG LIVE THE QUEEN 111 – FESTIVE FULL HOUSE 112 – HITCHED AT LAST

Editor’s Note

SCI-ON [sahy-uh-on]

A noble descendant, a privileged individual. Scions have the world at their feet. They hold the key to a vault of privileges that only an exclusive few can enjoy. At SCION, the line of wealth, luxury and high-living begins.

October/November/December 2015 Publisher: Wan Zainal Shazali Managing Editor: Pauline Chan Art Director: Novri Rinaldi Copy Editor: Vittoria D’Alessio Assistant Editor: Intan Abu Daniel Finance Manager: Chin Hui Hui Sales & Marketing Manager Bina Chauhan Contributors: Rohaizatul Azhar, Neil Briscoe, Roderick Eime, Low Shi Ping, Su Jia Xian, Karen Tee, Alex Toh

Chasing the luxe lifestyle can sound somewhat indulgent, but when you’ve worked hard and finally the chance comes to savour the fruits of your labour, why not? This is what SCION is all about – helping you enjoy a well-deserved life of elegance and luxury. In this issue, we feature a buffet of stories for the high life. We cover everything from men’s sumptuous essentials and million-dollar timepieces to Michelin three-star restaurants and luxury cruises. In our cover story, we reach out to three well-known individuals and a couple who know the meaning of good living, and they tell us how they went about building a successful business providing fabulous high-end experiences.

When exploring ways to indulge our senses, it can be easy to overlook the realms of sight and sound. To help you reconnect with these vital senses, we take you on a tour of Bang & Olufsen – the Danish brand famed for providing the ultimate in audio and visual systems. An icon in the electronics industry, the B&O name is synonymous with superb product performance and craftsmanship that last a lifetime. I was particularly enamoured by the design side of the company’s products – each piece is a work of art with a timeless appeal. Eighteen of B&O’s best products, all produced since 1972, are on display at the Permanent Design Collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. If you’re a fan of the brand, a fascinating history of the company that began with Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen can be enjoyed at the Struer Museum. It’s definitely worth a visit if you happen to find yourself in the charming little town of Struer, north of Copenhagen.

With this, we wrap up our last issue of the year with a treasure chest of luxury ideas to enhance your lives, and we wish you happy hunting for your objects of desire and memorable adventures. Good tidings for the rest of the year!

SCION A magazine of CHMP Media, Brunei Darussalam Tel: +673 2331031 Fax: +673 2231031 E-mail: contact@chmpmedia.com

Scion is published by CHMP Media (Brunei). All correspondence and advertising should be addressed to Scion, CHMP Media, Unit 49, 2nd Floor, Hj Munchit & HJH DYG RAPIAH Complex, Kg. Jaya Setia, Berakas BD2713.

Brunei Darussalam.

Cover photo: Vanessa and Baring Linggi photographed outside COVE 55, their beach villa at the foot

All materials are strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at the time of publication. Opinions expressed in Scion are not necessarily those of the publisher and the publisher does not accept responsibility for advertising content. Any images supplied are at the owner’s risk.

of Mount Santubong in Sarawak.

Photographed by Andy phe

is distributed to:

Available at:

Bian Hoe Sdn Bhd

No.3 Spg 41, Jalan Kilanas Mulaut, Kampung Kilanas BF2520, Brunei Darussalam, Brunei • Tel: 2448811/22/55 • Fax: 242 1694 Website: www.bianhoe.com • Email: sales@bianhoe.com

Ar o u n d Th e W o r l d

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ICONIC HOTELS IN ICONIC PLACES

Bowled Over As part of an initiative to explore new aesthetics and other functional possibilities for leather, Spanish fashion house Loewe has teamed up with José Luis Bazán, a third-generation artisan from Benaocaz in the province of Cadiz, to create a special collection of leather bowls. Led by Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson, the project reimagines the works of Lucie Rie, an Austrian-born British studio potter, and reinterprets aspects of Rie’s pottery through leather, blurring the boundaries between sculpture and design. Presented as a group, the bowls play with scale and perception and offer an unexpected and decidedly tactile experience. They are also a unique example of Loewe’s imagination and fine leather techniques, which transform the material into something both functional and decorative. The Bowls Project will be exhibited in Loewe stores in Milan, Madrid, Paris, Tokyo and Beijing.

DORCHESTER AD

visit www.loewe.com

GIA JAKARTA The Ismaya Group introduced GIA in January this year, an Italian restaurant and lounge that blends a modern design with a twist of Italian mid-century architecture, inspired by one of the great Italian architectural icons, Gio Ponti.

Located at the Sampoerna Strategic Square Tower, GIA is built within a magnificent classical towering space embedded with a seductive combination of black-and-white Italian marble and dark wooden ceiling. The interior by Hecker & Guthrie creates an airy and distinctly modern dining environment.

Executive chef Tommaso Gonfiantini from Tuscany was mentored by legendary Italian cuisine godfathers Chef Filippo La Mantia and Michelin-starred Fulvio Pierangelini. The menu is authentic traditional Italian cuisine with modern flair, with most ingredients imported directly from Italy. Simply divine.

www.ismaya.com Captured on iPhone

FAR FROM THE

MADDING CROWD

A SWISH OF DOORS. AN AIR OF TRADITION. A GRAND PROMENADE. THE TINKLE OF TEACUPS. THE TALK OF THE TOWN. THE DORCHESTER.

LONDON

I

+44 20 7629 8888

I

DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM

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Ar o u n d Th e W o r l d

A DANISH LOVE AFFAIR

A NEW COLONY Singapore’s Ritz-Carlton has introduced a restaurant that playfully embraces the nation’s multicultural past. Located on the third floor, Colony invites diners to a bygone era with its ornate leafing and walls adorned with vintage maps and postcards that allude to the British seafarers’ 18th Century voyages to the East Indies. The restaurant features eight open-concept kitchens with live culinary showmanship offering diners a multi-sensory journey through Singapore’s heritage cuisines.

Malaysian, Indonesian, Indian, Chinese and Western cuisine is all represented, with food deftly encapsulating the flavours of Singapore’s colourful colonial past. The Colony can seat 260 people and offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner daily, as well as a vintage Champagne brunch on Sundays. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ Singapore

Bang & Olufsen, the Danish manufacturer of coveted audiovisual products, is celebrating its 90th birthday with the Love Affair Collection. Six of the company’s current products are rejuvenated in today’s hottest colour for jewellery – radiant and romantic rose gold, the ultimate colour of love and therefore a natural inspiration for this collection. During the roaring twenties, B&O founders Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen embarked on their techy journey during an era when Art Deco was flourishing and luxury, glamour and exuberance were more fashionable than ever. Ninety years on and the new collection is a nod to the mood and style of that time. The collection comprises the BeoVision Avant 85 television, the allin-one entertainment solution BeoVision 11-46 and the BeoRemote One. Also part of this range is the extremely popular magic-touch BeoPlay A9 music system, the lightweight BeoPlay H6 headphones and the slender BeoLab 18 with a new walnut lamella front and a cabinet in a stunningly elegant rose golden version. www.bang-olufsen.com

JUNGLE LUXURY Who says you have to rough it out in the tropical rainforest when in Mulu, Sarawak? Trust us, there’s no need for that.

Just five minutes from the Gunung Mulu National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site – is the luxurious fivestar Mulu Marriot Resort & Spa. Wake up to an al-fresco breakfast then head out to discover the famous Mulu Caves and the park’s rare wildlife and exotic plants. Return to the hotel and soothe your tired muscles in the Balinese-style spa or just relax by the outdoor pool or on your own private balcony overlooking the scenic Melinau River and rainforest.

Jungle life doesn’t get any sweeter than this. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/myymu-mulu-marriottresort-and-spa

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IN PURSUIT OF

HAPPINESS Take a great escape to an exclusive beach villa nestled beneath Mount Santubong, find sumptuous dining experiences in Kuala Lumpur, pamper yourself with beauty treats and fragrances, or find bliss in the most exquisite gems money can buy. Meet four luxe-life entrepreneurs from Malaysia who we would turn to for a lifestyle of fulfilling indulgences in a heartbeat.

Co v e r St o r y

IT TAKES

TWO Baring & Vanessa Linggi Owners, COVE 55

When Baring and his wife Vanessa were first handed the keys to their newly built villa in 2011, they planned to use the place as their private retreat. Cove 55 was their home away from home – a place to hang out with family and friends at weekends.

But their plans evolved, and in November 2012 they opened the house to the paying public, so others could create their own special memories in and around the luxury villa.

Photo: Andy Phe; Hair: Lewis Fong Cutting Edge Kuching; Make-up: Joanne Cheng

What inspired you to turn a family home into a beautiful holiday getaway?

Our love for travel and design. We had much inspiration from our travels and we wanted to see our dreams come alive – it was easier to do at Cove 55, as the foundation was there already.

What have you learned from running a luxury villa like Cove 55?

With the service industry, you cannot drop the ball ever. You need to be hands-on, as competition is very stiff. We are still constantly learning – the hard way.

What’s the best spot at Cove 55?

The kitchen station is where people tend to gravitate to.

We particularly like our reading corner as well. Cove 55 has many ideal spots where, even in a closed space, you can have your quiet time.

As a husband and wife team, how do you divide the duties of running the villa?

Actually we don’t divide our duties but instead are a support system for each other.

What do you enjoy most about running Cove 55?

The office dress code does not apply in running Cove 55 – definitely a plus.

Are green and environmentally friendly policies practised at Cove 55?

Unfortunately we don’t do as much as we would like to.

It has to come from the planning and conceptual stages.

Hopefully, if we get the chance to build another villa, we will surely adopt the concept. It is a necessity nowadays.

What do you two like to do individually in your downtime? And what do you like to do together?

We are generally always by each other’s side - two peas in a pod, as some might say. The most time we spend away from each other is when we have to go do our respective things at the gym.

Where are some of the best villas around the world that you have stayed at?

Unfortunately we don’t want to share this piece of information [said with a smile]. You have to be selfish sometimes!

What kind of holidays do you both like – high adventure, beach bum, city slicker or heritage-site seeker?

Beach bum and city slicker – and a dash of heritage-site seeker. We like to balance things out.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Baring: For me it would be Burger King – which unfortunately, I have not indulged in for a while.

Vanessa: Mine? Shopping!

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WRAPPED IN

LUXURY Antoine Bakhache Managing Director, BAKHACHE LUXURIES

Your company deals in jewellery, men’s grooming, tableware, perfumes and even nuts – that is quite a varied portfolio of brands! What makes you choose a particular brand to add to the mix?

We try to bring in brands that we feel are needed in the market and make sense for our existing support team to handle. We also look at adding value to our existing clientele.

Mouawad, Christofle and Truefitt & Hill have long and revered histories. What is it about these brands that has allowed them to stand the test of time and thrive? And what can new enterprises learn from them?

All these brands have two things in common: excellence in customer service and continuous product innovation.

Mouawad has always believed that quality is a priority while the founder of Christofle always said: “I believe in one quality – the best.” Also Truefitt and Hill have outshined the competition in providing uninterrupted excellent service for royalties and dignitaries for 210 years.

What do you think of the current luxury goods climate?

Are environmental and ethical policies important for ensuring sustainability?

Common good practice is key nowadays for a business to survive, and that for sure includes the luxury business.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

That it is not monotonic and allows me to bring out my creativity.

What’s your typical working day like?

I am out of bed by seven, get back from exercising at eight, have breakfast and then by nine I’m out of the house and in the office by 9:30am. My work doesn’t end until late evening.

What are some of the challenges in running your luxury product businesses?

Our clients are quite sophisticated and can be demanding at times so we always need to be ready to go that extra mile to provide them with the ultimate in service.

Do you ever make decisions based on a gut feeling?

All the time. I’ve been in business and a serial entrepreneur for 30 years – gut feel works most of the time.

What’s your style when it comes to managing people in your company?

Management is the art of delegation. So I try to delegate to my top management and to coach them continuously on solving their problems and running their departments as smoothly as possible.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

Spend as much time as possible with my family.

What do you like to do together?

Every year, I take one month off during summer and take my family on a trip to a completely new destination that we can explore together, usually on a road trip.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Cars.

What’s the tech gadget you absolutely cannot be without?

My smartphone, unfortunately.

Photo: Courtesy of Antoine Bakache

Antoine Bakhache comes from a lineage of artisans, producers and retailers of fine jewellery that can be traced back to the seventeenth century in a city called Aleppo, now located in the north of Syria. With a discerning eye for luxury accessories, Antoine is well poised to lead the Malaysian operations of Mouawad, one of the world’s leading jewellers. His company also manages and promotes top luxury heritage brands from around the world, including the 180-yearold French silversmith Christofle, the world’s oldest barber and perfumer Truefitt & Hill and French perfume house Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

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Co v e r St o r y

BIG

EXPANSIONS Benjamin Yong CEO, The BIG Group

When it comes to building empires, no one does it bigger and faster than Benjamin Yong. His company, The BIG Group, began to expand rapidly in 2011 and over the span of 18 months, it opened 22 F&B outlets.

When Benjamin was 13 years old, he made carrot cakes to earn pocket money. That entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with a deep love of food, has guided his instincts ever since, allowing him to turn a passion into a food empire, earning him the nickname Chief Eating Officer along the way.

Was the initial journey with the opening of your first restaurant what you expected? And what did you learn along the way?

I think, to be fair, I was so young and naive, it was nothing like I expected. When you’re younger, you have no fear. It was just so much easier to run a business without fear. But we learned along the way – running and learning at the same time.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Yong

Ben’s Independent Grocer doesn’t look like an ordinary supermarket – it looks more like a fun place to hang out.

A lot of our business is based on opportunity and timing.

We were looking for a space for a central kitchen when we were about to embark on our chain of restaurants, and the landlord said: “Hey, there’s this space but we were looking for a supermarket, are you keen to explore?” I’ve always had a fascination for markets and supermarkets, so I thought, why not? Here was a perfect opportunity. So we jumped in and tried something new. And we’re still learning. That’s how we accidently got into the supermarket business.

How many F&B outlets do you currently have, and what else is on the cards?

We’re now at 28, from when we started till now. We’ve opened some and closed some – we keep trying to see which concepts work and which don’t and what don’t, and we adjust accordingly. We’ve got two more supermarkets opening – September in Damansara Heights and December in Taman Tun. So those are the two big stores, and we’ve also got 12 new restaurants coming up. So there’s quite a lot on our plate.

Are they all halal restaurants?

They’re all pork-free under the BIG Group. We have a separate division that is non-halal, which is independent from the group.

What do you enjoy most about running your food empire?

The opportunity to meet people, that’s what I enjoy most – the meeting of different people in the industry.

What’s your style when it comes to managing people in your company?

Err… some would call it slack [laughter]. At the end of the day, when you bring somebody on board, you are entrusting them to look after their role, but they are allowed to do their own thing. And then of course when we see a change in direction, we sit down and chat, and see how we can bring them back in line.

Describe your typical working day.

If I’m around the store, I spend a lot of time on the floor.

There’s no real pattern from day-to-day or month-tomonth – it just depends on the phase we’re going through.

But I do like being on the shop floor.

What are some of the dishes you enjoy from your own restaurants?

Spaghetti Bolognese and curry laksa are my all-time favourites. And like everyone else, I go through phases with obsessions for dishes that I eat all the time, then suddenly I go: “Nah, had enough of that” and I try something new.

What do you like doing in your downtime?

Cooking. A lot of cooking. I enjoy cooking at home, not in a restaurant. What is my dish? Seafood pasta – I can whip it up in minutes.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Travelling. I love to travel – see new things, meet new people, find new food.

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DOING A

BEAUTIFUL JOB Ken Lim Owner, KENS Apothecary

What sparked the idea of opening a skincare and fragrance store and calling it an apothecary?

An apothecary is an ancient pharmacy where people used to go to buy their drugs, medicine and toiletry products.

We embraced the concept of a modern-day apothecary selling niche beauty brands and therefore we decided to call it KENS Apothecary. We’ll eventually sell more personal care items like detergents and toothpaste, gearing more towards the fully fledged apothecary concept.

Some kids show entrepreneurial spirit from a very young age, were you such a kid?

No, I was not enterprising as a kid. I was someone who loved beautiful things and scents and I guess that is the reason why I made it a business.

Do you ever make decisions based on a gut feeling?

When I was much younger, the ‘gut feeling’ was all I had to guide me.

Did the early part of your business journey, with the opening of your first store, go as expected? What did you learn along the way?

It was not exactly what I had expected because many brands that I brought in then have exited or ceased to exist.

I learned that I also have to listen to the market needs because my gut can only do as good as the market dictates.

What are some of the challenges you face in running your luxury product business?

There are many. We must educate the market with loads of interviews and outpost promotions. The other challenge is having the right staff selling the brands. We have invested a lot of time training staff and making sure they understand the brand concepts and philosophy well.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The marketing part of the business is most enriching. I love it whenever I receive new marketing plans with interesting launches. That is the main thing that keeps me going.

What’s your style when it comes to managing people in your company?

I believe a company is as good as its employees. I always see them as an integral part of a body – every part is connected and interrelated. I prefer that they challenge my ideas and we constantly have openhearted conversations so they know where the ship is leading.

Will we see KENS Apothecary expand to neighbouring shores?

This is highly unlikely because the brands are owned by different distributors in other countries. We currently have no intention to expand overseas.

What are five of your favourite products from your store?

I love Beauty Elixir from Caudalie, Vitamin C Powder Cream from Dr Sebagh, Dr Brandt’s Needles No More, By Terry’s Light Expert and Laura Mercier Translucent Powder.

What’s the best-selling product in your store?

There is no single best-selling product – it changes with the seasons.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

I love playing with my two furry Chihuahuas. A glass of good wine definitely helps.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Devouring two whole Musang King durians in one go!

Photo: Courtesy of Ken Lim

After experiencing Space NK Apothecary in the UK and Joyce Beauty House in Hong Kong, Ken Lim was inspired to set up his own luxury beauty and skincare boutique in Malaysia, opening his first beauty store, KENS Apothecary, in 2000. The shop gave him the chance to introduce niche and cult labels to Malaysians – among the brands, Annick Goutal, Creed and Laura Mercier. Now he has three stores in Kuala Lumpur carrying some of the world’s most sought after brands, including Dr Brandt, REN and By Terry. He has also opened flagship stores for Diptyque, Dr Sebagh, Annick Goutal and Caudalie. Now, with an online shopping site also in the bag, Ken is spreading the beauty love around Malaysia at the click of a button.

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Moncler debuts in Southeast Asia

Ford Online Two of the world’s leading online retailers, Net-a-Porter.com and MrPorter.com, have partnered with Tom Ford to become the label’s first online retailer. To date, the American designer, whose past design tenure includes helming Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci, has selectively distributed his sought-after ready-to-wear collections across 110 Tom Ford boutiques and in brick-and-mortar partner department stores around the world. The brand currently operates its own e-commerce site, selling men’s and women’s accessories, eyewear and beauty, shipping to the US. Net-a-porter has already begun selling an edited selection of Tom Ford’s Autumn/Winter 2015 ready-towear pieces, with highlights including leather military jackets, patchwork maxi skirts, evening column gowns, embroidered dresses and signature denim and suede pieces, all selling alongside the brand’s women’s shoes, accessories, eyewear, cosmetics and fragrance collections. Net-a-porter also offer a curated selection of Tom Ford Signature Fragrances and the Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Collection. Similarly, Mr Porter – which launched its Tom Ford retail section in September – offers an edited range of the brands sophisticated Autumn/ Winter 2015 ready-to-wear collection, including tailored pieces, formal wear, luxury casualwear, shoes, eyewear, accessories and grooming collections.

This autumn, French luxury lifestyle label Moncler, known for its down jackets and sportswear, will open its first Southeast Asian flagship store in Singapore. Located in Ion Orchard, the standalone shop is one of 172 mono-brand stores operated by the label globally. It will also strengthen the brand’s presence in the Asia Pacific region, where it already has stores in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan and Taiwan.

Helmed by American fashion designer Thom Browne, who serves as creative director, the new store will carry the full range of Moncler clothes, with selected pieces from each range including Grenoble. Think luxe quilted down outerwear that’s more pretty than puffy; opulent prints inspired

by Russian tsarinas, and sumptuous fabrics that elevate hardy outerwear pieces into high fashion. In its official press release, Moncler states that its new retail store in Singapore will present “a highly edited collection with a fashion point of view”. www.moncler.com

www.net-a-porter.com www.mrporter.com

Chic Lit For the quirky girl who knows how to make an entrance, the classic book-cover arm candies from Olympia Le-Tan are must-haves.

These statement clutches are sartorial talking points, injecting childlike innocence into any look. A self-taught fashion designer, Le-Tan was born in London and raised in Paris. She started her career at the Chanel design studio with Karl Lagerfeld then moved to Balmain, where she worked closely with Gilles Dufour who went on to create his own brand with Olympia by his side. In 2009, she launched an eponymous accessories label, combining her two obsessions – embroidery and literature – to create one-of-a-kind handbags and minaudières. The limited-edition bags are handmade in France. In March 2012, Olympia launched her first ready-to-wear collection of classic clothes, blending her British and Paris heritage. The collection uses velvets, tartans, college stripes and Liberty print fabrics.

WHITNEY BAG The architect of the new Whitney Museum of American Art in New York is collaborating with fashion house Max Mara to bring you a portable Whitney. Max Mara and Renzo Piano Building Workshop jointly created the ‘Whitney Bag’ – crafted in soft leather with an elegant surface featuring a distinctive ribbing that pays tribute to the steel tie-beamed exterior of the museum. The façade of the building is used as inspiration for the buckles, the inside pocket and the unmistakable snap hook – a signature feature of the bag. The Whitney Bag will be available in three sizes and in black, bordeaux and tan. There will also be an exclusive limited-edition collection of 250 bags in the pale blue-grey of the museum’s façade, with a logo stamp branded on the inside. it.maxmara.com

www.olympialetan.com

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The Androgynous Girl Today’s contemporary girl steps out in menswear-inspired suits for the boardroom and mixes it up with feminine elegance for a night frolic.

Photography: Jimmy Khoo @ ZINQ Studio Assistants: Wei Ping & Haziq Art Direction: Jimmy Khoo Styling: Jayen Chow Makeup: Rachel Seok Hair: Ckay Liow Model: Helga from Tangerine Models

Fur-sleeve metallic pleated skirt high-neck midi dress with brooch and hand-painted floral motif monogram chain flap bag, both from Gucci.

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

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Long sleeve knit wrap dress and paintbrush print wool wrap coat, Diane von Furstenberg.

Floral-printed cape sleeve silk chiffon midi dress and fur collar, both from Michael Kors.

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Long sleeve silk satin shirt, short sleeve knit pullover sweater, double-breasted box jacket with brooch, A-line skirt and leather gloves, all from Prada.

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Long sleeve silk shirt with necktie and floral print pantsuit, all from Gucci; pointy-toe silk pumps, Prada.

Pleated long sleeve ruffle front shirt, Gucci.

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

Studded Twisted cross ring from Katie Rowland

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The Jasmine bag from Sara Battaglia

VICTORIA BECKHAM

COS

DVF

prada

MISSONI

Silk organza wide legged pants from Delpozo

Le Dix mini bag from Balenciaga

Colour

The colour yellow is here to stay.

Continuing from Spring/Summer 2015, this bold hue takes on a softer, more pastel shade this season for a more feminine vibe. There are, however, some bright sparks among the dreamy offerings. Italian fashion houses Prada and Missoni, for instance, sent models onto the catwalk in neon shades that are perfect for nights out.

Me Fall Fall in love with Autumn’s best, and brighten up your mood whatever the weather. Rohaizatul Azhar curates this season’s most covetable pieces.

HELLO, YELLOW

2 Jours bag from FENDI

Structured Skirt from Balenciaga Mini Titan Cubo Bracelet from Vita Fede

SLINGBACKS from DANIELE MICHETTI

Mini Rockstud crossbody from Valentino

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Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y Crocodile Barcelona bag from Loewe

Necklace from Ek Thongprasert Hat from Maison Michel Pullover from Maison Martin Margiela

Faux wood and leather necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane Horn leather necklace from Marni

BOX BAG from DOLCE & GABBANA

DVF

MARNI

Shoulder bag from Tod’s

IRINA WRAP DRESS from DVF

LADY IN RED This season, turn heads in red. As well as the usual traffic-stopping shade, designers are creating pieces in a deeper tinge, named Marsala.

An earthier tone, this reddish-brown brings warmth to any piece, adding sophistication and matte-textured glamour to every look.

50 SHADES OF BROWN

Medium Pandora box bag from Givenchy

Sunglasses from Dita Condor

Fancy Nancy fur-trimmed heels from Aquazzura

Coco Pump from Sophia Webster

From chocolate brown to rust and milder brown tones, this season’s earth-toned pieces bring warmth and comfort to your autumnal dressing.

Perfect for both day and night.

Choose browns with a slight sheen to avoid looking dull and dowdy, or pair darker tones of brown with bright pieces to create a more textured and balanced look.

Snakeskin Chelsea boots from Tod’s

ThisIsNotABag bag from Charlotte Olympia

Yvette pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti

Intrecciato weave shoulder bag from Bottega Veneta

Decorative Vamp pumps from Charlotte Olympia

Bucket bag from Mansur Gavriel

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y Copacabana cuff from Aurelie Bidermann

Sequin embellished dress from Marni Printed silk-georgette kaftan from Halston Heritage

Garnet gown from Roksanda FENDI

Colour block dress from Celine

Rivale bracelet from Hermes

ORANGE REALLY IS THE NEW BLACK

It’s All In The Suit

The late 1960s and early 1970s have always been a source of inspiration for designers. Drawing from this era, pieces in the latest collections are done in deeper shades of orange – a playful colour that brings out your youthful nature while still giving you an air of sophistication.

By Pauline Chan

Bucket bag from Victoria Beckham Chiara Holographic shoes from Sophia Webster

Peekaboo tote from Fendi

If you want to place yourself in the league of the sartorial elite, a bespoke suit that says ‘Made in Italy’ is the first step to take. Superb tailoring, premium fabrics and personalised details hint at the knowledge and taste of the wearer – a discerning gentleman who appreciates the quality of his clothes and knows that a good suit maketh the man.

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The creative consultant at Canali, Andrea Pompilio, has delivered an eclectic wardrobe for the Autumn/ Winter 2015 collection, applying new shapes and proportions to the tailoring along with exquisite fabrics, which have been the hallmark of the brand since its foundation. His collection is designed for comfort and movement, mixing function and aesthetics with the traditions of Canali tailoring. Everything in the collection looks fresh and lightweight but also elegant, wearable and luxurious.

Contours are linear yet form-fitting.

Monochrome jackets and coats in the softest cashmere, draped over ribbed sweaters and turtlenecks, are paired with wool pants cuffed at the ankle. Horizontal stripes and window-pane checks are woven into the collection, along with the occasional flash of petrol blue or Canali yellow. Bold accents are added to the accessories, including black and white suede wing tip shoes and burgundy iPad bags with black handles.

The resulting collection oozes classic masculinity for the man who wants to be impeccably dressed.

Getting a suit made is a personal experience. Italian menswear brand Canali offers a ‘su misura’ service that combines the expertise of its made-to-measure specialists and the artistry of its master tailors. The result? Distinctive suits, jackets, trousers and shirts made from the finest materials, all handcrafted in Italy.

Canali, founded in Italy by Giovanni and Giacomo Canali, is a family-run business now in its third generation. Since 1934, Canali has been making suits of exceptional wearability and comfort, promoting the Made in Italy distinction along the way. It’s a contemporary design and manufacturing group with its own production centres. The garment production is a highly controlled process and each piece is completely made in Italy. Though the company has evolved through the

generations, the tailoring philosophy and values of the Canali brothers are still very much alive today, 81 years on.

alteration specifics to ensure the final suit is made according to the customer’s movements, posture and styling preferences.

Can you picture how Daniel Craig buttons up his suit jacket after a tussle with bad guys in James Bond movies and still manages to look dapper? It’s all in the suit! A hero in sharp tailoring is a vision of beauty, and his well-tailored armour requires great attention to detail.

Canali offers a choice of over 500 fabrics for its made-tomeasure customers, including seasonal selections. Autumn/ winter fabrics range from comfortable stretch and water resistant wools to pure cashmere and soft blends of angora, camel and mohair. In a similar vein, spring sees classic pure wools, linens and silk blends and ultra fine Super 200s – the ultimate textile for the suit connoisseur.

At Canali, the su misura experience is offered at select stores, and begins with an in-depth consultation with one of the brand’s master tailors. The meeting involves a free and unrestricted discussion that is as unique as a customer’s tastes, needs and body shape.

The master tailor helps each customer identify a basic style and cut of garment. Then he collects measurements and

The su misura process allows each customer to personalise their garment with elements like buttons, belt loops and extra pockets. Each suit is finished with accents that reflect individual taste. As a final touch, a personal label is embroidered with the customer’s name, confirming that they’ve made it into the sartorial circle.

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A Shoe

Devotee Tells All Brunei columnist and blogger EmmaGoodEgg introduces us to the highlights in her footwear collection, and we happily step into her shoes for the day.

What’s in your shoe collection?

A couple of racy red soles (Louboutins), a couple of trustworthy Tributes, a pair of rather fetching knee-high boots, a pair of ugly but comfy Ugg Boots, a pair of walking shoes (hardly worn), the rest of my red soles and too many ballet flats.

When did you start having a collection?

Long after I started work, around 2006.

What do you usually wear to work?

Usually ballet flats these days.

You have quite a few pairs of Christian Louboutins in your collection – tell us how you came to acquire your first Loubis?

“In flip-flops you see everything but zat ees not at all sexy,” said French shoe designer Christian Louboutin in an article I read in 2006. This was the first time I heard about Christian Louboutin and how the toe (formerly to me a part of the foot used to find furniture in the dark) is capable of looking as vivacious and evocative as a décolleté.

But it was the bon mots about the soles of the Louboutin high heel that intrigued me. Louboutin shoes have bottoms lacquered with a glossy electrifying red. Catching a glimpse of it is akin to getting a flash of a red-laced lingerie strap on a lady’s shoulder.

This is what Louboutins are all about. From that day, I look down for, and covet, that sliver of red in magazines and TV, hardly noticing the stars whose feet the shoes are attached to, knowing they’re wearing Christian Louboutin.

Which is your favourite pair and how did the two of you ‘meet’?

Tell us!

My favourite pair has to be my nude ‘Simple Pump’ Louboutins in 100mm. We met as lovers do – one look and I was hooked.

Because no one does nude like Christian.

Is there a story to every pair you acquire?

There most certainly is (the version I tell the husband, and the truth). My favourite one involves a pair of sky-high ageinappropriate heels from Louboutins that I bought when I turned 40.

Is there a pair that made you stop and think ‘gotta have it’?

The Louboutin ‘Love’ pump comes to mind – for good reason too because it was the shoe that launched his career.

You’ve tried all sorts of brands and styles – which would you recommend for a long night out?

Although I’m fond of my red soles, I would recommend a pair of classic YSL Tribute 75 to dance all night in. Trust me on this one.

Which is your trustiest, most-worn pair?

At the end of the day, Repetto ballet flats go from day to night, rather effortlessly.

Fa s h i o n & B e a u t y

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Get a suit custom made

What Makes

A MaN The things we love. The things we need.

ROHAIZATUL AZHAR highlights a collection of objects no man should be without.

It may be easier to grab a suit jacket and matching pants off the racks of your favourite store but what differentiates a boy from a man is getting one that fits perfectly. Buying a custom-made suit not only allows you to choose fabrics that work best for your lifestyle but also sharpens up your look in a snap. And if you’re a style-conscious lad, a custom-made smoking jacket will instantly propel you to the head of the pack.

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Luxe Shades Every man needs a pair of top-of-the-line shades to shield his eyes from the sun’s harmful glare. But arguably even more importantly, the right pair of sunglasses will add that coveted dapper vibe. Loewe’s tortoiseshell-print sunnies from their Autumn/Winter 2015 collection have the right amount of swag and old-school charm to complete your look.

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3 Travel luggage Travelling in style means having your own matching monogrammed luggage and cabin bag - or simply owning a monogrammed trunk from Louis Vuitton. The Cotteville 40 hard-sided suitcase is appealingly compact and has generous capacity.

4 White Shirt Why? Because you can rock it in any season, with any trousers and for any occasion.

The idea is to have a sharp, white shirt – not its slightly grey, frayed second cousin.

Cuff the sleeves with shorts and chinos, tuck or untuck as needed with jeans. Just never untuck with trousers.

5 A Signature Scent Having a signature scent leaves a more lasting impression. For those who have yet to find a cologne that’s all theirs, reach for one of Tom Ford’s. Or get your own blend from a bespoke perfumer like Maison Francis Kurkdjian.

Kurkdjian’s creations are often regarded as the epitome of luxury.

6 Chelsea Boots For when you want something more relaxed than your work lace-ups but not as casual as trainers, the classic Chelsea boot is understated yet still chic. A pair will smarten up jeans and can live comfortably with a T-shirt or a button-up.

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Stax SR-009 Earspeakers

Weekend bag

For crystal-clear sound quality that even the most discerning audiophiles will approve of, check out the top-of-the-line headphones from American geek-favourite brand Stax.

Made from an ultra-thin film material that’s able to reproduce an ultra-wide range of sound frequencies, this gadget will make your music sound like it’s being pumped through a concert hall, with you ensconced in the best seat in the house.

Let’s face it, sometimes even men need to carry more than just a wallet and keys. For those days when your pockets aren’t enough to store your essentials, go for a leather bag, such as Dunhill’s leather duffel. This will lend a casual-smart feel to your weekend ensemble. Plus, it makes for a handsome gym bag.

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Apple Watch Edition Nothing says you’ve arrived more eloquently than flashing the hottest accessory of the moment – a smartwatch. But it’s the special edition gold Apple Watch that really stands out from the pack. With a polished sapphire crystal display and a watchcase crafted from 18-carat gold, this is one gadget that can withstand hard wearing while still looking sleek and elegant.

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Leather-bound notebooks Sure, we’re living in the digital era where everything is made accessible and easier with smartphones and tablets, but the real gent understands that taking the time to pen one’s thoughts on paper is one of life’s greatest luxuries.

For those special reflective moments, reach for Tod’s special edition notebooks, which are crafted from crocembossed leather.

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Beauty With a Cause When you stock up on beauty essentials this October, why not contribute to a good cause at the same time? October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and in support, the beauty brands owned by The Estee Lauder Companies are launching limited edition Pink Ribbon products to raise funds for breast cancer research. Participating brands include Bobbi Brown, Origins and Clinique.

Power in a Bottle

Do also keep a lookout for buildings, monuments and landmarks worldwide illuminated in glowing pink lights to raise awareness of breast health and early detection. Iconic buildings that have turned pink over the years include the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur and The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. bcacampaign.com

French Flair With their sartorial pizzazz and effortless beauty, French women seem to do everything better where style is concerned. Now, thanks to Lancome, you too can achieve a little of that elusive je ne sais quoi. For Fall 2015, the French beauty brand has teamed up with Caroline de Maigret – model, music producer and co-author of the bestselling book How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are – to create a limited edition makeup kit. The My Parisian Essentials is a carefully curated palette comprising a range of eye shadows, brow powders, blush and illuminators to create that elegant ‘no make-up’ look that means you never appear overdone. To boot, the kit comes cleverly packaged in a folding clutch that you can stylishly tote for a discreet touch-up while on the go. www.lancome.com.sg

Pushing the Right Buttons It’s always hard to resist a massage, but when a pampering treatment comes with state-of-the-art technology for added efficacy, that appointment with the therapist takes on a whole new significance. Singapore’s chic spa destination Qi Mantra, best known for its remedial massages that target deeper muscle layers, has a new Qi Thermal Detox Blast treatment featuring thermal heat radiation – an advanced form of infrared radiation. The treatment starts with an invigorating 30-minute back massage to boost blood circulation and is followed by a 30-minute session with the Thermal Detox Blast machine to deeply penetrate stiff muscles, stimulate detoxification via lymphatic drainage and increase firmness and muscle tone to leave you feeling lighter and relieved of tension. www.qimantra.com

For some time now, SK-II’s Stempower skincare range has been a runaway bestseller thanks to its anti-ageing properties and lightweight texture. This season, the popular skincare brand has launched an updated version of the range - the R.N.A. Power series. This essence and cream duo contains what the brand terms its Pitera x R.N.A. (short for Radical New Age) technology, which works to promote the skin’s structural protein synthesis and promote skin cell rejuvenation. It’s an all-in-one range that promises to treat all 10 of the signs of ageing that the brand has identified, including loss of firmness, dryness, sagging, fine lines and wrinkles. With just two products in the range, consider this your shortcut to staving off the effects of father time. www.SK-II.com

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Spa in a bottle Pamper your skin with these must-tries from Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist This neroli and rose-scented face mist, based on a fourteenth century perfume recipe formulated for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary, is a refreshing post-cleanse toner to firm and soften the skin, and also works wonders at perking up tired skin in the middle of the day.

A Beautiful

Blue Diamond Concentrate For the ultimate luxurious experience, this skincare concentrate contains diamond particles that have been grafted onto peptide molecules to enhance absorption into the skin. The result – luminous skin that looks firm, radiant and lifted.

Romance

Gold Hydralifting Mask Give tired skin an instant lift and rejuvenating boost of hydration with this flash day mask containing gold – a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient that repairs accumulated micro-damage to the skin’s cells. There are also three types of hyaluronic acid in this mask to nourish all layers of the skin. Simply apply a generous amount to face and neck, and relax.

With its fusion of luxurious and traditional beauty ingredients, high-tech scientific innovations and a Hollywood-worthy backstory, Budapest-based beauty brand Omorovicza is a cult label that delivers on its promises – and then some.

By Karen Tee

This may sound like a modern fairy tale but in fact it’s the true story of Stephen and Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, founders of anti-ageing skincare range Omorovicza. Since its launch in 2005, this Budapest-based beauty brand – which harnesses the powers of science and technology to boost the efficacy of the city’s ancient healing thermal waters – has steadily gained a cult following around the world.

The story began when Stephen – born in Hungary but raised in Switzerland and the UK – returned to Budapest to explore his roots. There he met Margaret, an American diplomat working in the city.

He took her to sample the city’s famed thermal baths – a popular 2,000-year-old Hungarian pastime.

“For hundreds of years, doctors have been prescribing baths for all sort of ailments,” says Stephen. The baths are opulent structures built with the same care and expense as cathedrals in other parts of Europe. “The doctors would observe what the waters in certain areas would do – for example, waters in the east containing iron are good for joints, and the calcium and magnesium-rich waters in the west are good for those with respiratory ailments.”

Omorovicza is available exclusively in Singapore at the Beautique counter at Level 3, Takashimaya Department Store or www.beautique.sg

personal observations led the couple, who are now married with four children, to consult the Nobel Prize-winning Hungarian Laboratory of Dermatology to find out more about the secrets of Hungary’s spa waters.

What makes the thermal waters in Hungary so effective is the nature of the earth’s crust in this part of the world, Stephen explains. Because the crust here is thinner, the water is brought closer than normal to surface rocks, meaning it is better able to absorb minerals. It’s the unique blend of minerals that has a rejuvenating effect on the skin.

But because Stephen was so familiar with these traditional cures, it took an outsider like Margaret to focus his mind on the specialness of the bath’s offerings. “I just felt oddly energised and that my skin was softer after trips to the bath, but she [Margaret] was immediately struck by the healing effects of the baths on her sensitive skin,” he recalls.

In a stroke of serendipity, he discovered a bath in Budapest bearing his family’s name.

As it turns out, his aristocratic ancestors had built a spa for the city in 1865, right over the country’s oldest and most mineral-rich healing spring. This legacy and Margaret’s

Photos: Omorovicza

Boy meets girl in a beautiful European city. Their courtship culminates not just in marriage but also in the launch of a successful business empire inspired by some of the couple’s most memorable dates during the early days of their romance.

To harness the healing and anti-ageing effect that results from regular trips to the baths, the couple enlisted the skin laboratory to improve upon the absorption quality of the minerals. The lab created Hydro Mineral Transference technology to reconfigure the molecular structure of the minerals contained inside the water. This delivery system, which is now patented, allows the thermal water nutrients to be drawn into the skin for firmer, suppler and younger looking skin, doing away with the need to spend hours in the bath waters.

With this technology, the duo launched their skincare brand Omorovicza with a range of eight products, all including their proprietary thermal-water delivery system. This luxury skincare

range quickly drew the attention of top beauty editors from international publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and Elle, and was soon stocked in luxury department stores such as American specialty store Neiman Marcus. Today, the brand offers more than 40 products for the face and body and is available in over 100 locations globally including Selfridges and Lane Crawford. Facial treatments are also offered at select highend hotels including Four Seasons and St Regis.

For proof that Omorovicza’s products work, look no further than the ultra youthful-looking 44-year-old Stephen, who sticks to a skin-care routine using the brand’s facials and products.

Margaret too is a vision of youth and vitality with a smooth, glowing complexion.

Ultimately, it’s the unbeatable blend of efficacy and luxury that makes this a brand to add to your pampering rituals. Products are supplemented with luxe ingredients rarely found in creams or concentrates, such as diamonds, gold and bespoke natural scents crafted in the world’s fragrance capital of Grasse, France.

Add the noble pedigree of the brand’s owners and it’s hard to imagine how you can go wrong with a line-up of Omorovicza products in your boudoir.

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Hey,

Good Looking Dr Abrizah Ousman, one of Malaysia’s most popular aesthetics doctor, subscribes to a beauty philosophy that goes far deeper than the skin.

She shares her secrets to staying beautiful through the ages.

Another one of your specialties is anti-ageing medicine. What does this entail?

This is preventive medicine to achieve healthy ageing. It entails supplementation of micro-nutrients and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to achieve good general wellbeing. To cut it short, patients are prescribed with a regimen of supplements that helps the heart, reproductive system and also benefits the brain, mood, metabolism, and even skin.

by: Karen Tee

“First and foremost, beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. Beauty and confidence go hand in hand and inner confidence exudes external beauty,” she says.

“I think Queen Rania of Jordan is the epitome of beauty,” she adds. “She applies her high social standing to a good cause, doing countless charity works to support women and children, and she possesses a natural beauty. That’s beauty inside and out.”

condition of her skin and general wellbeing so she changed the course of her career, pursuing her passion for medical aesthetics.

She obtained a diploma in practical dermatology from the University of Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom, then went on to open her own medical aesthetics practice.

One of the pioneers of aesthetics beauty in her country, Dr Abby graduated with a medical degree from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2003 and began her career in the anaesthesia and intensive care department in 2005. But the glamorous doctor soon found that the hectic hospital lifestyle was taking its toll on the

Today, it gives Dr Abby great satisfaction to help her patients achieve their desired looks through a well-crafted programme that combines aesthetic treatments with holistic anti-ageing medicine. She strongly believes good looks involve more than having well-proportioned features.

Photos: Courtesy of Dr Abby

When women in Malaysia’s high society need a little fixer upper, they speed dial Dr Abrizah Ousman. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Abby – as she’s affectionately known by her patients – is loved for her light touch during treatments and her holistic approach to staying young and beautiful.

What are the most popular procedures at your clinic?

Those in their twenties and early thirties often aim to improve their facial features with more defined contours through nose, lip and chin enhancements or facial slimming procedures. Scar reduction and acne treatments are popular, as are skin lightening and rejuvenation treatments to achieve a better complexion.

From their mid-thirties to their forties, women want to prevent and slow down the ageing process. They undergo laser and radiofrequency skin firming and resurfacing treatments, eye bag and anti-wrinkle treatments as well as body contouring.

From their forties to their sixties, women’s aim is to restore youth and slow down the ageing process through treatments such as the 3D liquid face lift with dermal fillers, non-surgical skin lifting procedures and bio-identical hormone replacement and placenta therapy.

Describe your personal beauty regimen.

I always work on keeping my skin firm and my face free of breakouts, prominent wrinkles and signs of UV damage such as severe pigmentation. I make sure that I remove my makeup and clean my face before applying an anti-ageing colour corrector, moisturiser and eye serum every night. In the day, I prefer to be make-up free and wear just tinted sunscreen, a dab of lipstick and eyeliner.

I do alternate months of Sublative Rejuvenation and Genesis platelet-rich plasma treatments to keep collagen and fibroblast levels in check, so my skin complexion remains clear and wrinkle-free. I also do a monthly Gentle YAG laser skin tightening and rejuvenation to maintain my skin’s elasticity and tautness. When I feel my skin is congested, I do superficial chemical peels to exfoliate dead skin cells and impurities.

What skincare and diet routine would you recommend to women who would like to maintain their youthful features?

Have a low-calorie diet that is rich in fresh foods such as green leafy vegetables and meat for a good source of collagen and eat fruits that have a high anti-oxidant content to neutralise free radicals so that you won’t accelerate the ageing process. Use skincare products that suit your skin type and age, and if you have problematic skin such as acne and pigmentation, consult a specialist.

Dr Abby Clinic A1-1-07 (Block A1, Level G3), Solaris Dutamas (Publika) Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.

Email: info@drabbyclinic.com Tel: +603- 6211 3611/ 6211 9757 www.drabbyclinic.com

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MAKE IT SQUARE

Ethical Jewellery

For the 2015 edition of Only Watch – the major charity event for collectors of fine watches – Laurent Ferrier will offer an extraordinary version of its latest model, the Galet Square. Powered by a micro-rotor movement that allows the case to be thinner, the steel Galet Square features the two-tone silvered sector dial typical of the late 1930s, as well as unique lugs specially created for the occasion. The Galet Square case picks up the essential characteristics of the original Galet, which was square (today’s cases tend towards a cushion shape). The watch is guaranteed a three-day power reserve and is water resistant to 30 metres. This year’s Only Watch event will take place on November 7, with an auction of the watches for medical research.

It’s an important celebration for Chopard, with the unveiling of its Palme Verte Collection. This marks the first time the jewellery house has launched a diffusion line in Fairmined gold. The design is inspired by the leaf motif of the Cannes Film Festival’s Palme d’Or Trophy. Chopard has been making pieces for the event since 1998, and this year the festival celebrates an important milestone - its 60th year.

Envisioned to be worn every day, the elegant ring, pendant, earrings and bracelet that make up the set are crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and promise to turn spectators green with envy.

www.laurentferrier.ch www.chopard.com

How Does Your Garden Grow The Bulgari garden is made from 100 blooms fashioned into earrings, chokers, rings, bracelets and other wearable delights. Giardini Italiani is the Italian house’s latest high jewellery collection, inspired by the Renaissance garden.

Coloured stones are found in abundance among the pieces, but diamonds too have their day in the sun. Enchanting names like Hidden Treasures, Water Symphony and Spring Encounter hint at the provenance of the artisan’s inspiration. Among the exquisite floral specimens is the necklace Secret Garden, where a pair of flowers made from stones that include rubellite and tanzanite are designed after the most beautiful, hidden corners of a garden.

MADE FOR TWO Celebrate the love of your life with his and her watches from the IWC Schaffhausen Portofino collection. Couples can choose from eight combinations of the Portofino Automatic and the smaller Portofino Automatic 37. Portofino for Two watches all share a classically elegant design, a clearly laid-out dial with three hands and an understated date display. But there are also some interesting differences between models. There are six red gold and two stainless steel versions.

The diamond–set bezels or dials will appeal to couples who want to add a luxurious note to their relationship commitment. Portofino for Two is a lovely bonding opportunity for couples who share the same taste and values, and want the world to know they belong together.

www.bulgari.com www.iwc.com

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Million-

Dollar

Babies

By Su Jia Xian

Mechanically- speak ing , jewelled timepieces are less complex than complicated timepieces like tourbillons or minute repeaters, but their relative simplicity makes them no less accomplished.

Some gem-set timepieces, like the Extremely Piaget Sautoir necklace, are stunning items of jewellery that also happen to tell the time. Others, like the Gyrotourbillon 1, are high horology watches that also happen to be decorated with precious stones. But whether

adornment or time-keeping comes first, these pieces all require skill and patience to create. Sourcing the precious stones in the correct shape and size is an achievement in itself. Then each stone has to be laboriously set by hand.

A highly complicated watch movement can be made from several components; similarly, a high jewellery timepiece can be set with hundreds of stones – the Roger Dubuis Velvet is surfaced with 629 diamonds.

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Piaget Extremely Piaget Sautoir Exceptional Piece S$3.26 million (US$2.38 million) taxes included Less a timepiece than a spectacular, this necklace contains a pendant watch and is, as the name promises, simply exceptional. The roll-call of diamonds used in this piece makes impressive reading: 195 marquise-cut, 282 brilliant-cut, 35 cushion-cut and 16 pear-cut gems – totaling 123 carats. These diamonds are set on a necklace shaped like a Peter Pan collar with a 2-carat brilliant at its centre. Made of platinum, the Sautoir necklace has a diamond set chain suspended from its centre with a tiny sphere at its very end. Inside is a Piaget 56P quartz movement to tell the time.

Gyrotourbilllon 1 Unique Piece in platinum on bracelet €1.38 million before taxes A one of a kind timepiece, this Gyrotourbillon 1 combines Jaeger-LeCoultre’s signature multi-axis tourbillon with a platinum case and bracelet completely covered in 477 baguette-cut diamonds. The Gyrotourbillon gets its name from the tourbillon that rotates on two axes, intended to eliminate errors in timekeeping due to the effect of gravity on the regulator. And for good measure, the caliber 177 inside is also equipped with a perpetual calendar that also displays the equation of time, the difference between actual solar time based on the Sun’s motion and the time we see on wristwatches.

All of those functions mean the movement is comprised of nearly 680 components, more than four times as many parts as an ordinary mechanical wristwatch. But the million price tag is a result of not just the movement, but the stunning 60.2 carats of diamonds on the case and bracelet.

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Roger Dubuis Velvet Exceptional Timepiece S$1.89 million (US$1.38 million) taxes included Over 600 diamonds cover every surface of the Velvet Exceptional Timepiece, which is set with a variety of techniques, ranging from invisible to “Clou de Paris” settings. With some 50.69 carats of carats on the watch – including a pair of one-carat emerald-cut diamonds at 6 and 12 o’clock - there is barely any of the platinum case or bracelet visible. In fact, the scale has been specially remade to accommodate the size and number of diamonds on it, giving it a diameter of 38.5mm – 2.5mm larger than that of regular models. The mechanics, however, remain the same caliber RD821, a self-winding movement made in-house by Roger Dubuis and hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève, a seal of quality administered by the government of Geneva. Only eight examples of the Velvet Exceptional Timepiece will be made.

Vacheron Constantin Malte Tourbillon High Jewellery S$1.189 million taxes included A watch that would be understated if not for the 19.6 carats of baguette diamonds on the dial and case – with 12 baguette diamonds on the folding clasp alone – the Malte Tourbillon High Jewellery is powered by the caliber 2795, a manually-wound movement manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Despite having few functions – it indicates only the hours and minutes – the movement requires a great deal of artisanal skill to complete because of the hand-finished components, like the 12 hours required to polish the tourbillon bridge. Almost a distraction are the 418 diamonds set on the dial and case, but fortunately the movement can also be admired through the display back, which for the sake of consistency is lined with a carat’s worth of diamonds on its rim.

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Van Cleef & Arpels Couleur Noir & Blanc High Jewelry watch in excess of S$1 million (US$730,000), exact price on request

A bracelet wristwatch with a swirling, graceful form, the Van Cleef & Arpels Couleur Noir & Blanc is a dazzler in monochromatic black and white. 108 diamonds, every one colourless and VVS grade, totalling 22.9 carats, stand in stark contrast to polished onyx cabochons that are sprinkled elegantly across the bracelet, set in such a manner that they appear to be streaming across the dial. The dial is no less precious, being made of white mother of pearl, with its milky shimmer barely visible beneath the round diamonds set on the dial.

Cartier High Jewellery Secret Watch in excess of S$1 million (US$730,000), exact price on request A unique piece created specifically to showcase a unique stone – the stunning 21.12-carat square, sugarloaf-cut emerald at the watch’s centre. Massive yet translucent, the emerald appears to light up from within at certain angles. It sits on a lid, hinged at 12 o’clock, which opens upwards to reveal the dial that is otherwise hidden. Made of white gold with inlays of clear rock crystal juxtaposed with glossy black onyx, the bracelet has a distinct Art Deco style, influenced

by Cartier’s creations of the 1920s. The bracelet is set with over 800 brilliant-cut diamonds, as well as ten princess-cut emeralds.

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Tale As Old As Time

“The avant-garde style of the collection, where exotic fantasies are mixed with dynamic composition, and asymmetrical and ‘tense’ rhythm, creates real art that is full of expression and mystery.”

Once upon a time According to Kupriyanova, Universo offers versatile jewellery that can be worn every day, whether for a meeting, out shopping or when attending an after-work event. The pieces also exemplify the design ethos of the brand, which is all about love for detail, creativity, Spanish roots and the know-how inherited from craftsmanship of old.

A literary tome of history and adventure inspires Spanish jewellers Carrera y Carrera to embark on an ambitious journey that whisks its fans to the Universo collection.

Although 130 years old, Carrera y Carrera prides itself on taking a modern approach to jewellery design, focusing on distinctive, unusual shapes and innovation. In keeping with this, each item from Universo is technically complex and resembles a piece of contemporary art.

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The brand’s fastidious modus operandi is exemplified by the Maxi Necklace from the Alegoría line. This necklace is made in yellow and white gold and has pink sapphires and diamonds.

Seven butterflies are arranged in a V-shape, each in a different style. Because of the complexity of the piece, it takes more than five days to make a single specimen.

Kupriyanova has some personal favourites from Universo, “I like the long earrings in the Origen line with big prasiolites, as well as the ones with amethysts. Of course, the shine of the special pavé from the Prisma line has also captured my heart.”

By Low Shi Ping

It was a SUMMER’S DAY in 2013. While out for a stroll in the Spanish city of Madrid, the design team of jeweller Carrera y Carrera chanced upon an antique bookshop located in the Barrio de las Letras (or literary quarter). The shop went by the name Librería Ramón y Cajal.

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Female mystery Universo is also the objectification of de Llano’s obsession: seeking to discover the identity of La Dama de Elche (or the Lady of Elche). A 2,600-year-old sculpture, the lady was found in L’Alcúdia, Alicante, an autonomous community of Valencia, Spain in 1897.

Inside, the team found an old travel diary titled Universo (or Universe), written by the adventurer Oscar Queipo de Llano, who documented his experiences as he explored the world.

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“She is truly an icon of pre-Iberian art. No researcher has been able to find out who she is,” says Kupriyanova. “It is believed she symbolises a goddess - the key that gives the answers about humanity and creation.”

Inspired by their finding, the designers bought the book and based their latest jewellery collection upon its compelling story. Launched in March this year, the collection is now available at the brand’s flagship boutique in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Photos: Carrera y Carrera

Universo, named after the book, is made up of four lines, and is a stunning series of earrings, necklaces, rings, bracelets and cufflinks crafted from some of the most precious stones known to mankind.

“It is a collection with varied themes and different shapes,” explains Svetlana Kupriyanova, CEO of Carrera y Carrera. “It is very modern and pushes the limits by incorporating new trends, but is always elegant and chic.”

It might seem like the brand has reached its peak with the splendour of Universo, but Kupriyanova hints that the pipeline is already busy at work. “Something that will always surprise,” she lets on, when asked what comes next. “And artistic, because Carrera y Carrera creates pieces of art.”

In his diary, de Llano eventually concluded the Lady of Elche was symbolic of the birth of our world. Taken by this interpretation, the designers of Carrera y Carrera delved deep into the four philosophical categories outlined by de Llano – the Creation of the Universe, Giving Movement, Giving Life and Filling it with Light – and modelled a line after each one.  “We selected the Lady of Elche because of the mystery that surrounds her and her penetrating gaze. She has inspired Dalí, Picasso and our designers,” says Kupriyanova.

Named Origen, Alegoría, Savia and Prisma, the four lines of Universo are all highly distinctive. Kupriyanova is keen to dwell on the poetry inherent to the collection, with its dab of surrealism. Mixed with this is a healthy smattering of vintage.

1. ALEGORIA 2. SAVIA 3. ORIGEN 4. ALEGORIA 5. PRISMA

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NOBU ARRIVES IN KL Celebrity chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa was in Kuala Lumpur in March to launch the Nobu Club Lounge. Set on the 56th floor of Menara 3 Petronas, the Club Lounge offers stunning views of the city skyline. The lounge is helmed by Ipoh-born executive head chef Philip Leong and patrons are invited to savour the restaurant’s famous signature dishes, including Nobu’s black cod miso and rock shrimp tempura and toro tartare with wasabi. Also on offer is a newly styled sashimi, which will include salmon, scallop and thinly sliced Wagyu beef. Chef Philip describes Nobu dishes as standard around the world and promises the Japanese dishes will be loyally replicated in KL but will be made with local ingredients where possible. www.noburestaurants.com

PARADISE CIRCUIT Find paradise in five boutique lodges and a luxury retreat sprinkled across China’s fabled Shangri-la region in Yunnan Province. The Songtsam Circuit is found in and around the region’s stunning mountains and rivers, with upscale Tibetan-style retreats offering unparalleled views of the alpine landscapes.

DINE WITH THE FOXES East Hong Kong’s dining scene is oozing mischief with the opening of the playful and stylish Mr and Mrs Fox in Quarry Bay. The three-level bar and restaurant, helmed by executive chef Joey Sergentakis, delivers a different dining experience on each floor.

Mrs Fox on the ground floor welcomes guests seeking a drink and a quick bite, with artisanal cocktails, seafood and charcuterie platters along with small plates for sharing. Mr Fox on the second floor is a 110-seat restaurant offering an extensive menu including seafood and steaks aged in-house. Climb up to the third floor and hideaway in the Den – an exclusive 24-seat dining room with an adjoining terrace, ideal for chic urbanites and worldly travellers seeking a quiet drink or private dinner. www.mrmrsfox.com

Created by award-winning CCTV documentary film director Baima Duoji, Songtsam Lodges showcase the scenery, culture and spirituality of their founder’s native Tibet. Each lodge, offering between nine and 22 guestrooms, is located in picturesque multi-ethnic villages and valleys, chosen for their natural beauty, rich history and interesting culture.

Together, these dwellings form the only collection of Tibetan-style lodges in Shangri-la, offering authentic accommodation, upscale facilities and warm-hearted Tibetan hospitality.

Travellers on the Songtsam Circuit embark on a luxurious Shangri-la round trip, taking in many important attractions along the Three Parellel Rivers (Yangtze, Mekong and Salween) in the Yunnan Protected Area. The journey usually takes between three and nine days. Guests are accompanied at all times by a bilingual Tibetan travel guide who doubles as a butler. Travel is by private car with a driver, with trips between lodges taking between ninety minutes and three-and-a-half hours. www.songtsam.com/en/the-songtsam-circuit

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Dine with

the Stars A guide to the best restaurants in UK - and Michelin should know

By Alex Toh For those with discerning taste, a holiday isn’t complete without a first-class meal. Traditionally, the United Kingdom has been known for its poor food offering (fish and chips or bangers and mash anyone?), but times have changed and this cliché is now undeserved.

With more than 150 restaurants on the Michelin guide, the UK is firmly etched onto the world’s map of fine-dining destinations. At the pinnacle sit four restaurants with the highest rating of three Michelin stars – eating in one of these establishments is a treat not to be missed by anyone washing up on these verdant shores.

The Waterside Inn The Waterside Inn, 50 kilometres west of central London, is the stalwart of classical fine dining in UK, and the experience begins even before you take the first bite. Upon arrival, guests are greeted at an idyllic British inn, part of the Relais & Châteaux luxury boutique hotel brand. Picturesque countryside surrounds the property and the river Thames flows right by its front lawn. This forms the perfect backdrop to cuisine that has retained three

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Restaurant Gordon Ramsay You’d have to be a 100-year-old hermit not to know the name Gordon Ramsay. The star of Hell’s Kitchen and Masterchef is perhaps the best-known celebrity chef in the world. The restaurant bearing his name was opened in 1993 when he was only 31. In 1996, it earned a coveted third Michelin star, which it has retained ever since.

The Michelin Stars The Michelin guide was created by the tyre manufacturers Andre and Édouard Michelin as an informational guide for motorists in France. It started awarding restaurants stars in 1926, and a Michelin star soon evolved into a benchmark for fine dining. One star denotes a restaurant that is “very good in its category”, two stars tell of “excellent cooking, worth a detour” and three stars are for restaurants that have “exceptional cuisine, worthy of a special journey”.

The Michelin guide covers France and the UK along with a number of other international cities, including New York, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hong Kong.

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Michelin stars for 30 years – the longest of any establishment in the UK. The style of food at The Waterside Inn is classical seasonal French cuisine. Flavours, while honest and straightforward, are accompanied by a delicate sensibility and finesse that hints at perfection. This mastery of French techniques is perhaps why the kitchen of Alain Roux, chef patron of The Waterside Inn along with Le Gavroche, the Roux family’s other Michelin twostar establishment, has trained some of the best chefs in UK.

While Gordon tends to his empire, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is helmed by Clare Smyth, a chef whose credentials are no less meteoric. She was appointed head chef at the restaurant in 2008 at the tender age of 29 and then chef patron in 2012. She has since added to the restaurant’s accolades with a perfect 10 score from the Good Food Guide in 2014 and, for herself, Chef of the Year in 2013.

Clare applies the best of both classical and modern techniques to create elegant modern French cuisine. Each plate is as much an artistic masterpiece to behold as it is a treat on your tongue.

Nestled in a stylishly outfitted contemporary dining room in London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is a de-rigueur destination for every modern gourmand.

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Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 68 Royal Hospital Road London, SW3 4HP +44 (0)20 7352 4441 For reservations: www.opentable.co.uk Open Monday to Friday, noon to 10pm. Closed on weekends.

On the menu are dishes such as foie gras ballotine with quail breast and whole roasted Challandais duck with cherries and Bourgueil wine. Dessert lovers are spoilt for choice with a pudding menu featuring delights that range from airy soufflés to crème brûlées and poached peaches. If you’re paralysed by indecision towards the end of your meal, opt for the desserts selected by Alain Roux himself, who also happens to be a master pâtissier. There can be no better way to end a meal.

The Waterside Inn Ferry Road, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AT +44 (0)1628 620691 www.waterside-inn.co.uk reservations@waterside-inn.co.uk Open Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner. Closed in January.

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in the hot water, the watch magically dissolves into a clear consommé that is poured over other ingredients in a teacup.

Alice in Wonderland, eat your heart out. The restaurant takes a multi-sensory approach to food, seeking not only to delight the palate but also to engage the senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing. The theory is that these senses influence the unique way each diner experiences the flavours of a dish. For example, the Sound of the Sea is a curated piece of edible shoreline on a plate, with sand made from panko and baby eels. It arrives alongside a conch shell with an iPod hidden inside that plays the sounds of the beach as diners tuck into their meal. So if you enjoy a bit of showmanship at dinner time, expect to be thoroughly entertained at The Fat Duck.

The Fat Duck While the Waterside Inn is a bastion of tradition, The Fat Duck – literally just down the road – turns every culinary convention on its head. Heston Blumenthal, chef and founder, is almost entirely self-taught. He’s best known for his application of science to cooking. In Heston’s hands, nothing is sacred nor anything taken for granted. His technical slant on cooking has been hugely influential to chefs around the world, triggering the kitchen equivalent of the enlightenment sweeping through the global culinary scene. The restaurant is so popular, it receives up to 30,000 calls a day for reservations (thankfully it is soon to roll out an online ticketing system).

Dishes at the Fat Duck are daring and experimental. Take the item listed as the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Guests are presented with a gold watch and a teapot with hot water. When placed

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1. Pressed foie gras and duck confit at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay 2. the dining room at restaurant gordon ramsay 3. beef rossinni with a perigueux sauce at alain ducasse at the dorchester 4. the table lumiere. a private dining space at alain ducasse at the dorchester

The Fat Duck High Street, Bray, Berkshire, SL6 2AQ +44 (0)1628 580333 www.thefatduck.co.uk

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester With a total of 19 Michelin stars under his belt, chef and restaurateur Alain Ducasse can be trusted to know fine dining. His restaurant at The Dorchester is one of three in his stable that have earned those three Michelin stars. Helmed by executive chef Jocelyn Herland, a native of Auvergne in France, the restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine at its best.

Chef Ducasse’s philosophy on cooking emphasises the importance of ingredients. In this tradition, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester presents dishes that use only the freshest seasonal produce of the highest quality. Signature dishes include Beef Rossini with a Perigueux sauce, a decadent yet classic combination of filet mignon and foie gras, topped with black truffle sauce. Another signature favourite is the Baba Like In Monte-Carlo, a refined version of baba au rhum popularised at Ducasse’s flagship restaurant Louis XV in Monte Carlo. This boozy dessert consists of sponge cake soaked in a choice of rums with a dollop of whipped cream in the middle. Life doesn’t get lusher than this.

Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester The Dorchester, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA +44 (0) 20 7629 8866 for reservations: www.opentable.co.uk Open for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Friday, and dinner only on Saturday.

Tr a v e l & D i n i n g Since joining Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa this year as executive chef, what delicious additions have you made to the hotel’s menus?

We have changed everything. Since April 1, all our restaurants and bars have new menus. The new approach is to offer dishes from farm, sea and garden to table. We use the freshest ingredients available and we cook mostly with traditional techniques, adding technology and serving in the most appealing way.

Are there any dishes from your home country that you’ve added to the menu that we should try?

In Café TATU, we’re serving doner kebab at weekends.

We also have two traditional Turkish soups on our TATU a-la-carte and room-service menus: organic chicken and yoghurt soup with garlic toasted breadsticks and oriental lentil soup with lemon wedges and hot paprika butter.

What can we look forward to during the 2015 year-end festivities at the resort?

We’re very excited to be finalising the menu, though it’s still at the planning stage.

Were you mentored by any famous chefs during your years as a young chef?

Pierre Hermé, Paul Pairet, Fabrice Canelle, Frederic Anton, Maximilian Thomae and Joel Robuchon were some of my mentors. I spent a third of my life in the kitchen and learned how to cook and bake in Turkey, France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and England. I also competed in Europe’s trendsetter

New Chef

in Town Internationally renowned Chef Yusuf Yaran joined the luxurious Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa in Kota Kinabalu in January as master of the kitchen.

The Turkish chef brings to the job over 24 years’ experience as a pastry chef and chef of international cuisine.

Chef Yusuf started his training in Istanbul and continued in France, Germany and Switzerland. His resumé is awash with accolades. He won recognition as the Best Chef of Turkey in Patisserie when he was just 22 years old. He’s also known for making the Guinness World Record for the longest yule log cake in 2011 and he has won multiple awards at food festivals. In 2007, the leading news portal Forbes Traveller named one of Chef Yusuf’s creations – the Sultan’s Golden Cake – ‘the fourth most expensive dessert in the world’.

When Yusuf was just 13, his uncle, also a chef, declared that the boy was “born to be a chef ”. “People cannot become a chef, they can only be born a chef, it is in your blood,” says Chef Yusuf. He should know – he comes from a line of chefs that started with his great grandfather.

Originating from Bolu Mengen & Hatay, a city that has been producing great chefs in Turkey since the Ottoman Empire, Chef Yusuf always felt a strong calling to become master of the kitchen.

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cities at internationally recognised moments, including the World Culinary Olympics, representing Turkish and Ottoman Cuisine in London, Greece, Germany, Japan, Mexico, USA and Brazil. I’ve worked in the Philippines, China, Indonesia and now in Malaysia.

I take the recipes of Grand Chef Fernand Point (one of the best chefs of all times) as the base of my cooking. I adapt dishes with local flavours, something I learned while working with Max Thomae, who is famous for his flexi-creative cuisine.

While respecting solid recipes, I add technology, which is something I learned to do while working with Paul Pairet – my friend, mentor and one of the best chefs in the world.

To put food into a design, I’m a big fan of French food choreographer Fabrice Canelle.

You started out as a pastry chef and have won numerous awards for pastry creations. Are you still a pastry chef at heart?

I owe my career to years spent in a pastry kitchen. Being a pastry chef means being agile, creative, sharp and unusual. When I became more of a generalist, these skills helped me to elevate my work.

What cuisine do you personally like to indulge in? Any favourite dishes?

I love Chinese food. Xiao Long Bao (a type of Chinese soup dumpling) is a favourite I never say no to.

What kind of food do you cook for your own family?

I don’t cook at home. Luckily, my wife can cook better than me.

What should I definitely not miss when I dine at Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa? Peppino’s veal cheek.

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SMALL SHIPS, BIG EXPERIENCE

Photos: Mark Stothard/North Star Cruises

Does size always matter? Cruise expert Roderick Eime once thought so, but after two decades cruising the waters of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, he now argues that small is better.

Cruising in Asia is not the next big thing – it’s a big thing already.

behemoths of the seas, but the downside is increased pressure on infrastructure, environment and society.

Looking at evocative cruise posters from the past, it’s easy to see how the large cruise lines were able to cash in on the exotic mystique of the ‘Far East’.

What’s more surprising perhaps is that they’re still getting away with it in 2015. Yet today’s massive cruise ships are starting to make the Titanic look like a lifeboat. They carry thousands of passengers and crew, and disgorge them like cargo onto the wharfs and waterfronts of the region. It doesn’t always look like fun – either for the passen- gers or for the locals welcoming them.

Of course, ships of all shapes and sizes cruise to the traditional Asian ports of Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), but I contend that vessels of a more modest size deliver a most authentic experience in this region and are less burdensome on ports.

Smaller ships, often with a maximum of a few hundred pampered guests, allow smaller ports and even villages to welcome cashcarrying visitors without having their little towns trampled by curious and sometimes impolite hordes.

The big names in cruising will talk about the massive economic boost to cities opening their arms to these

Here we present a handful of leading cruise lines and ships offering regular and enriching itineraries around Asia.

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Silver Lining In Asia Pacific, Silversea has been voted Best Luxury Small Ship Cruise Line by respected media every year from 2006 to 2012. Their plush smaller cruise ships, Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow, have also won the Gold Award as Best Small Cruise Ship in each of those years.

Now with five vessels in the fleet, the French are looking set to take over the world with their lofty mission “to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small-capacity ships. To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment – a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared – and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.”

Silversea is widely acknowledged as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities and intimate, all-suite vessels designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance.

Rather than sail backward and forward, the Ponant ships carry a maximum of 264 passengers on a continuous voyage, with travellers choosing in advance which port they wish to leave at, as their ship moves between exotic locations.

Silversea is almost constantly cruising in the region with one of or more of its eight small ships. The luxury expedition vessel, Silver Discoverer, operates more adventurous voyages for just 100 guests with an interest in nature and culture. This special category of vessel can stop and visit almost anywhere and its ships are commonly spotted around the coast of Borneo.

Beginning in March 2016, Ponant’s Le Soleal will voyage all over Southeast Asia, carving its way to Borneo and Brunei along the way. From October through December 2016, L’Austral will voyage throughout the Orient, visiting Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Even on the expedition vessels, guests are treated to exquisite cuisine, butler service and all-inclusive pricing for most services.

www.ponant.com Nordic by Nature With cruising seemingly dominated by English-speaking American and British brands, it’s refreshing when other nationalities, like Hapag-Lloyd, get in on the act. In reality, the German brand is no newcomer to the scene, having been in the maritime industry for over 150 years.

www.silversea.com Azamazing Azamara Club Cruises is a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises, a global cruise company that also owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and others. All up, the group operates 41 ships with four more coming. Their itineraries around the world call on around 460 destinations on all seven continents.

From November, the luxury vessels of Azamara Club Cruises will launch explorations into Asia. Azamara Quest will leave Singapore on a 14-night coastal voyage to Hong Kong before sailing back again on a 10-night itinerary. Many of Azamara’s Southeast Asian cruises are already sold out, including a 13-night Thailand and Borneo voyage, which will visit Brunei in April of next year. With travellers expressing this level of interest, repeat cruises can be expected.

The two recently upgraded vessels under the Azamara brand, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, offer distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travellers.

The cruise line sets itself apart by featuring voyages with longer stays and more overnights at ports, to provide guests the experience of night touring at some of the most compelling destinations. On board, guests receive personal service and the cruise line’s very own ‘AzAmazing Evenings’, which showcase the colours and flavours of each destination.

Guests also enjoy fine cuisine and there’s an English Butler service for suite guests and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available. www.azamaraclubcruises.com Vive la France The prestigious French-flagged cruise line, Ponant, has been steadily expanding its fleet almost annually, with gorgeous new vessels built to the company’s own design.

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The four vessels in the fleet are all top-rated boutique vessels, believed by many experts to come top in their respective classes.

The newest, MS Europa 2, is claimed to be the most luxurious ship currently sailing anywhere and carries just 500 passengers.  All ships, including the two expedition ships, MS Bremen and MS Hanseatic, are on continuous round-the-world voyages and all seem to have a special fascination with Asia, with lots of time spent around Borneo, Indonesia and the Philippines.

All these immaculate ships claim to deliver a superior guest experience and their continual awards and accolades makes argument difficult. Dining, in particular, is superlative and something that many peers strive to emulate. www.hl-cruises.com A Noble Quest In 2012, Australian APT (Australian Pacific Touring) and Britain’s Noble Caledonia came together to operate two of the most respected vessels in the adventure cruise sector. The toprated pair now sail under the names MS Caledonian Sky and MS Island Sky, with the former spending most of her sailing days in Asia-Pacific waters. The companies also charter other vessels to take their loyal guests elsewhere in the world.

APT describes the atmosphere on board MS Caledonian Sky as warm and peaceful, akin to that of a fine country club.

Knowledgeable guest speakers make the voyage a memorable and enriching experience.

1. SILVERSEA 2. AZAMARA JOURNEY 3. PONANT

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Who is sailing to Bandar Seri Begawan?

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The following small ships will visit the capital of Brunei in 2015 and 2016: MS Europa Silver Shadow Azamara Quest Seabourn Sojourn

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4. silver whisper 5. CALEDONIAN SKY 6. seabourn 7. MS EUROPA

www.aptouring.com.au Born to the Sea The Yachts of Seabourn is the high-end arm of the massive Carnival Corporation, the largest cruise company in the world. The boutique company’s fleet consists of six vessels – two sets of three sister ships – with the 2010-built 450-passenger vessel Seabourn Sojourn spending much of her time in Asian waters.

Seabourn describes its cruise experience as unlike any other form of travel. It is luxurious yet relaxed, elegant yet casual, sumptuous yet understated. As with its competitors in this category, Seabourn’s ships have the luxury of choice of both major ports and smaller, more bijou destinations.

Amenities offered include larger-than-average luxury spas, top-quality restaurants as well as a variety of entertainment.

Seabourn claims to offer the highest ratio of space per guest in the cruise industry, including the largest spa on any luxury ship and generous private verandas on 90 percent of her suites. www.seabourn.com

Expedition Cruising The vessels employed for expeditions are typically smaller and hardier – built for tough conditions like the Arctic and Antarctic. They can sail safely through ice, shallow inlets and coves, as well as up rivers and other narrow waterways. Some of these ships will carry just a few dozen guests for a true adventure experience. Quite often they will drop anchor off a tropical island with a tiny village or maybe nothing at all, and land guests by inflatable Zodiac tenders right on the beach.  Often these adventurous travel companies offer scuba diving, kayaking, hikes and walks ashore accompanied by enriching lectures from knowledgeable guest speakers and naturalist guides.

This type of cruising is very popular in destinations like Papua New Guinea, parts of Indonesia and the Philippines, where guests crave an authentic, ‘untamed’ experience away from busy ports and cities.

Apart from the major players in this field, Australian-based cruise operators North Star Cruises and Coral Expeditions send small luxury ships as far as West Papua and other remote parts of Indonesia, and have plans to expand operations in the near future.

If you’re inclined towards adventure and nature-based travel, this type of boutique (non-) cruising may be exactly what you’re after.

Find out what’s on offer around the world at www.expeditioncruising.com 

Photos: By respective cruise companies

MS Caledonian Sky has only 55 suites and a crew of 75. All suites have ocean views, private ensuites with a shower and/or bathtub, and quality toiletries. Each suite also has a mini-fridge, a sitting area, flat-screen television, telephone, wardrobe, safe and dressing table.

Others, like Caledonian Sky and Ponant, will visit elsewhere in Borneo.

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History, highways and haciendas Take a road trip to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and reel back over 1,000 years to revel in the impressive remains of the Maya civilisation.

By Low Shi Ping

Typically making the headlines for violent drugrelated crimes and lax border controls, Mexico doesn’t strike everyone as a desirable tourist destination. But look beyond the country’s messy domestic affairs and you’ll discover a country rich in culture, history and heritage - the stuff that dream holidays are made of.

Tucked in the southwestern corner of the country, and jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico, is the Yucatan Peninsula. From ruins left by the Maya civilisation dating back to the eighth century, to nature reserves and luxury haciendas, there is plenty here to make visitors reach for their cameras and gasp at the world’s splendour.

But rather than join a tour, why not rent a car and treat yourself to a self-drive holiday of the region? We feature an 11-day itinerary that will allow you to sample the very best of the Yucatan.

Chichen Itza

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was once the only source of fresh water in the Yucatan jungle, making it sacred to the Maya.

Head back to Merida and en route, dine at Hacienda Xcanatún’s Casa de Piedra restaurant. This is located in the former threshing room of the eighteenth century sisal hacienda. The menu is both creative and respectful of tradition, while the assortment of tequilas and mezcales is pleasingly wide.

Day 4

Southwest of Merida and 109km away is the Celestun National Park. Home to the largest flock of flamingos in North America, this park breeds more than 350 different species of the birds, many of which are permanent residents. Enjoy a private boat ride and admire the flamingoes’ magnificence.  Journey on towards Hacienda Uayamon in Campeche, approximately two-and-a-half hours away. This gem of a property had its interiors designed by Indonesian architect Jaya Ibrahim during its restoration. Sink into the woven cotton hammocks (which Yucatan is famous for) found in each room, and swing into a stupor, Mayan style.

Day 5

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Touch down at Cancun International Airport and head to Nizuc Resort & Spa, less than 20 minutes away in the secluded enclave of Punta Nizuc. Recognised as the newest luxury destination in the Mexican Caribbean, this area was once the prime land of the Maya civilisation. The resort is covered by protected mangrove and lush greenery. It is also fringed by two exclusive beaches and fronts the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

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A two-hour drive away from Cancun is the Ek Balam Archaeological Site. The area, which translates as ‘black jaguar’, rose to prominence during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD) of the Maya civilisation, itself known as the golden era.

After the city was abandoned, it became engulfed by jungle and was only extensively excavated in the past couple of decades.

Do not miss out on the main temple, which is 150 metres long and 60 metres wide, making this one of the largest structures ever excavated in the Peninsula.

Some 27 kilometres away is the bustling city of Valladolid, resplendent with colonial atmosphere. Stop here for lunch at El Meson del Marques, which sits on the edge of the main plaza, and watch the world go by as waiters serve regional dishes.

A two-hour drive later, roll into Merida, the capital and largest city of the Yucatan state. Check into luxury boutique hotel Rosas & Xocolate, a marvel in pink. Each room is equipped with an indoor terrace and an outdoor tub, so a soak is a must.

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Bid farewell to Hacienda Uayamon and head for two of the Maya civilisation’s best ceremonial sites. The first is the Kabah Archaeological Site, located two hours away. This is renowned for its Palace of Chaac Masks – Chaac is the Mayan rain god – and much-photographed arch, thought to be the centre of the city and entrance to the Mayan highway that led to Uxmal.

Day 3

A mere 20-minute drive away, Uxmal Archaeological Site is an other Unesco World Heritage Site, and one of the most wellrestored and maintained ruins in the Yucatan. Low, horizontally designed palaces are set around courtyards decorated with rich sculptural elements and details. At its peak, Uxmal housed 20,000 inhabitants.

Fill up at breakfast for this will be a big day of exploration, starting with Merida itself, to discover its colonial architecture, churches and monuments. Later, hop into the car and drive south for 35 kilometres to the living museum that is Hacienda Sotuta de Peon.

Tour the plant and elegant main house then visit the fields in a mule- drawn rail cart, followed by a dip in a cenote - a pool that

Next, head to Campeche, a city marked as a Unesco World Heritage Site, with its restored cobblestone streets, pastelcoloured mansions and impressive fortified walls that once protected this former Spanish port from marauding pirates.

Lunch is best had at Marganzo, a restaurant within the walled part of the city offering fresh seafood.

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As evening sets in, head to the restaurant for Mexican chef David Segovia’s traditional Yucatan classics featuring locally sourced ingredients. Try the chicharron de pulpo (fried octopus bites).

Similar in function to the plantations in the American south, haciendas are large land holdings that were also involved in mining or factory- related activities. At this particular hacienda, henequen, or sisal fibre, is processed. This is where the Yucatan’s wealth came from during colonial times.

A half-day programme awaits, beginning with a short drive to Edzna 40 kilometres away. The Maya archaeological site consists of the main temple, Edificio de los Cinco Pisos (the FiveStorey Building), built on a platform 40 metres high, offering a splendid view of the plaza below and a sweeping panorama of the countryside.

1. IZAMAL 2. Uxmal Archaeological Site 3. rosas & xocolate 4. CENOTE ik kil

After all that history, continue driving for another 50 kilometres until you reach Hacienda Temozon. Many of this hacienda’s 28 guest rooms are named for their original function so do not be surprised to find yourself sleeping in the Pharmacy or School. Dinner is best enjoyed at Casa Temozon Restaurant, where the bread is freshly baked, most of the ingredients come from the gardens and the fish originates from coastal villages in the neighbourhood.

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Day 7

After close to a week of non-stop travelling, spend the day unwinding in the grounds of Hacienda Temozon, with its inviting Hol Be Spa, outdoor swimming pool and guided archaeological walks.  But if you’re feeling energetic, consider a day-trip to the Puuc (or hilly) Route, a 100 kilometre drive away. As part of this side trip, take in the sites of Sayil, Labna and the caves of Loltun. Sayil and Labna contain a partially restored pyramid and other structures that camouf lage into the countryside – all kept the way early explorers would have found them.

Day 8

Head to the city of Izamal, a one-and-a-half-hour drive away, to see its magical Franciscan monastery. Be sure to explore the ‘magical town’, so designated by the Mexican government for its small size and rich historical tradition, where all buildings are painted yellow. Take lunch at Kinich restaurant, opened since 1993, and once the owner’s family home. Dine on classic Yucatan cuisine made from fresh ingredients.

An hour away is your hotel for the night, The Lodge, nestled beside Chichen Itza – the most famous Mayan archaeological icon and another Unesco World Heritage Site.

Day 9

There is no lying-in this morning as an off-hours private visit (subject to permit) to Chichen Itza beckons at sunrise, and you definitely wouldn’t want to miss one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

At its bustling peak, this city housed one of the largest and most diverse populations in the Maya civilisation – a possible reason for its varied architectural styles. Note how the Mayans lived day-to-day, and enjoy a snapshot of the stories behind the 1,500-year-old pyramids.

After the visit, make time to swim and freshen up at the Mayan cenote at Ik Kil, some 10 minutes away. Then hop in your car and drive 200 kilometres to Cancun to check into Nizuc Resort & Spa for your final two nights on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Day 10

Enjoy a leisurely day. There are a range of activities found along the stretch of coastline known as Riviera Maya – from sea excursions to relaxing massages and golf – or simply relax on the white sandy beaches.

Alternatively, visit the beach-fronting Mayan ruins of the Tulum Archaeological Site that is 131 kilometres away. Marvel at the temple with the original frescoes in blue-green and black, and visit the castle, which is also the tallest building of the site, believed to be a navigational guide for visitors to the trading port of Tulum. 

Day 11

Drive from Nizuc Resort & Spa back to the airport to return the car and catch your international flight home.

This itinerary is proposed by A2A Journeys. For more information, please visit www.a2asafaris.com/journeys/.

Driving tips Watch out for topes (speed bumps), which are not always well marked. Going over one at a high speed can damage the car.

Always have cash to use at the petrol stations, as credit cards are not widely accepted.

Pemex is the state-run petrol company and the best place to refuel. Its stations are full-service, so there is no need to exit the car to top up.

Mexico uses the metric system, so road signs signal kilometres not miles.

Take care always. Lock the car and do not leave anything valuable within sight.

A free highway service called Green Angels (Angeles Verdes) is available to help those in need, for instance if the car breaks down. Dial 078 from any phone in Mexico.

CAMPECHE

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Design & Spa ces

CHANGE IT UP The collection of Twig chairs from Japanese design studio Nendo challenges you to rethink the whole concept of back and arm support. Designed for Italian furniture company Alias, the Twig chair has interchangeable wooden backrest and armrests that can slot into the aluminium chair. There are four versions of the chair, the most striking being the one where the backrest is broken up in a clean and graphic manner. Twig is available with a polished, anodised or white painted structure and a backrest in ash wood. The seat can either be in ash or covered in Kvadrat fabrics or in plastic material. There’s also a Twig Comfort version with a backrest and seat made entirely of plastic. www.alias.design

BRING OUT THE LIGHTS Resident, a design and manufacturing company of contemporary lighting and furniture from New Zealand, has rolled out a series of seriously note-worthy lighting products by various designers. Established in 2011, the company’s collection is all about clean lines and smart designs for the modern home. Featured here is Jamie McLellan’s Fibre Light Funnel – a large, lightweight feature pendant constructed entirely from carbon fibre – and the Spar Junior cantilevered table light. The Bing Bunch by Gidon Bunch is an arrangement of Bing Pendants held together in series with hexagonal ceiling brackets.

The cracked ceramic shades play off each other at different heights, creating a strong group silhouette. The other lamps in the new collection are similarly stunning, defined by their geometric shapes, and will add interest to any space. www.resident.co.nz

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Design & Spa ces

The Creator of

Everlasting Desirability with Bang & Olufsen

By Pauline Chan

Torsten Valeur, design director at David Lewis Designers, graduated as an architect from the Royal Danish Academy of Architecture in Copenhagen in 1993.

After a stint working for pyrotechnist Lars Hoffmann Barfod making handcrafted fireworks for Tivoli Gardens, he went into product design with David Lewis Designers in 1996. Torsten’s first design for David Lewis was the Bang & Olufsen telephone BeoCom2, for which he won the Design for Asia Award. He continues to design audio systems, telephones and multimedia products, both for Bang & Olufsen and for a select list of other clients, including Asus, Elica and Scholtes. Torsten’s team is responsible for the sleek BeoVision Avant and BeoVision11 televisions, the solid aluminium remote control BeoRemote One, the visionary BeoLab 18 speakers and a host of other Bang & Olufsen products.

I caught up with Torsten at the Kähler I Tivoli Restaurant in Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, and asked him to tell readers of SCION about creating gorgeous gadgets for today’s lovers of technology.

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94 Tell us about your experience working for Bang & Olufsen.

When Bang & Olufsen is at its best, it really reminds you of why you decided to become a designer. It makes you say: “Let’s break the boundaries; let’s make something new, and let’s do it together; let’s share the responsibility and let’s share the destiny.” This kind of “lets create something together” attitude is the kind of fuel I need. It gives you a lot of responsibility to come up with something new and try to do it better, but that responsibility is placed on all the people – the engineers and the acoustic people. Whoever is part of the group, they all have a shared feeling of “let’s do something great together” – this becomes our dream.

What is the essence of a Bang & Olufsen design?

It’s not about style. People who think it is about style or brand are getting it wrong. You should not look to the past when you’re designing. It’s about the dedication to do it right, to do something that has an everlasting desirability, something that you fall in love with and want to have. And when you get it, you end up having it for years and it is going to be a very bad day when you have to give it up. I have a record player that I bought when I was in high school. I saved up and bought a secondhand one because a new one was far too expensive for me but I just wanted it. I haven’t played records on it for three or four years but I don’t want to throw it out. It’s 40 years old and it still works and I still like it. It has this everlasting desirability. I

Design & Spa ces do have something personal I put into my designs. I want each design to have a strong identity. You put a lot of identity into it because you don’t want it to be an anonymous design because an anonymous design would never be a classic. People will forget about it. It’s important that when you look at a design, you see all the dedication and the details, and say: “I feel this was made by someone who has put all their love and effort into making something really good.” It’s like making a gift for your best friend.

Bang & Olufsen products have a timeless feel. The current collection is reminiscent of earlier collections – they all look current in 2015. Where do you turn to for inspiration?

I actually start by looking at the empty piece of paper in front of me. You have to understand the problem and you have to understand what you are doing right now. I never look to the past but I do remember most of the products from the past. You should not look at the trend or fashion of today for inspiration, because fashion comes and goes, but your product has to follow a completely different road. If you follow a trend, you’ll be ‘untrendy’ even before you get your product to market.

What are the factors you consider when designing a product for the new generation of young consumers?

The new generation already has wonderful products and technology. They have this tiny little seed of glass that can be

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96 used to communicate with anyone, anywhere, but if you’d put that idea out 25 years ago, people would have said: “Are you mad?

It’s not going to work!” even though that kind of technology could be found in science fiction movies over 50 years ago. It used to be a dream but it’s working today. Today’s generation is used to this incredible simplicity that is highly advanced, and this is what we’re going to give them. We are going to give them products that are super simple to use but are borderless in what they can do. It’s quite challenging.

Aluminium seems to be the prime material used in Bang & Olufsen’s products. Are you exploring other materials for future designs?

We are. But we are still exploring aluminium and still discovering what we can do with it. There is so much more we don’t know yet. So the future is about new materials, rediscovering old materials and finding new ways to use existing materials. The understanding of what you can do with aluminium is still quite limited.

What are the rules to creating a ‘good’ design?

A good design should have this desirability, so when you look at it, you understand why it has been made. It has to do something that has not been done before and it has to do it in the right way.

And when you look at it, it has to look right and you need to feel happy with it. You don’t want to feel it’s too much or too little.

It needs to be something you want to keep.

No longer are speakers just rectangular boxes. Bang & Olufsen speakers come in various shapes and sizes – which shape gives the best sound?

Acoustics people will probably say, besides “as big as possible”, something with non-parallel sides will give the best shape because they want to kill any kind of [sound] reflection. As a user in a home, you’ll probably tell a different story. But ‘the best’ really depends on who is asked question. The user has one opinion; the acoustic guy has another, and the guy who has to produce the cabinet will probably say: “make it flat with four corners”. The best is of course the optimisation of all these factors.

What are the design limitations that have to be considered?

Time frame. Planning people take all the time when they’re planning and the people who create get less and less time.

How long does it take to move a new product from conception to finished product?

At B&O, they are squeezing it down to something like a year to get a product to market from when you start on a project.

That’s incredibly fast. I would like it to be a little longer but it is also about technology, which changes very fast. If you spend too much time on production, the technology has changed and your product is not relevant anymore. It’s logical and I accept the situation.

Do you see yourself as a designer or an inventor?

I hope to see myself as an inventor but I think I invent far too little. It would be nice to be an inventor where you come up with groundbreaking new stuff. So while I would love to be in inventor, in reality it’s fairer to say I’m a sculptor.

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D r i v i n g Fo r c e

Mercedes gives up space for sportier look

Hyundai’s future styling shown in Vision G coupé

New C-Class Coupé arrives

Mercedes-Benz has admitted that its new C-Class Coupé will be less roomy and practical inside than it could have been. Why? Because it wanted the car to look sportier, lower and cooler. Mission accomplished? We’ll let you be the judge but it goes on sale this winter, and standard equipment will include a panoramic roof, keyless go and LED headlamps. It will launch with the 2.0-litre turbo C300 version with hybrid and high-performance V8 C63 AMG versions to follow. www.mercedes-benz.com

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Next-generation of high-end Hyundais will look like this

Audi’s electric Q6 will go 500km on one charge

German carmaker teams with LG and Samsung to develop new batteries Audi is set to launch a new all-electric crossover next year, based on the same chassis as the new Q7 SUV. It will be called the Q6, and there are some dramatic new claims being made for its performance, including a 500km range on one charge of its batteries. Audi is teaming up with electronics giants LG and Samsung to create the batteries for the Q6. Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi AG board member for technical development, says the brand’s first battery‑electric SUV will combine an emission-free drive system with driving pleasure.

“We will optimally integrate the innovative cell modules developed with LG Chem and Samsung SDI into our vehicle architecture, thus achieving an attractive overall package of sportiness and range,” he said.

Hyundai is moving away from being a maker of ‘sensible family cars’ and morphing into a serious contender in the premium car market. The next generation of high-end Hyundai vehicles will be exceptionally handsome if the Vision-G concept is anything to go by. Set to be shown at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, the Vision-G previews the look of future Hyundai cars.

“The design is our interpretation of the idea that Hyundai breathes into all of its vehicles – a DNA that balances design and performance with the idea that you don’t need to be over the top in terms of glitz and stereotypical luxury cues,” explained Peter Schreyer, Hyundai’s chief designer. worldwide.hyundai.com

www.audi.com

Ferrari finally goes public

Application for initial public offering lodged with New York Stock Exchange

Ferrari’s slow-gestation public share offering is finally gearing up for a debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) this October.

Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), which owns 90 per cent of the supercar maker, has made an official filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and it is expected that the financial separation of the supercar market will be completed by next year. Around 10 per cent of Fiat’s shares will be sold publicly, and the remaining 80 per cent of the company will be sold to existing FCA investors. Fiat boss Sergio Marchionne hopes to raise at least US$5 billion net from the sale, and he values Ferrari as a whole at around US$11 billion. www.ferrari.com

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D r i v i n g Fo r c e

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Model tested Maserati Ghibli S Engine 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol Transmission eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive Body style four-door executive saloon CO2 emissions 242g/km Fuel economy 27.2mpg (10.3 litres/100km) Top speed 285km/h 0-100km/h: 5.0 seconds

Ghibli blows the opposition away

By Neil Briscoe

The Ghibli saloon is named for a desert wind and it knocks the competition down like a hurricane.

Dancing is as much art as it is science and sport. To see a professional dancer glide across a ballroom floor or the stage of a musical theatre is to witness craftsmanship mixed with maths mixed with sheer physical endurance. It’s a remarkable sight.

We often talk about cars moving as if they were dancing, but driving the new Maserati Ghibli S across a badly surfaced road, the analogy suddenly snaps into focus. The best dancers can keep their upper bodies rock solid while their legs swish and sway in a near blur. And that is exactly what the Maserati does. The poor road surface gives the suspension a serious work out, wheels and springs moving fast to compensate for the irregularities in the tarmac, but above, in the cabin, the Ghibli is utterly calm and stable – all the movement is happening below, leaving the occupants unruffled and able to carry on with the task of guiding the Ghibli’s gorgeous nose through the corners ahead.

So, mark down the date because the fact that the Ghibli can put on a performance like this is something of a watershed

in the annals of sporting saloons. Hitherto, it was really only the Germans (with the occasional interloping from Jaguar and Lexus) who could produce a truly convincing sporty executive saloon. Italian invasions, whether from Alfa Romeo or Maserati, were invariably pretty and exciting but generally never quite the full shilling in dynamic or quality terms.

No longer, it would seem. This Ghibli S, newly updated for 2015 and with more updates to come later this year, genuinely feels like a proper competitor for the likes of the Audi S7 or the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Those expecting Maserati to make only cars with the engine in the back and Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel have not been keeping up with the times. With Ferrari above it in the Fiat-Chrysler Auto hierarchy and Alfa Romeo below it, Maserati now makes only the one sports car (the GranCabrio, inspired by the GranTurismo) but two saloons (this Ghibli and the larger, related, Quattroporte) and soon it will also have a big Porsche Cayenne-rivalling SUV, the Levante.

Power 410hp at 5,500rpm Torque 550Nm at 4,500- to 5,000rpm

Maserati is serious about taking on the German ‘Big Three’ albeit only at the very top end. It has plans to expand its production to 75,000 cars a year by 2018 – clearly ambitious for a company that until recently was only making around 6,000 cars a year. Nevertheless, that’s a paltry figure when compared to the output of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, so we’re unlikely ever to see a 2.0-litre diesel Ghiblis bought on low leasing rates cluttering up company car parks.

The structure that underpins the Ghibli is impressive in and of itself. It’s already found under the bigger Quattroporte and will also serve under the Levante, the next GranCoupé and the new Alfieri sports car. It’s massively structurally stiff, something you can really feel inside the car over a give-and-take road, and that’s the secret to the busy suspension/calm driver trick. The steering is well weighted and accurate (though oddly it has less direct road feel than the Quattroporte we drove over the same roads) and the whole car seems to move as one when and where you ask it to. It is hugely impressive, and not a little Germanic in its demeanour.

That is, until you come to the engine. The 3.0-litre V6 turbo could never be mistaken for anything other than Italian. It starts with a deep bark that makes you think of a sharply dressed bad guy in a Sergio Leone western addressing some minion or other. Rev it hard and it begins to sing, the bass giving way to an alto-soprano wail that would have the director of the Teatro alla Scala whipping out a cheque book and a hanky to wipe away tears of joy. So what if you struggle to break 14 L/100km (20mpg) when pressing on? This is a properly glorious engine, one that makes the Ghibli almost swift enough to bear comparison with the might BMW M5. Only a slight plateauing of power delivery as the revs rise speaks against it.

Boot space 500 litres

Fab engine is a box that most, if not all, Italian wannabe supersaloons have ticked down the years, but the Ghibli has way more to offer in terms of quality and comfort. Yes, there are glitches. The seats are wonderfully comfy but the bulky gearbox installation means your left foot is constantly cocked to the right. The steering wheel feels great but the evocative chromed Trident badge doesn’t adjust low enough for comfort. And while there is sumptuous suede headlining, gorgeous instruments and beautifully finished leather stitching and carob-fibre trim, it’s hard to get away from the fact that the rear seats are a bit tight.

Still – here at last is an Italian saloon that can trade punches, titfor-tat, with BMW, Mercedes and even Audi. It feels every bit as well made and as good to drive as do the Germans, but is far more beautiful on the outside than anything from Stuttgart or Munich. Think Sophia Loren versus Arnold Schwarzenegger.

And there’s more to come. The chassis from the Ghibli is soon to be appropriated by another great Italian name for its new range of rear-drive saloons and SUVs: Alfa Romeo. It’s been too easy for too long to be skeptical of any Alfa revival, but if the upcoming Giulia and Alfetta saloons look this good and drive this well, the Germans may start glancing nervously across the snowy Dolomites, anxious at the sound of approaching dancing shoes.

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D r i v i n g Fo r c e meant it brought some Ferrari-like performance with it, basically inventing the ‘muscle car’ along the way.

Ford’s Mustang

the new action hero

By Neil Briscoe

2.3 EcoBoost or 5.0-litre V8? It doesn’t matter – you’ll look cool either way Very easily, you could point to the car I’m about to review and call it ridiculous. You could say it’s a massive chunk of all-American metal with a silly engine, a pointless price tag and little or nothing to offer by way of common sense. And you’d be right. And we could just end the road test here and fill the rest of the space with yet another piece on a sensible, safe, family saloon.

But you know what? This is a motoring column, and once in a while you’ve got to step away from the beige stuff and remind yourself of exactly why we care so much about cars. After all, they’re all just a tonneand-a-bit of metal, plastic and rubber – so why the

emotional connection? Why don’t we fall equally in love with other appliances made of the same basic bits? Why isn’t there a hugely successful monthly magazine called What Fridge?

Cars like the Mustang provide an answer to the ‘why bother?’ question, if not necessarily a watertight reason. Ford introduced the first Mustang back in 1964, and it was an instant, colossal hit. Based on the mechanical parts of the more prosaic Falcon, it was hardly the first coupé to be spawned from a saloon, but thanks to its iconic styling it brought the appeal of a European-style sports car to Middle America.

And it wasn’t long before massive V8 engine options

Fast forward 50 years and we’re in a very different world. Now we care about emissions, economy, quality and safety. And yet the Mustang remains relatively unchanged – it’s still a brawny coupé, focusing on sex appeal instead of CO2, and you really can buy one with a 5.0-litre V8.

It packs 421hp and 530Nm of torque and enough low-down bass noises to drive a full stack of Marshall amplifiers. While this car certainly has modern technology behind it, it is still a classic American V8 – all ‘woofle’ and torque. Yet the Mustang is attached to a manual gearbox. In a Yankee car? Surely not!

But yes, there it is and it’s a hint that Ford is making something of an effort with this ’Stang, trying to tune it to global tastes as well as American ones. That shows too in the rear suspension, which is now a fully independent multi-link layout instead of the ancient beam axle used in Mustangs past.

It’s a ruggedly handsome car this, looking for all the world like you stuck wheels onto Matthew McConaughey. Inside, it’s less successful – very comfy (great seats) but the overall levels of quality aren’t too sharp and the rear seats are very small for a car this big.

Never mind – fire the V8 and you simply won’t care. Nor will you be bothered about the 14 L/100km (20mpg) (if you’re lucky) thirst. It’s an engine of fabulous character that can lug lazily from low rpm or scream lustily at the top of the rev range – you decide. With your hand on its manual ‘box’ (which has a wonderfully mechanical feel) there are few better ways to cross country, blipping the throttle on every down change as you go.

It’s not the best-handling car around. In fact, push it hard and it gets a bit soft and sloppy, but adopt a slow-in-fast-out classical technique and the Mustang feels brilliant, all that effortless torque flinging it out of the corner and up the next straight.

Alternatively, you could have the far more affordable and far more sensible 8 L/100m (35mpg) 2.3-litre turbo EcoBoost version (which

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is a cracking engine in its own right). The EcoBoost version is actually surprisingly easy to get sideways, so the V8, with an extra 100Nm of torque on hand (albeit delivered at higher RPM) was never going to be hard to slide. Keep the driving mode selector in Normal and it’s actually pretty well behaved, but switch to Sport and you’d better hope the side windows are clean – you’re going to be needing them. The V8 will happily cock its tail out on even a bone-dry tarmac surface, but it does so in a friendly and faithful manner, and it never feels like it’s getting away from you.

That more or less sums up this car’s dynamic performance. Not exactly sophisticated but friendly and easy. You can use that mighty V8 to crank up the ’Stang to some pretty ludicrous speeds with ludicrous ease, but to be honest, the chassis isn’t really up to it when you find a corner. It will go around, but it won’t feel entirely comfortable when you attempt to drive it hard on a twisty road. It’s great though on long, fast, sweeping sections where the tail has a chance to dig in and you just aim between the corners of that massive bonnet. It’s a long, long way from the cream of the German coupé crop, but it’s also far more entertaining and playful.

And you won’t care about European rivals. You’ve probably had your fill of sensible Germanic cars. Here we have the ultimate in four-wheeled Americana, made famous by countless movies, TV shows, songs, posters, photos and even the great Steve McQueen. This is not over-blown, over-priced and over here; it’s an icon of motoring, made attainable.

Model tested Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 Fastback Engine 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol Transmission six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Body style two-door 2+2 coupé CO2 emissions 299g/km Combined economy 13.5 L/100km (0.9mpg) Top speed 250km/h 0-100km/h: 4.8 seconds Power 421hp at 5,500rpm Torque 530Nm at 4,250rpm Boot space 332 litres

So c i e t y

GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH

Photos: Flo Von Linprun

JAVED AHMAD

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108 As the managing director of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Javed Ahmad’s key responsibility is a bit like that of the conductor of an orchestra.

His job is to run the show, not so much in terms of doing the nitty gritty but more through coaching and training. His aim is to enable his team to perform at their best, and together, for them to strive to achieve the objectives of the bank. Javed Ahmad’s part in the orchestra is that of a mentor, not just for the organisation but for each member of his staff, where he helps every individual reach their potential.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I really enjoy is making a difference in the lives of our customers and our team members. When banking is done right, when money is borrowed for building your home and doing something good like starting a business, then you see the fruits of the money benefitting a larger group of people, and that gives satisfaction.

Similarly, when you have team members who go out and do a good job and continuously improve so they become better at it as employees, as team members, or if they were to leave, as members of the community, then you see that whatever you’re doing, it’s leading to some positive benefit. Particularly as I look over the past few years, I see every one of us has gone through major transformation, major learning, major development. And hopefully over the years, we have become far better at what we’re doing – and that means our team members are getting more skilled. Their skills are going to be in great demand.

Name some of the highlights of your current post.

One highlight came about two years ago on the ground floor of this building when we had the presence of his Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam, and he launched our rebranding exercise. His presence and what it meant to all of us was a very proud moment.

Prior to that, probably over four or five years ago, each one of us worked hard to improve the image of the bank by providing a better quality service. That to me was another highlight. All our hard work, culminating in a ceremony that lasted only a few minutes, highlighted a new beginning with its rich history.

What are some of the challenges in managing an Islamic financial institution?

Generally, each of us has an understanding of Islamic finance as we’d like it to be, and sometimes that idea is very different from what it is. Just to give you an example, years ago when I was working in the UK, we had an Islamic mortgage product marketed to the Muslim community in the UK where everyone thought that Islamic financing basically meant ‘free money’. At the end of the day, Islamic financing is about managing the business in an ethical manner. Of course there is prohibition of the receiving and paying of reba, but that does not mean there’s no return to the depositor – the overall requirement is to make sure money does not sit idle but is used for the benefit of society.

And when money is used for the benefit of society, then that money is productively used. And that, to a very large extend, is what Islamic banking is all about. But individuals’ understanding of it can be very different.

What’s your style when it comes to managing people in your organisation?

That’s a difficult question for me to answer but I’d like to think I’m like a coach or mentor in a football match or any other game of sport. Each player achieves, but with encouragement, guidance and support from me. What is being achieved is not by me but by everyone.

What do you like to do in your downtime?

Catch up on my sleep, travel if I can, a bit of activity in the gym, read a good book, listen to music – just be able to shut out the world for a few minutes.

What do you like to do with your family?

We love travelling. We love new experiences. We have travelled quite a bit in this part of the world as well as the Middle East and America. As a family, we do entertain but we also like to have privacy, away from the hustle and bustle of work. I’m a keen gardener but I have not done any gardening since I returned to Brunei – I guess it’s the heat and humidity. And here, someone does that for you, that’s the thing.

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Food. I love food – all kinds of food, from every country [laughter]. But I try to eat healthy.

What is the tech gadget you absolutely can’t be without?

I don’t think there is one. I have a habit – my phone will be there, but 90 per cent of the time it will be on silent. That means I have missed some important calls [more laughter]. If I’m having a discussion, I prefer to be focused on that discussion than to be engaged somewhere else.

What are you currently reading?

There are a number of books to do with 20th century Chinese history. I try to read any book that comes out on that subject. It’s my passion, and I’d like to think I have a reasonable knowledge in this area. Other reading material includes books on organisation, people and leadership. I have a decent number of books that I have collected over the past 25 to 30 years. They have travelled all over the world with me. Actually that’s my real passion.

Tell us more about yourself as a collector.

I have a good collection of world leaders’ autobiographies and I collect first editions with signatures, and these are of presidents and prime ministers. I also collect vibrant paintings by artists in Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, the US, Europe and elsewhere. Generally, these will be of scenery or they’ll be abstract – something vibrant with happy colours. I also have a collection of DVDs of my favourite programmes but I realise they are no longer relevant because these shows are available on Netflix and the such.

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.

I grew up in Brunei – this is my home. I spent my childhood here until 1984 when I left for university overseas. My late parents were in Brunei their whole lives. After 25 years of studying and working overseas, I returned to Brunei in 2008, but I make sure every year, at least once or twice, even three times, that I travel back to reconnect with family and friends.

So c i e t y

RAYA BY THE RIVER What: Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebrations.

When: August 4, 2015.

Where: Tarindak d’Seni, Kota Batu.

Highlights: Attended by the permanent secretary of PMO and chairman of BAG Networks, Dato Paduka Haji Muhamad Roselan bin Hj Muhamad Daud, BAG Networks CEO Haslina Taib, Australian High Commissioner Todd Mercer and over 250 guests; held at the new function room at Tarindak d’Seni with a fabulous scenic view of the Water Village; mini games and contests for guests.

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So c i e t y

Long Live The Queen What: Celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 89th birthday.

Festive Full House

When: June 17, 2015.

What: Hari Raya Aidilfitri Open House.

Where: The Empire Hotel and Country Club.

When: August 7, 2015.

Highlights: Brunei songstress Maria Grace Koh sang both the UK and Brunei national anthems; British High Commissioner and guestof-honour, Minister of Finance II, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abd Rahman Hj Ibrahim, cut the celebration cake with a Nepalese curved knife; traditional Gurkha ‘Kukri’ dance.

Where: Residence of Sheikh Hj Fadilah bin Sheikh Hj Ahmad, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Xinning Tan

Highlights: Well-wishers included ambassadors and high commissioners to Brunei Darussalam; guests were treated to specially prepared festive fare made personally by Sheikh Fadilah’s wife.

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HITCHED AT LAST What: Wedding party of Alvin Wong and Michelle Lee. When: August 1 & August 8, 2015.

Where: Kuala Belait (day reception); Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu (wedding dinner).

Highlights: Bride wore beautiful gowns made by Indonesian womenswear designer Anrini Polim; cocktails were served at the outdoor marquee; humorous speeches by the bride and groom with a slideshow of their photos and a video of the groom’s marriage proposal; music entertainment by a cool band from Kuala Lumpur called Mr Birdman; guests hit the dance floor and boogied through the night.

Xinning Tan

Xinning Tan

Bernice Wong

Xinning Tan

XINNING TAN

Bernice Wong

Bernice Wong

Bernice Wong

Bernice Wong

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