COVER STORY 7Feast of Eden
Joël Robuchon Restaurant For a blow-out dinner, this venue at Resorts World Sentosa (8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-7888, www.joel-robuchon.net) can’t be beat. At this Singapore outpost by the most decorated chef in the world—with 26 Michelin stars under his belt— the 14-course degustation menu ($488) features expertly executed plates such as roasted frog legs on spelt risotto, as well as crisp-skinned suckling pig with gratinated cannelloni.
Joël Robuchon Restaurant
Otto Locanda
Otto Locanda A steal at $60, the three-course degustation meal at this lovely Italian spot (#01-03 32 Maxwell Rd., 6224-0978, www. ottolocanda.com.sg) spotlights seasonal ingredients. Head chef Marco Violano creates a different menu every day based on what’s fresh, but some past specialities include saffron and cauliflower soup with pan-roasted scallop, plus chargrilled beef tenderloin with spinach and potato cake.
9 Bag it Hermes Birkin Arguably the holy grail of luxury bags, the Birkin is notorious for its long waiting lists, unavailability and hefty five-figure tag. As you’d expect, the elusive style Hermes Birkin icon (in any imaginable variation) can’t be readily bought from any Hermes store in Singapore. But if you’re dead-set on buying one directly from the French label (the one pictured costs $25,000), try your luck in Paris or online—with insurance, no less. Hermes Birkin Can’t quite stretch your budget to own the Birkin? Multi-label store The Luxury Galleria (#01-25 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity St., 6735-2555, www.theluxurygalleria.com) offers interest-free instalment plans of up to 36 months for a guilt-free purchase. If you don’t mind a second-hand piece (and saving some cash while you’re at it), there’s a couple retailing at new online store ChicStash (www.chicstash.com) for about 30% off its usual price ($16,500).
10 Suit Yourself One-off customized suit by Kevin Seah What better way to make an entrance than by owning your own personalized garment? Not only is this piece made-to-measure by local master tailor Kevin Seah himself, each piece will be sent to close friend and collaborator, French street artist Kongo, to be illustrated with the latter’s signature graffiti strokes. The cool price tag? US$35,000. Get measured at Kevin Seah (5 Jalan Kilang, 6334-5128, www.kevinseah.com.sg).
8 Spa and Away
Harmony Banyan Slip into a state of utter bliss with this indulgent three-hour treatment ($620 upwards) at Banyan Tree Spa (55/F Tower 1, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8825, www. banyantreespa.com). The pampering session consists of a therapeutic exfoliating scrub, a top-to-toe massage by two therapists and a luxurious bath soak to melt away stresses.
Kevin Seah
Benjamin Barker
Customized jacket by Benjamin Barker At $650 upwards for both jacket and pants, Benjamin Barker’s (#02-08 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6337-6860, www.facebook.com/benjaminbarkeronline) customized twopiece will do the job equally well. Never mind that they’re not one-offs. Spruce up the suit with additional trims like grosgrain ribbons and monogram embroidery for an additional $10.
11 Dress Up Banyan Tree Spa
Thai Thai Aroma One of cool spa Nimble/Knead’s (#01-28, 66 Eng Watt St., 6438-3933, www.nimbleknead.com) signature massages, the two-hour treatment ($143) combines traditional Thai techniques like gentle stretching with an aromatic rubdown, giving you the best of both worlds. Want a longer session? Opt for the heavenly 180-minute combo package ($218) that comes with a massage, scrub and mask.
8 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2013
Club 21 Style Services
Club 21 Style Services For anyone too busy making money to go shopping, there’s Club 21’s fashion experts to turn to at $300 per consultation (or free with a minimum spend of $1,000). Your personal styling session is carried out in the posh Club 21 Style Services Suite (#02-20/21 Hilton Singapore, 581 Orchard Rd., 6304-1388, www. club21global.com), which features a main lounge, spacious fitting rooms, a dining room and a VIP powder room that houses a M.A.C makeup bar to get primped in before an event.
Topshop Personal Shopping Figuring out what to buy at Topshop (#01-05/06 Knightsbridge, 270 Orchard Rd., 6733-8912, www.f3.com.sg) can be overwhelming. And that’s precisely why you’ll appreciate the UK label’s free personal shopping service. An appointment ranges from a half-hour quickie to a threehour fashion party. Email booking.PS@topshop.com.sg or call 6733-4608 to reserve a slot.