Hussein Chalayan + Nick Knight

Two of my faves – Hussein Chalayan and Nick Knight's wow work for November 08's issue of Vogue UK.

Pirate Tape

we're back on trufflicious!

Here we go round the Mulberry Bush

Entitled 'A Fantasy Showcase', the SS08 and AW08 collections were placed in cages and swings. Whimsically set amidst garden vines and statues, it makes one wonder if the restrains on the bags were meant for the objects or the eyes of the bystanders.

Mulberry is available at Club21 Singapore.

THE GO BY BIKE CHALLENGE

This is architecture

What is architecture? 

Is this architecture?

While we ponder over this troubling issue, some seek the ultimate in the products of post capitalist society, found in this highly intriguing competition that challenges and probes into this very question that shapes our  world today. "Jelly Competition" is part of a series of events across the London Festival of Architecture that explore the relationship between food and architecture. 

Organised by Wow! Bompas & Parr and Article 25, the many entries received are judged on innovation, aesthetics and “wobble factor”.  The competition is now closed but we are able to view the results that will be on display to the public during the Architectural Jelly Banquet being held in UCL’s Quad on the 4th July in London. Tickets are available, from the 5th May, from www.lfa2008.org.

Live in a Beagle

Fancy looking at the world from a dog's perspective? Now you are able to at Dog Bark Park Inn Bed and Breakfast in Cottonwood, Idaho.Dog Bark Park Inn is a bed & breakfast guesthouse inside the World's Biggest Beagle. Guests enter the body of the beagle from a private 2nd story deck. Inside and up another level to the head of the dog is a loft room with additional sleeping space plus a cozy alcove in the muzzle.

For more information, click here.

City of Happiness

Felicity (n):

happiness: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

“What if a city is built on a foundation of happiness?” This was the question that drove the FeliCity workshop project, which was conducted at the University of Edinburgh, by Paskal A., David Lee and Adib Jalal.

Instead of adopting usual city planning methods, the FeliCity project is based on the idea of developing a poly-centric urban region based on the Gross National Happiness concept. It proposes that the key strategy in developing an emotional landscape of the region of Belt 1 is to regulate the levels of happiness so as to maintain a state of ‘emotional equilibrium’ across it. This would enable each city in the belt to develop at its maximum potential with their high happiness indices.

The project proposes that the M8 be replaced by a new transport system, named Plutchik2, which other than being a mass rapid transit system is also a means to regulate the emotions of commuters from one city to another. Thus, through regulating and transferring the emotional energy of happiness from one city to another, this ideal state can be achieved.

For more information, click here.

The Likely Unlikely

Familiarity is dependable but is, at times, over used these days. Shopping has become a predictable affair and little delights the senses.

Thankfully, at most Commes des Garcon Guerilla Stores, the visual and emotional experience becomes part of the whole consumerist exercise. Wood Wood Temporary Space at Commes des Garcon Guerilla Store in Poland is conceptualised in the veins of a Commes Guerilla store, but is quite unlike what one would expect of a boutique. Here, too, the design preys on the unsuspecting and derive pleasure in antithetical shock tactics. Brought to life by Karl-Oskar Olsen and Brain SS, this store's deliberate run-down feel incorporates raw, vintage-y elements and stacks of casually placed cardboard boxes that are used as shelves within it.

Comme des Garcons Guerrilla Store +4822 III ul. Koszykowa 1 00-564 Warszawa Poland

Where is Mas Selamat?

The answer to the unsettling question of the whereabouts of the infamous fugitive may just be found on widely posted banners and welcome signs. We think the obvious may be hard to spot at times.

Wasted Waisted

The past two seasons have seen the revival of these snug high-waisters hitting the stores. We don't deny that these high-waisted flares can be surprisingly flattering across the midriff and super-stylish with a chiffon blouse. With the casual, resorty look that most have adopted in this sunny state, some have been spotted looking rather ridiculous in it. Our verdict – unless done well with a hint of glamour, don't try it with a surf tee.

SUN BLEACHERS SKIN KILLERS

The next time you slap on that sun screen to protect yourself from the harmful UV rays, think twice. A new study has found that the chemicals commonly found in sunscreens - paraben, cinnamate, benzophenone, and a camphor derivative, is likely to kill our coral reefs. Learn more about our coral reefs and what you can do to help here.

Whilst parabens can mimic the hormone estrogen, which is known to play a role in the development of breast cancers, benzophenones, cinnamates and camphor derivatives are common causes of photocontact allergy.

Organic solutions like Dr Hauschka and The Organic Pharmacy may just be the answer to treat both our skin and the earth.

Dr Hauschka is available at Tangs Beauty Hall and The Organic Pharmacy is available at Bud Cosmetics.

LUNCH REALLY

Lunch dates can be tricky. It can go lukewarm to sizzling hot and when it shoots up to a hundred degrees, the back packers' inn looks tempting, minus the hostelites looking on.

A few intimate scoops for those times when lunch can squeeze in a quickie or two without compromising on creature comforts:

Naumi Hotel: A small luxury hotel located at Seah Street, a stone's throw away from good eateries. Perfect for those who can afford and wish to luxurate the afternoon away in champagne and a bubbly romp in bed.

Majestic Hotel: For those arts farts, themed rooms in historic Chinatown may just be the key to open the gates to fantasy land. What more with little bite sized dim sums to set the tone of the rendezvous.

Hotel 1929: Feeling a little seedy? Though the hotel and the decor speaks nothing of the brothel language, one cannot help but feel a little risque when walking down Keong Saik Road, a street known for red-light action. Food may not be even on your mind, given the delectable nibbles that you are fantasizing from your partner.

Who needs lunch actually?

Where is Manet?

Luncheon On The Grass – postproduction by code flow (DVD, 8’27’’; 2006)

Pan Yue (潘鉞): An Apology to Manet; a re-creation of The Luncheon on the Grass

Edouard Manet, Luncheon on the Grass (1862/63)

In our world where the copy is as original as the original is, we seek nothing more than simulated stimuli provided by variations of Edouard Manet's iconic painting, Luncheon on the Grass (1862). While some may deem the content of Manet's work as well as its varied interpretations as demeaning, others see its artistic content and composition as media to explore issues relating to reality, codes and the consciousness.

Manet may soon diminish into a flurry of represented works by other artists, and we may soon question the authenticity of the original Luncheon. While the excitement of multiple expressions tempers with issues of originality, they nonetheless satiates our cravings for new visual treats.

Who needs the original as the copy may soon be as well represented in its own context as the original itself? The original Katong Laksa anyone?

Kindness is Commodity

Free Hugs, Singapore

Free Hugs, London

There is something erotic about getting free hugs from strangers. The brushing of body against body, the liberation of expression, the trigger of endorphins... even for a brief, non-obligatory moment of encounter. We're able to get that for free  from volunteers on Orchard Road during the Singapore Kindness Week from 5 to 12 April. 

Started by Juan Mann as a simple yet holistic mission to brighten someone's day, this phenomenal campaign has spread all over the world, and now has reached  the tip of the east asian isles. Even in its guise as a kindness campaign, it still embodies the fetishisms of bodily encounters - the need for raw primitive touch and warmth.

Adulterated as it may sound, the Free Hugs Kindness Campaign is a start to cultivate good societal values. Perhaps, despite it being a camouflaged marketing plan for the nation, it does give us a little something that we may just need to drown the absurdities of the day – a nice hug.

SIGG IT

The next time you want to purchase an innocent bottle of water, think twice. Not only does the plastic harm the environment, it can possibly harm your health.

PET or PETE plastic is one of the most common consumer plastic used to make packaging materials such as bottles and containers for packaging a wide range of food products and other consumer goods. Examples include soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and edible oils. It is made from a plastic called polyethylene terephthalate, or “PET” for short. It is recyclable and reclaimed PET is used to make products such as fibres for carpets, fibrefill, apparel and geotextiles and possibly PET bottles.

Whilst PET bottles are recyclable to reduce the plastic pile up on our planet, according to the January 2006 Journal of Environmental Monitoring, some PET bottled-water containers were found to leach antimony, an elemental metal that is an eye, skin, and lung irritant at high doses. Also, because the plastic is porous, one may likely get a swill of harmful bacteria with reused PET plastic bottles.

So for those who are always on the go, SIGG, a Swiss reusable and recyclable aluminium bottle, has interesting designs to suit each individual. Bottled water has never looked better nor taste sweeter. Now where is that water cooler?

Available at Outdoor Life.

Supperclub's coming to town

Hip chain Supperclub is making its way to the heart of the city of Singapore in June this year. Taking over the second storey space from Mod Living at Odeon Towers, it will have a restaurant, bar and live DJs, just like its predecessors in Amsterdam, Rome and San Francisco. A tired concept? Yes, but it would [predictably *yawn*] be the trendiest hotspot in Singapore. Expect nothing less than the cool, arty crowd flouncing on their big white beds. 

www.supperclub.com

FARMPRENEURS

Everything is 'preneurized' these days - it all started with enterprising individuals looking to leave their nine to five jobs to become restauranteurs, technopreneurs, co-preneurs, eco-preneurs and even mom-preneurs.

It's not surprising that an urbanised city like Singapore has coined the term farmpreneur. Set amidst the backdrop of tall skyscrapers, Kranji Countryside aims to raise public awareness and appreciation for this nature-based-almost-forgotten asset of Singapore. Goats' milk, koi fish, dragon fruits and aeroponics lettuces are some of the unusual finds.

Bike enthusiasts may wish to sign up for countryside rides or take the group tours with any of the farmpreneurs. Those who wish to have a taste of farm fresh produce should not leave the countryside without trying out the cafes that are opened from 8.30am to 6pm.

WHEEL-A-KIDDO

In the name of going 'eco' friendly, some residents at the Punggol neighbourhood have taken to plastic caddys to do their daily shopping. What better way to wheel some fresh groceries and your kids to the market and back, whilst saving billions of plastic bags which are choking our planet. Plastics, not limiting to bags, ultimately cost both consumers and the environment plenty:

• Each year billions of bags end up as ugly litter.
• Eventually they break down into tiny toxic bits polluting our soil, river, lakes and oceans
• Production requires vast amounts of oil.
• Countless animals needlessly die each year

Fashionistas who wish to be true to the environment need not cramp their styles with granny plastic caddys.
For those who can afford it, Anya Hindmarch's "I'm not a plastic bag" will be the 'it' bag to be toted at Jasons or the Gourmet Market.
Alternatively, the Envirosax bags found at the Dotted Line Shop will not break the bank and are equally chic for neighbourhood shopping.

Is it the haircut that makes Agyness Deyn?

Brit supermodel Agyness Deyn is everywhere. This andro chick has been touted the new Kate Moss , and her blonde tassels are making punk hip again. Does she represent the new age woman of today? Smart, androgynous, spirited, individualistic, confident and effortlessly stylish... We say the answer to the question lies with that good hairstylist.

Invisible shops

Commes des Garçon, Hong Kong © bella

Martin Margiela's boutique, Tokyo (photo: Isreal Kandarian)

Discreet shops are in. Shopfronts are no longer confined to main streets, with huge signage or prominent displays. Shops such as Commes des Garçon on On Lan Street, Hong Kong, and Martin Margiela's boutique in Dalkanyama, Tokyo, are so hidden that many have trouble locating them. 

Following the Japanese tradition of having entrances of residences and restaurants designed to be as discreet as possible (and preferably tucked away from the main street), shops are differentiating themselves with this unlikely strategy.  

Commes des Garçon's boutique entrance is marked by a subtle recess on its white facade. This recess is really a sliding door, which automatically slides open when one stands in front of it. Don't be fooled by the non-entrance and non-existent handle bar. It isn't closed, really. 

Martin Margeila's boutique is located in a refurbished house in a suburban area in Tokyo. There is no signage, except markings along the route to the shop. Look out for clues, such as white foot-prints and street cones.

Pedal in luxury

This bicycle, launched by Chanel as part of their spring/summer collection 2008, proves that we could complete our outfits and pedal in style with this new accessory. This eight-speed bicycle comes in black and white, with Chanel's signature quilted leather chain guard and saddle bags. But style doesn't come cheap, with its USD12,000 price tag.

Hoarding Art

What better way to announce a store's presence (even before it is officially opened) than to splash the hoarding with edgy street art? Seen recently is Diesel's magnificent work  on its hoarding at its new store on Queens Road Central in Hong Kong. 

On the right shows two figures, captured in motion. While the left shows illustrations adapted from Gotham's ultimate superhero, Batman. The dark illustrations are perhaps evocative of the fast-paced, built-up city, expressed through a medium that speaks of an alternative brand advertisement. What's new? We ask. But in its context of ritzy boutiques and predictable expectations of the well-heeled, we must say it is a heroic piece of work.

"Idea of a Vase" by d.lab

What is a vase? Does it contain or can it be contained? 

"Idea of a Vase" is a set of 10 vase shaped blocks made of nocture black Corian that fit in a frame. It is one of the beautifully sculpted pieces from d.lab's first collection entitled "Objects Around the Tablescape", which questions how objects participate with their spatial environment. Here, the idea of the vase as an object is being dissected, displaced and rearranged, and remodeled into something beyond its functional purpose.

This collection was presented at the "Maison&Objet" in Paris in January 2008, and has already caught the attention of Wallpaper magazine and other big names in the industry.

Although pieces from the collection are called "objects", they exist with a rare aura of beauty and purity that almost begin to affect the space around. Poetry, sculpture, art and architecture are all part of their conception and expression that over-used terms, such as "products", "vases", and even "objects" seem to render themselves meaningless.

Other highlights of the collection include: "Round Bowl with Teak Base", "Layered Plates" and "Rectangular Trays with Teak Base". 

Headed by Patrick Chia, d.lab is a commercial entity and brand name created by the Design Incubation Centre, Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore.

For more information, check out www.arch.nus.edu.sg/dic

GASTROBAKERYCAFEBAR & RESTAURANT

Restauraner Michael Lu is at it again. This time, succumbing to the under-one-roof concept of (con)fusing gastronomy with resort bars, bakery and poolside cafes whilst maintaining a fine dining New York style restaurant. All amidst the backdrop of a picturesque Marina at Keppel Bay.

Featuring Tony Bilson as Executive Chef (Non-resident), who is widely revered as the Godfather of Australian Cuisine and mentor to several Michelin starred chefs as well as world famous Tetsuya Wakuda.

For reservations, click here.

CAPE CODDLING

There is something about the cape. It flatters the thunder things, hides the saggy butt whilst glamourising that vintage blouse with ketchup stains you bought at Bugis Village.

Works best when you are on grandma's bicycle, zipping in and out of traffic on your way to postcard your sweetie. Romantic!


For more bike chic, click here.

RADIATE, SET, GO!

Burt's Bees radiance travel sized kit is any bella's quick fix on the go. It could be that cute waiter who was giving you the eye while you are sipping your latte at the o-so-french cafe, or the sizzler on the metro who kept bumping you. You surely want to radiate your best for those unprompted encounters!

Each pack contains:

• Mini Exfoliating Body Bar (.80 oz.)
• Exfoliating Body Wash (1 fl. oz.)
• Mini Body Lotion (.50 fl. oz.)
• Day Creme (.25 oz.)
• Night Creme (.25 oz.)
• Eye Creme (packette) (.67 oz.)
• Full Size Lip Shimmer (.0975 oz.)

Available at all Organic Paradise shops.

Zaha Hadid's Chanel Mobile Art Container lands in Hong Kong

The next time you're in Hong Kong, do check out Chanel's Karl Lagerfield and Zaha Hadid recent collaboration – the blobbish Mobile Art Container – which is to roam the world from 2008 to 2010 showcasing works and installations by 18 international artists.

The collapsible architectural structure has landed in Hong Kong, its first Asian destination. It is ideally located at the open plaza at the main commercial district of Central, just in front of the iconic Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank.

While some gawk at the strange, foreign object, most can't help but notice the head-turning organism that sits in contrast with the dense urban buildings in the background. With the artists were given a brief to create works based around Chanel's back catalogue of iconic handbags, the Mobile Art Container offers an alternative experience for the consumer, by elevating the works of Chanel to that of art in a spatialised cocoon. Catch it before it takes off.

For more info, click here .