THE BODY

Rima, Hooters Girl at Hooters

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I was thinking to myself, “Oh my god, the uniform is so teeny-weeny!” But after I got used to it, I find it kinda cool donning this sporty uniform for work. It’s not an attire that just anyone can pull off!

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
I didn’t feel confident the first time. It wasn’t until I received compliments from colleagues and guests that I began to feel proud of my uniform. Some of the compliments actually came from ladies!

What do you like about it?
It’s definitely a uniform that screams “Hey, look at me!” But on top of that, I like the sporty cut. Also, it helps me watch my weight.

What don’t you like about it?
People who’re not used to our uniform might have the idea that we are scantily clad waitresses, but the image we’re portraying is actually that of sporty cheerleaders.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
We are not allowed to wear the uniform out of Hooters. We have to maintain the exclusivity …

Are you proud of what you do?
I’m definitely proud of what I do. To be a Hooters Girl, you’ve got to have what it takes. The number one criteria is personality.

What else do you wear when you work?
Apart from our spandex and shorts, we wear white sports shoes with white socks, and of course not forgetting our million-dollar smiles!

THE HOST

Paul Ramesh, Assistant Customer Service Manager, Front-of-House at Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay

What did you feel when you wore it the first time?
I felt a real sense of pride to be wearing something that identified me so closely with Esplanade. This uniform makes you look smart, and stand taller.

What do you like about it?
It makes anyone look smart! But it’s also very comfortable. It’s easy to move about in, which is important because we walk around a lot.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. We’re in the frontline at Esplanade, dealing with customers, helping them feel welcome, doing whatever we can to make sure their experience is the best possible.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It’s supplied.

How often do you wash it?
Every time it’s used! It’s a question of hygiene.

THE WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Raymond Paul, Hotel Host at The Scarlet

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I liked it. It’s unique—in terms of color and texture. It blends in with the hotel.

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
It’s heavy, it takes some getting used to.

What do you like about it?
It goes with my height.

What don’t you like about it?
It gets a bit warm when I go outside, but otherwise it’s perfect.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
The hotel supplies it. It’s tailored in London by a London-based designer.

Do you feel proud when you wear it?
Yes! Of course! 101 percent. I feel great. I feel part of the hotel, very bohemian.

THE SCHOOLBOY

Bryan Tan, pre-schooler at The Moral Childcare Centre

What do you think of your uniform, do you like it?
Yes, I like it.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of school?
No, only in school.

How often do you wash it?
Mum: As they play in the playground every day, it gets quite sweaty, so I wash it every day.

What did you feel when you wear it?
I feel happy.

FLIPPERS FRIEND

Low San San, Marine Mammal Trainee at Underwater World Singapore

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
My first impression was that it looked very sporty, presentable, vibrant and professional.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
I felt part of the dolphin trainer family. As for the uniform itself, I found it very comfortable.

What do you like about it?
It keeps me warm, during cold weather. Best of all, it protects my skin from UV sunlight.

What don’t you like about it?
It can be too warm for super hot days, especially if I have to work on the beach!

Are you proud of what you do?
Definitely! I enjoy every single moment!

What else do you wear when you work?
I wear a lycra top and board shorts for the dolphin shows and the company’s polo shirt for the rest of the day.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
All our uniforms are sponsored by Billabong and Crocs footwear.

How often do you wash it?
I rinse my uniform with fresh water after every show, and wash it at the end of the day.

THE DELIVERY MAN

Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, courier with DHL

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I like it. It has vibrant colors, is comfortable, long lasting and has special features such as cargo pockets, adjustable waistbands and reflector stripes, which help make my work safer and more comfortable.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
Great! It looks cool and feels cool. The material is thinner and more breathable. I was told our uniforms had undergone many tests to help to minimize skin irritations.

What did you like about it?
I like the red and yellow colors, which make us stand out from the crowd. They also go well with the navy blue pants. We all played a part in the design of the uniform, as employee feedback was sought before it was launched.

Do you wear the uniform outside the office?
For security reasons, we wear our uniforms only during office hours.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. Even after 14 years, my job is still very challenging. It is not easy to locate some “ulu” place or to deliver a parcel when the lift is out of order. My daily goal is to ensure that the deliveries arrive safely and on time and nothing beats seeing a smile on a customer’s face.

How often do you wash it?
Every day! I want to ensure that I look smart and clean when I meet customers.

THE COFFEE PRINCESS

Ng Cai Lin, waitress at Olio Dôme

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
It’s a little too big for me, even size S doesn’t fit me, but it’s ok.

What do you like about it?
The logo at the back is special as it is embroidered and is really colorful.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, it’s fun really, when you bond with your colleagues and see regulars coming to ask for their usual breakfast. And they recognize you!

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
Probably the SIA sarong kebaya, it’s a Singaporean girl’s dream.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
Stains are hard to get rid of because it’s white, but the uniform is otherwise comfortable. And it keeps you warm too, as it has long sleeves. My friends really like the beret because it looks smart.

LATTE LADY

Rohani Bte Abd Rahman, barista at Starbucks

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
The green apron was the first thing that caught my eye. It’s bright and different from the other cafes’.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
I was eager and proud to put on the apron. It gave me a sense of belonging and I was honored to be part of the team. I had always wanted to work in Starbucks Coffee.

What do you like about it?
I love the green! Green represents peace!

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
Yes, I wear the T-shirt. Customers have asked for the T-shirts. We even have one T-shirt designed by our very own barista (Starbucks employee).

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. I have been with Starbucks for five years. I love meeting regular customers, who are now my friends. It’s always interesting to get to know new customers and become a part of their lives.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
If I were not a Starbucks partner, I would really want to wear a nurse’s uniform.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
I look good in it and it makes me feel great! I can’t wear it all the time ... only on shifts, when I’m working.

THE BALLOON GIRL

Vivien Goh, Sweetheart the clown

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I was very happy, because I finally got to see what it would look like, translated from a design that I drew.

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
Transformed, like Wonder Woman, with special powers to affect the lives of people. For me, I felt like I had the power to make someone happy!

What do you like about it?
The colors and the fact that it is cool when the weather is warm, and warm when the environment is cold.

What don’t you like about it?
If I get fat, everything shows too easily.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
All the time, I’ve even been on a bus with the outfit on when I couldn’t find a cab! I’m usually dressed before and after the parties that I go to, so the kids will never see me without my costume.

Are you proud of what you do?
Definitely! I feel very blessed to be able to do this professionally.

What else do you wear when you work?
Two ponytails tied high, and of course, the proper innerwear ... everything is smooooooooth so the innerwear has got to be smooth too, else it looks bumpy.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
I’ve always wanted to try on a real astronaut’s uniform and try floating around in zero gravity.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
I have to change the whole set once every six months or so, because the color fades. The best part is, it is really comfortable and feels like a second skin.

What do people call you when they see you in uniform?
Hi Clown.... or “she’s the balloon girl!”

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It is custom made by my costume maker.

How often do you wash it?
After each and every use, because I perspire a lot during my show!

THE SINGAPORE GIRL

Francine Wan, ex-SIA Girl

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
I thought it was gorgeous! In fact, I think it should be our national costume.

What did you like about it?
It’s more resilient than it looks. It’s crease-proof, spill-proof and (sometimes) rip-proof.

What didn’t you like about it?
I couldn’t eat as much as I would’ve liked to in most countries. A warning is given to any girl who puts on weight. They’ll ground you. Excess baggage doesn’t just apply to the luggage.

Did you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
There is a strict rule about that. Wearing it out is only permitted to and from the airport and hotel. Anywhere else is a big no.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, I was very proud. The uniform had a way of making you feel proud ... although all we did was serve people.

What else do you wear when you work?
Special underwear to ease the pressure on board. They recommend wearing girdles to keep everything in its place and for future mums to protect their fragile wombs.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
A nun’s habit. I would like to try walking around in it for a day and then go clubbing to see how people respond to me.

What do people call you when they see you in uniform?
Nothing. They just looked to see if I’m really pretty or not. Foreigners asked for pictures to be taken with them.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It was supplied. They have a special tailor.

If bought, where?
You can’t buy it, but you can get imitations at all trusted souvenir stores.

WILD CHILD

Sim Hui, Wild Discoverer Guide at Singapore Zoo

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
It is really unique and different.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
It felt weird the first time I wore it, because it is nothing common or similar to my daily dressing. But after some time, I felt comfortable wearing them, and in fact do feel good wearing them.

What do you like about it?
It looks unique and different from the many types of uniform out in the market. Many guest had commented that they like our pants. Some even enquired if they could purchase the pants from us.

What don’t you like about it?
Because of the additional flap of cloth in front of the pants, it can be quite cumbersome if I need to move around faster. But the flap was to make us look more feminine.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, of course I am proud of what I do. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I see a guest going home happy.

What else do you wear when you work?
The other form of uniform, which is a white Polo T-shirt and black cargo pants. I wear that when I have to go round the park constantly.

Whoever dresses up head to toe in a single label these days? With the rise of multilabel boutiques here, mixing and matching cool pieces from different international labels, as well as rare vintage pieces and brands, have never been easier. More adventurous shoppers are abandoning established fashion names for these funkier shopping alternatives. We check out the newest and hottest multilabel boutiques for the latest fashion tips.

Actually…

You literally have to squint to see the signboard of Actually…, a casual multilabel boutique with a cult-like attitude, flanked by old Chinese medicine halls and hole-in-the-wall eateries along Seah Street. Actually… looks shabby on the outside, and as you trudge up the dungy flight of stairs to the second floor, you can’t help but wonder what you are in for. It is only when you step into the store that you see its quirky and tongue-in-cheek personality stand out. Hanging spotlights, floating tables and suspended rickety chairs set against a backdrop of exposed brick and mortar walls make the interior, draped with assorted jeans, tees and bags, the epitome of street style, and then some.

“I wanted a place that is accessible, yet eschews the common,” says founder Paul Khor. “I wanted to move away from Orchard, while places like Ann Siang and Club Street are too gentrified.” Clearly a sensible choice, as the snazzy image Actually… projects is more in sync with the street scene of Liang Seah rather than the upmarket areas of Ann Siang or Club Street. The merchandise and clothes it carries are no less funky than its interior suggests. One of the bestsellers here is the Freitag dragnet bag from Germany. It’s made of tarpaulin from trucks, with handles from recycled car seat belts—extremely cool.

Other items to look out for here: The zipperless, expandable Furoshinki Shiki jeans, and premium handmade denim from Yen, Rifles, Gsus, CBGB and Elvis Denim. “Actually… is the exclusive distributor of these jeans … as I can feel and connect with them, and I can explain to customers about the different washes and cuts etc.,” says Khor. “The idea was to have a groundbreaking, yet fully functional store.” But more than just that, Actually… is a welcome fashion haven for hipsters and those who dare to be different.
29A Seah St., 6336-7298.

Eclecticism

Opening its doors in February this year, this fledging multilabel boutique has enjoyed amazing and unprecedented success, rapidly closing in on other multilabel stores. At its helm is young upstart Hazel Chang, a fresh-faced 23-year-old graduate from the London School of Economics. Apart from living up to the challenge, Chang has created a wonderful new space. With full financial backing from her family and guidance from interior designer Mo Mo, Chang’s business has taken off without much of a glitch. “I wanted a place where people can shop and relax, and take their time to choose what they want,” she says. “The other parts of Orchard Road are just too crowded, and the idea here was also to create a homely vintage place for people to shop in.”

The brands of apparel and accessories which Eclecticism carries are as varied as its name suggests—from 575, American Apparel, Free People, Bliss Lau, Twinkle by Wenlan, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent to Tarina Tarantino, just to name a few. Though mainly a women’s boutique, Eclecticism also carries menswear labels including David & Goliath, Religion and Ringspun. The atmosphere of the store’s interior also exudes the very image that Chang aims to project. With its vintage English sofas, redwood railings, a spray black chandelier and an unusual rustic staircase leading up to her inventory room, Eclecticism is the epitome of a cozy classic English home. An added plus is the spacious fitting room for customers. We’ll certainly be back for more.
#03-22/23 Mandarin Gallery, Meritus Mandarin Hotel, 333 Orchard Rd., 6735-7290.

Front Row

Front Row has been making waves over the past few months for its hip fashion labels A.P.C., Fab & Jo, Kim Jones, Umbro by Kim Jones and Woods & Woods, and it still is. Located in the historic heart of Singapore in a conservation quarter, adjacent to Ann Siang Hill Park and more than a stone’s throw from any MRT station or bus stop, Front Row isn’t considered the most accessible place to do your shopping. Yet, this hasn’t stopped fashionistas from making their way to the three-storey shophouse which stocks various women’s and men’s apparel, footwear and accessories from London, Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and other key fashion cities.

Fronted by chic lacquered white paneled wood, Front Row’s first floor opens up to a gourmet-style café serving coffees, cakes, pastries and yummy sandwiches. The mood is heightened by old classics and easy listening numbers—just the way we like it. “The concept is to make shopping more enjoyable for customers,” says founder Ann Kositchotitana. “They can shop and then later chill out at the café, or grab a bite from the café before starting to shop. Either way, it’s good for them.”

Front Row’s second storey is its highlight. With red wooden ceilings, mild cornices and yellow spotlights centered solely on its clothes, accessories, bags, pouches, CDs and jeans on the studio-like second floor, Front Row projects a soothing, minimalist, yet lively feeling to its shoppers. The third floor, though, houses convertible spaces used for private collection viewing, artworks, fashion shoots and private events, while the rooftop terrace with a panoramic view of the city provides a relaxed alfresco setting for small private groups.

It’s no wonder why Front Row is so popular. Its mix of cool international brands and chill-out café, coupled with quality and personalized service, makes it the place to be, and a frontrunner in our multilabel fashion boutique scene.
5 Ann Siang Rd., 6224-5501.

Lipstick Bandit

Six-month-old Lipstick Bandit is ideally located at the anomalous Haji Lane, where fashion, food and art come together in a vibrant setup. The mischievous mixture of styles is jarringly attractive and inviting. While the exteriors are lined with colorful deck chairs, the café inside plays host to differing furniture types beautifully accompanied by fairy tale sketches on the walls. The real treat is hidden on the second floor, where a burst of bright pink walls, red carpets and a collection of dazzling treasures embellish this colorful boutique.

Replete with antique chairs, vintage dresses, handmade acrylic rings, chic knitted jackets and even a bird cage and a suitcase, this is no ordinary store. Its signature style is an amalgamation of the tastes of its four founders: Mandy Wong, who is a video editor by day; Jocelyn Wong and Jean Tan, boutique owners at Far East Plaza; and Steven Kay, a freelance stylist. Their intentions when setting up Lipstick Bandit was to create a café cum boutique that allows them to express their creativity, and give their customers a space to chill out in. Like the camaraderie between a bunch of friends, Lipstick Bandit exudes a homely friendliness with a stylistic edge.

These supporters of local designers are eager to promote the talent within the country, and house many local and Hong Kong brands. The wide mix of vintage, pop and retro sees brands like Past and Present, AdeG, Vice and Vanity, and Alissia Melka-Teichroew, just to name a few. The availability of many labels allows them to put up the best of all their favorite names and simultaneously weave them into their DIY concept store. From walls painted by the owners’ good friends to the many self-customized accessories, Lipstick Bandit is an alternative fashion outlaw alright.
51 Haji Lane, 6392-4493.

salad

Another new multilabel boutique at Haji Lane is salad. Its slick interior carries a variety of fashionable home accessories conforming to its present black and white theme. Like a bowl of salad, the eclectic range found here goes from a curious horn-shaped chandelier to customized shoes—the mix is definitely interesting. In the spirit of consistent creative changes, salad also modifies its theme to bring customers varying choices, making each trip a whole new experience. As founder Eileen Teo states: “Salad is an appetizer, and we want to tease our customers so that they keep coming back for more.”

The behind the scene players of salad are interior designers Teo and Mike Tan, while Wendy Lam manages the marketing. Though big on diversity, they stand firm on not giving into quantity over quality and shun mass marketed products. Catering to a niche market allows them to concentrate on sourcing individualized, rare items such as hard-to-find T-shirts and accessories. Without relying on fixed labels or ideas of what and how to sell and display their paraphernalia, they cherish the unbridled freedom they have in fully exploiting their imaginative ideas. With an edgy attitude and a well developed concept, salad is touted to be a huge hit in the fashion and home accessories world. The freshness of this salad is in its innovative crunch. Whet your appetites for more to come.
25/27 Haji Lane, 6299-5805.

Venue Berlin

Describing itself as a destination boutique, Venue Berlin is a one stop shopping fantasy for the initiated. With the arrival of unconventional designer Raf Simons, Venue is also home to sought after designer collaborations between Puma and Alexander McQueen, Neil Barrett, Christy Turlington’s nuala, Mihara Yasuhiro, Alexander van Slobbe’s Rudolf Dassler and Philippe Starck. Representing non-conformist ideals, their eclectic collection is vibrant, avant-garde and functional all at the same time.

Founded by Alex Hascher, its first store opened at Club Street in April last year, and has since found a second home in upscale Palais Renaissance. Replete with a section dedicated to fashion testimonials of trendsetters such as Chris Ho and Tracy Phillips, coupled with a fashion photography gallery called Venue Art which features a seductive body of work by New Yorker Alex Cayley, the Venue Berlin is a fusion of art, philosophy, history and fashion. As Marketing Manager Jacqueline Tan puts it: “Venue is an amalgamation of cutting edge street fashion couture that flaunts unquestionably crafty or uber cool designs and details which offer uncompromising comfort.”

From sharp, slick shoes to snug outfits that flirt with vivacious colors, this multilabel boutique is the next chi-chi giant in alternative fashion. The feline prowess of each designer brings with them a distinctive set of ideals, goals and aesthetics that makes them idiosyncratically stand out, and at the same time fall under a unique umbrella of untraditional style. Brazen about its attitude against commercialization and setting out to cause a stir in the existing predictability of marketable fashion, Venue Berlin is a fashion force to be reckoned with.
#01-07 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6732-6140.

What were you doing before you went into fossil hunting and marine exploration?
I was a professional diver of tropical fish at 20, and I lived in a sailboat before that in San Francisco. I fell in love with marine life then.

Who or what sparked your interest in fossil hunting and marine exploration?
During one of my dive jobs at the Dominican Republic, one of the miners showed me an unpolished piece of amber with a bug inside. That triggered my interest in spiders, insects, lizards and frogs. From there, I branched out to looking for shipwrecks and dinosaurs.

How did you learn the ropes of fossil hunting? Did you encounter any difficulties along the way?
I read a lot of books and papers, did other research, and spoke with the relevant people. I didn’t have many difficulties except that diving and fossil hunting was considered “a man’s job” and I had to first prove myself. Once I passed that, everything was alright.

How did you find Sue’s fossils?
In 1990, I was a volunteer with the Black Hill Institute where they often searched for dinosaur bones. I had been looking for dinosaurs without success for 10 years. That day, everyone else left the Institute, and I went out walking along the cliff and found a hollow three vertebrae fossil bone in a ranch 30km north of a town called Faith in South Dakota. Only carnivorous dinosaurs have hollow bones, and I was pretty sure it was a T-Rex.

How would you describe your first reaction when you found Sue?
Utter disbelief. Even until today. I think the first word I muttered was an expletive.

How can you tell Sue’s age?
At the place where I found Sue, the rocks were around 65 to 68 million years old, so that would roughly be the time when Sue died.

Among all your hunting and exploration adventures, which did you enjoy the most and why?
Finding Sue, as it’s important both scientifically and publicly. My favorite dive expedition was one in San Diego, when I found a shipwreck and a 400-year-old chicken egg! Also, the sunken city of Herakleion, where I found statues of the Pharaoh and his wife.

Describe some of the experiences you have had among all your adventures, good or bad.
Diving is more dangerous than fossil hunting, while fossil hunting is relatively safe if you’re well prepared. There was once, though, when I had my truck stuck in the Chilean desert with no water. If you’re unlucky, you may fall off a cliff.

It’s tough staying true to yourself. Most people are constrained by environmental and societal inhibitions from expressing themselves. Which is why Tara Melwani, the woman at the helm of the Jay Gee Group, which distributes Levi’s Jeans, launched the “Stay True” campaign recently under the Levi’s banner—to discover what makes individuals original and different, and to celebrate individualism.

What is your current state of mind?
A happy mental state of mind.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
My ambitions change every year, from an air stewardess to piano teacher to social worker. I’ve also done graphic design.

What inspires you?
My spiritual teacher, the Dalai Lama; and this current “Stay True” campaign.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Kindness.

What is your idea of hell?
When you are a prisoner of your own mind, when you go through physical pain because of some illness or when you go through very difficult experiences like a divorce, a break-up—that’s hell.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Drinking cappuccino and the sugar I add into it.

How do you recharge?
I need quiet time to focus my mind. My mind creates the experience of my life and affects how I feel. I take time to reflect and flip my mind to take a different view of things.

What’s playing in your ipod/MP3/CD player?
’80s music.

What are you reading?
Practicing the Path by Yangsi Rinpoche.

What do you collect?
Nothing. I’ve given practically all my clothes away and my wardrobe is kept to its minimum.

Where would you like to live?
Singapore. I have never lived anywhere else.

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
I’m raising funds now for the Maitreya Project Universal Education School in Bodhgaya, India.

What is your biggest achievement?
Organizing the Dalai Lama’s public talk in Bangalore a few years ago. It was attended by 9,000 people.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
In silence, meditating and reading the newspapers.

Which person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama and Mahatma Gandhi.

What about you that scares others?
I honestly don’t know. You have to ask them.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
I would want to be the fifth hobbit in The Lord of the Rings. There are only four hobbits, so they’ll have to create a fifth girl hobbit just for me.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believe now?
Everyone has goodness in them and wants to make a difference in the world. And that it’s our right to be happy in this world. I believed in these then and I still do now.

You certainly can’t miss the iridescent fire engine red of the aptly named red dot Traffic building along Maxwell Road. The building, which was vacant from 1999 till the end of 2005, has been recently refurbished and repackaged into a lifestyle hub, replete with a museum cum exhibition space dubbed the red dot Museum, restaurants, bars, a yoga studio and many creative agencies.

The space is bustling. There have been numerous activities taking place inside the building since it was inaugurated in November last year—including the Motorola SUPER-Style Mix, the mammoth celebration of art, style and fashion; the Calvin Klein Spring/Summer 2006 Fashion Show; and the red dot Award Night, when creative design works were celebrated and awarded. Lined up for the busy space this year are events by Rolls Royce, Nokia, LaSalle-SIA College of the Arts, fashion label Coach, and the much anticipated MAAD (Market for Artists and Designers)—a weekly Sunday gig showcasing artworks by, you guessed it, local artists and designers. Indeed, the red dot Traffic building is fast establishing itself as one of the city’s fastest rising arts and creative hubs.

“Our vision is to create a critical mass of creative businesses—anchored by the red dot Museum—in one single location, resulting in a traffic of talents, ideas, events and collaboration relating to design and other creative industries,” says Carrie Lim, marketing manager of red dot Traffic. “With the capacity to host large-scale events, we are one of the most coveted venues for both private and public events. It wants to be that magnet that brings designers together, and the glue that binds the various elements necessary to create a vibrant creative community.”

Certainly, the red dot Traffic building is a burgeoning lifestyle hub. We check out what makes the place tick with its many creative tenants, and why the bars and restaurants there are worth visiting.

Traffic Jam

One of the first few tenants to move into red dot, Style Asia, founded by the stylish Hideki Akiyoshi, is just one of the many creative agencies and events companies that have moved into the building since November. Akiyoshi has held many events here, most notably the Motorola SUPER-Style Mix, which lasted for two weeks and incorporated many fashion shows, art exhibitions and music performances that raised the bar for the local creative scene. “Our business has always been about creating style ... and finding a good space is important,” says Akiyoshi. “red dot has a good mix of the old and new worlds, and it doesn’t come with the usual square offices associated with other working spaces.”

Another events company, Lumina Communications, whose clients include luxury fashion brands Hermes, Burberry, Ermegenildo Zegna, Swarovski and Prada, will also be moving into red dot within the next month.

Lumina is currently based in Henderson Industrial Park, and Managing Director David See finds that “the location, coupled with its new identity as a design-focused venue,” as its main draw. See adds: “As an events production and design agency with a strong creative and professional standpoint, we wanted a place which could communicate these elements and represent the creative side of our business, and we found it here.” And together with the need for a bigger space for sister company Communications DNA, See also quotes the potential for red dot to be an all-encompassing creative hub as the main reason they’re moving in.

Ditto Cre8 Singapore, a graphic design and print company. A huge factor for them is “it is conveniently located in the prime financial district, and many of my clients are in the CBD area,” says Account Director Steve Ng. The locale, of course, is an extremely attractive motive, as it doubles up in accessibility and as a melting pot for business opportunities. Ng is hopeful about the future as he applauds the building management in being very successful in hosting a number of distinctive events. He quips: “Well, Traffic brings more traffic.”

Eat, Drink and Relax

Certainly, red dot’s appeal lies in more than just its creative tenants. It also houses a slew of stylish bars, restaurants and spas. First up: the bar Artery (#01-04 red dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd. 6327-4820), which boasts an elongated rectangular and clean-cut layout atypical of most bars. The wine and drink counter rests on one side of the bar, while comfy red suede-like sofas line the other. “Artery was set up by Ken Koo and Ho Kee Lam, directors of red dot Museum, to make this place more hip and happening.” says its Manager Jess Kong. Conspicuously located directly opposite the red dot Musuem, visitors can conveniently walk over to Artery for a quick tipple after a visit to the museum space, or simply to chill out. Some of the recommended drinks here: The delightful Chocolate Milkshake-like Delight which contains Kahlua, but curiously does not have any alcoholic taste; and the Wasabi-Chu, a mixture of Shochu Japanese Spirit, wasabi, yogurt and fruit Martini. For the creative minds and those bored with convention, Artery is the place to hang out for a different atmosphere and its unconventional menu of drinks.

Also good is the sexy and cozy bar Skin (#01-05, red dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-4638). The large number of professionals and stylish urbanites visiting red dot should be pleased by this chill-out lounge playing house and soul music. Perfect as a pre-party haunt for hardcore clubbers or as a casual business meeting place, Skin is good for a decadent drink or simply to sit pretty and sip champagne.

But if you’re looking for cool eats that’s not Rochester Park, hip French eatery Le Papillon (#01-02 red dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-4177) is a brilliant bet. Its brightly lit long rectangular, Scandinavian-like dining room with white-splashed painted walls projects a cheery atmosphere while giving diners soothing and relaxed vibes. A hand painted mural at the end of the restaurant stands out with a whimsical depiction of a butterfly flying through the edge of the forest. Incidentally, the butterfly is an iconic symbol of the restaurant, as “Le Papillon” means “butterfly” in English. Chef Anderson Ho’s gift lies in his extraordinary ability to reinterpret classic dishes and flavors, and inventing unusual flavor combinations, resulting in delectable dishes that are novel both in taste and style. A few of his signature dishes include warm Caesar salad, Meredith goat cheese with pesto on watermelon and Pedro Ximenez reduction, and nage of white miso with scallops, prawns, clams and baby sea bream.

For lighter bites, try the popular Pacific Coffee Company (#01-01 red dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6327-4835) for a decent selection of coffee, tea, blends, desserts and chow down on pork pastramis, roast lambs and minute steaks that will satisfy hunger pangs.

Attractive and minimalist yoga space La Vida Loft (#04-02 red dot Traffic building, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6324-2728) has also been pulling in the crowds. There is no glass panel or mirror inside the studio, and it is only when you see the yoga mats neatly arranged on the floor that it dawns on you that people come here to practise yoga. “The vibe here is different from other commercial buildings,” says Regina Chua, founder of La Viva Loft. “Here, it is a community, and everyone practically knows everybody else.” The yoga classes offered here too are mostly unique. Try the Urban Yoga to distress and revitalize, the Yogamamma to see pregnant woman through, and the Yogibabe for walking infants.

With so much activity and creativity taking place at the red dot Traffic, isn’t it time you dropped by for an exhibition or drink or two if you haven’t already?

Are you pure Peranakan or is only one of your parents Peranakan?
Both my parents are Peranakans, but I have to clarify. In the past, when a Chinese man marries a local woman, they and their children are Peranakans. It is more of how much you live a Peranakan’s lifestyle that matters.

Can you explain why the Peranakan culture has such a great influence on you when it is usually something which older folks are interested in?
When I was 15, I watched a baba play with my father and he was crying throughout the show, but I didn’t understand a word of it. I replayed it and examined the subtitles, jokes, insults, ceremonies, household lifestyles. Eventually, it got me interested in the lifestyles of our forefathers.

What is it about the Peranakan culture that intrigues you?
The Peranakan culture is the fusion between the Chinese culture and the local culture with smacks of European influences. Peranakans were rich and philanthropic. They commissioned works of tea sets, porcelain and beads onto jewelry, and so on. There are amazing pieces of jewelry bearing Chinese culture with Malay influences, tea sets of European designs but with Chinese motifs foisted on them. That’s what intrigues me the most.

What’s your most prized Peranakan possession and why?
A beaded shoe handmade by my mother. We were very poor when I was young and had no antiques in the house until I started buying them. The first item I bought was the sedan chair (senda) and that’s a favorite piece too.

How has introducing the Peranakan heritage and culture among tourists and Singaporeans helped them?
Younger Singaporeans are more aware of their roots and cultures. After touring my home, they trawl through family photographs and some discover that they are actually of Peranakan descent. They understand the intricacies behind the work of the kebaya. The Europeans and the British become aware of how they have influenced the Chinese, and the French are astonished to see their own kind of beads on Peranakan patchwork.

How do you view the future of the Peranakan culture in Singapore?
It has already died out because we don’t live the way we did 200 years ago. But Indians and Chinese also don’t live like they did years ago. The issue is what constitutes a baba or nonya lifestyle. Food will stay, other practices will evolve and customary ancestral worship will die out as more embrace Catholicism and Christianity. It is evolving into a culture of study rather than one that exists, but I don’t feel that that’s a bad thing.

Veteran Hong Kong actress-singer Maria Cordero, who has no less than 50 movies and TV series under her belt, thinks little of material success.

What is your current state of mind?
Life is beautiful. I have six children and just (sic) had my eighth grandchild.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A nurse. I am good at Chinese medicine and herbs. My youngest grandchild had high fever recently and I nursed him back to health.

What is your biggest achievement?
Having a warm family. I entered my second marriage seven and a half years ago. We are one big crazy family. Last year, my niece graduated and our whole family went to London to attend her convocation.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
Making breakfast.

What is your idea of hell?
When you have no family and friends, or when you have no love and forgiveness.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Bring on the chocolates!

How do you recharge?
Being with my husband alone for one day.

What’s playing in your Ipod/MP3/CD player?
I just had a concert recently, so I have been playing 30 of my own songs and memorizing the lyrics.

What are you reading?
My own cookbook. I’m also writing a cookbook for children.

What do you collect?
Woks, pots and frying pans. Anything for the kitchen.

Where would you like to live?
Wherever my family can be with me. Nowhere else is paradise.

Who inspires you?
My father. He taught me how to give to the world.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Honesty, trust and love. You can feel it in a person’s handshake.

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
Protect children and old people. What we have today is what the older folks did for us. Kids need love and care so they can be better people.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Veteran Hong Kong actress Siao Fong Fong. She acted her whole life, but works to protect children.

What about you that scares others?
My big eyes and voice. I look fierce to people who don’t know me.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
Barbra Streisand’s role in Hello, Dolly!. I like to do musicals. Nobody gave me a chance to do musicals.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
There is love in this world and there still is.

See our movie review of Invisible Waves here.

Who or what inspired you to teach Mandarin, dressed up as the Monkey King?
The Julia Gabriel Learning Centre itself. Its philosophy is to make learning language fun and multi-dimensional, to get students to love the language and make learning of the language a lifelong process.

Why did you choose to take on the Monkey King character in class?
The Monkey King is the most beloved character for all, foreigners and locals alike. It’s funny and has a lot of magic to it. Children love it. It stimulates a sense of lifelong learning and helps them appreciate the Chinese culture better. And if you love the culture, you’ll want to learn more.

Do you think your teaching methods make Mandarin appear more hip and fashionable?
20 years ago Mandarin was not as important as it is now. Hence Mandarin is as hip as it is necessary. My teaching methods of bringing drama to class helps students increase their vocabulary and gives them confidence.
It also breaks the stereotype that Mandarin is boring
and difficult to learn.

You were originally from the Shanghai Peking Opera. What made you move from acting to teaching?
During that time [in the Opera], I gave lectures and workshops in Shanghai. I find that when I teach I learn what I teach. I later moved to Singapore to study contemporary theater and gave lectures on Peking Opera at the same time.

How do students generally react when you bring the Monkey King character into class? Are there any unexpected or unpredictable responses?
They are usually excited and want to communicate with the Monkey King. They become livelier, interactive and involved in the drama of the Monkey King. Sometimes they forget that it’s a drama because they see the Monkey King live. A few get a little frightened at first, mainly the two-three year olds.

How does the Monkey King character impact the learning of Mandarin among your students?
They learn faster. When they are engaged in the drama, the language seeps naturally into their subconscious. Like they will have to say “fei” before I will fly. The fear of learning the language disappears and they become more open to the language and want to learn more. The barrier is broken.

Do you bring in other characters from Journey to the West to engage your Monkey King character?
Yes we do. We bring in monsters, the Dragon King and the Jade Emperor. They will play these roles and shift quickly from one role to another. Lessons become really engaging.

You incorporate a bit of martial arts in your lessons. What sort and why?
I twirl the Monkey Stick to kill the monsters. With each movement, it also helps them learn the language as the moves are instructed in Mandarin.

The boom in our spa industry has seen a spate of places that cater to women with indulgent pampering services. But, for the intrepid male, it seems like there are very few spa services catering specifically to men. Here are some of the places where a guy can get a good massage, body scrub or even a facial, in a suitably masculine environment, without being annoyed by all those frilly girly extras.

The Hidden Place

40 Tras St., 6224-3835.
Tucked away in the Tanjong Pagar area, The Hidden Place is a perfect sanctuary to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. Facials, body scrubs, masks, reflexology and depilation (hair removal) treatments are available for all skin types. The signature body massage ($88 for 60 minutes, $108 for 90 minutes) incorporates a moisturizer- base of sunflower, avocado and wheat germ with several essential oils for a soothing aromatherapy treatment. For a bit of everything, indulge in the THP Signature Body Deluxe II ($208)—a three and a half-hour pampering that includes body scrub, body mask and massage, as well as a foot rub. Relaxation doesn’t end with the treatment—there are alfresco bathrooms and the lounge is a lovely place to chill out in before stepping back out into the real world. Open Tue-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.

Synergy

4/F, Living Space, 17 Hong Kong St., 6534-0340.
At 10,000 square feet, Synergy, formerly known as Private Space, is one of Singapore’s largest spas devoted to men. Signature treatments include the fusion massage ($85 for 60 minutes, $125 for 90 minutes)—encompassing shiatsu, Swedish, Thai and sports massage techniques—and the heat wave back treatment ($45), which uses beeswax, essential oils and vitamin E to improve blood circulation and relieve tension. New treatments are developed every month—check out the newly launched Hawaiian Lomi Lomi ($125 for 60 minutes, $155 for 90 minutes), a full-body massage using an ancient technique to soothe nerves and melt away stress. The steam room is a great place to relax in between cold and hot treatments or head to the Car Wash, a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy suite, to relieve those aching muscles. Open daily 11am-11pm.

For HIM Men’s Spa

#01-104/105 Roxy Square Shopping Centre II, 50 East Coast Rd., 6337-8333; #06-02 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6339-8333.
This one-stop spot for the busy man offers facial, slimming and spa services. Guests can be pampered with a two and a half-hour spa session ($300) that includes a body scrub, massage, a cream or mud wrap along with a trip to the steam bath or a dip in the Jacuzzi. For something a little less traditional, try the healing bamboo spa session ($350), which uses bamboo to relieve muscle tension and increase circulation. Signature treatments like microdermabrasion ($180) and intense pulsed light skin rejuvenation ($350) can be a little pricey, but state-of-the-art equipment is used to rid skin of blemishes or combat cellulite. Good news for first-time customers: Try these treatments for just $18. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm.

Thomas D’Esthetique

#03-01 Excelsior Hotel & Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman St., 6337-6858.
A welcome retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, Thomas D’Esthetique has treatments ranging from electrotherapy and exfoliation to facials and massages. The hair removal therapy is especially popular—tame gnarly hairs with a waxing treatment (from $40) or a Brazilian wax (from $50), or ask about the various methods of permanent hair removal. For those looking to recover from baking in our brutal sun, try the enzyme facial treatment ($95), which uses vitamin C and other healing ingredients to improve skin tone and texture. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8:30pm.

Spa Oasis

#01-704, Blk 844, Eunos Ville, Sims Ave., 6741-1967.
Though not an exclusively men-only spa, there are still specialized men’s treatments available here. Their signature men’s facial is the deep purifying face treatment ($80) which combats oiliness, prevents shaving irritation and unwanted in-grown hairs. It comes with an invigorating scalp massage to relieve accumulated tension. There’s also the Gentlemen’s De-Stress Body Glow ($60), a full body exfoliation and massage of 40 minutes to help unwind from the stresses of everyday life. Open Tue-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

Sense Studio

48D, Mosque St., 6247-7433.
Taking traditional Chinese medicine’s five-element concept of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, Sense Studio’s five element facial ($65) seeks to determine the root cause of skin problems. A first-time application of a clay mask and a subsequent analysis reveal the problematic skin areas. Selected facial masks suited for each individual’s skin condition and problems are subsequently applied. Round off the Sense experience with a 35-minute five element hair spa treatment ($40) for a healthy and shiny scalp. Open daily 12:30-10:30pm.

Urban Homme

#01-14 The Amara, 165 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6227-6626.
Urban Homme has a wide range of services available, from spa treatments to facials and slimming services. However, it is more of a skin and weight control establishment than a spa. Tone up that beer gut with the beer belly trimming program ($185) or bring a healthy glow to stressed out, lackluster complexions with a 90-minute aroma essence face massage ($220). There are spa services available, though, such as the aromatherapy spa body massage ($120), a full-body Swedish massage. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm; Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.

How and when did you learn Latin?
I started when I was 11. I went to Classical High School, where Greek and Latin were compulsory subjects. After my degree in medicine, I went on to study journal-linguistic studies, as I have always been very interested in the European Language, and later took an examination in Latin grammar.

What is Latin like? Does it have offshoot dialects, or is it a straightforward language?
The Latin I use and teach is Classical Latin. Classical Latin is pure Latin. However, one or two centuries ago, there were other, older forms of Latin—Medieval Latin, Church Latin and lingua fracas. The pronunciation is very different from pure Classical Latin.

When did you start teaching Latin, and why?
About two years ago. I was part of the Italian Culture Institute, the cultural center linked to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore. It’s used to promote the Italian language and culture in Singapore. Well, some students inquired into the possibility of me teaching Latin, and I guess that’s how it all started.

What sort of people come for your classes?
All sorts. They are graduates in different fields of studies. There is a one student who is taking his “O” Levels in the UK, and another girl who’s doing her PhD in the US researching on a particular chapter of history. Teachers, architects, all sorts.

What are some uncanny reasons for wanting to learn the language?
Some learn it for personal interest, to learn more about the Roman culture with no intention of using the language at all. Others take it up to learn more about the Roman architecture, Egyptian mythology and anthropology.

Would you say Singaporeans pick it up easily?
Not all. The Latin grammar is more complicated than Italian, but the difficulties seem to stimulate the students to learn more. Chinese students find it more difficult to grasp the language compared to their Indian counterparts. There is an old Indian language called Sanskrit similar to Latin, so Indian students find it easier to pick up the language.

Does Latin ever come in handy for you, like to secretly poke fun at someone?
Some Latin proverbs. Sometimes when I meet people who laugh very easily, I say “stupid people laugh easily” in Latin. It’s a joke. In Africa when there were wars and the military defeated the enemy, the troops would report back to the general, saying, “I came, I saw and I won.” In Latin, it’s “Veni Vidi Vici.” That’s my favorite.

Can you swear in Latin? If so, what are some of the more polite ones?
Oh no, I don’t! There’s a book called the Golden Donkey full of impolite Latin though.

Do women find you sexy when you speak Latin?
Oh, yes. Definitely! Latin helps me look sexy. I’m not particularly attractive, but being Italian and knowing Latin makes me appear more attractive.