How do you reconcile with “street”/freedom of expression credentials with working on a project for OCBC?
Slac Satu: Of course, working with a client is a little different from painting a personal artwork, but OCBC pretty much gave us that freedom on the hoardings.
CLOGTWO!: It was a pleasure to be working with OCBC. They are open to our sense of humor and jokes, so we can express these into visuals.

What inspires your work?
SS: I always keep an open mind to anything and everything around me and I can say most artists that I came across inspire me. They change the way I look at and appreciate art, whatever the medium.
C: My works are constantly based on social interactions and my day-to-day life experiences, be it bitter or sweet.

Share a memorable incident that happened while you’re creating art on the streets.
SS: We were halfway through a mural in Bandung when I was told it's illegal if there was no permission granted. Soon after, the owner of the building came out, saw what we were doing and gave us the thumbs up. I don't think you'll get that in Singapore.
C: We had a few glitches when creating the mural for OCBC, like figuring out the proportions and height of the elements to be put up. So three of us (Skl0 and Slac Satu) tried many ways to recompose the position of the mural, and we manage to solve our problems!

Why street art?
SS: Not everyone has the time to visit art galleries, so doing it on the street really helps to educate society and make people more aware of their surroundings.
C: With street art we're able to play with different mediums in the urban landscape as a canvas. This helps us become more conceptual, creative and interactive in our works.

What are your hopes for the local arts and culture scene?
SS: I hope to see more legal graffiti walls in Singapore, as well as more street art exhibitions and more opportunities to travel for art exchange programmes.
C: The local arts and culture scene is building up slowly but surely. Singapore needs to have a better foundation and appreciation for arts in order for it to grow.

Check out the murals by Slac Satu, CLOGTWO! and Skl0 (aka Sticker Lady) at the hoarding outside OCBC Centre.

Lenka’s “Everything at Once” may be annoying as the soundtrack of the Windows 8 TVC, but you’ve got to admit it’s apt. Microsoft’s most exciting development yet not only offers speedy startup time, a dreamy software backup feature and a dynamic desktop interface that rivals Android, it’s also brought on these genius hybrids that do the jobs of both a laptop and a tablet better than each can do on its own.

HP Envy x2   

11.6” LED-backlit IPS display | 1.4kg | Up to 64GB SSD hard drive storage | Intel Atom 1.80GHz processor | Windows 8
At 2cm thick when attached, this tablet-keyboard combo isn’t the most portable around, but its sleek build and NFC technology score it points. Switching from laptop to tablet is quick as a snap: just slide the magnetic latch on the keyboard dock and you’re set. The battery, which supposedly lasts 14 hours, drains from the keyboard portion first before touching the slate.

$1,099 from Best Denki

Samsung ATIV Smart PC

11.6” PLS display | 878g without keyboard | 128GB SSD hard drive storage | Intel Core i5 processor | Windows 8

Just when we thought there was truly no match for the iPad, along comes a contender. Similar to the ASUS Transformer (another convertible laptop not yet available here), the ATIV is a handheld PC that still weighs close to nothing when the clamshell keyboard is hinged to it. There’s no retina display but if you belong to the mobile office camp, you’ll love it—it runs really smoothly and stays cool despite constant use.

$1,149-1,299 not including keyboard ($189) from Newstead

Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 13  

13.3” IPS display | 1.54kg | 128GB SSD hard drive storage | Intel Core i7 processor | Windows 8

While a little too wide to be the most portable tablet around, the Yoga 13 makes a fine laptop. It’s relatively small and light, has a knock-resistant rubberized chassis, and smoothly converts to a tent (for when you want to watch the news while scoffing down your breakfast). Lucky for us, the make with the fastest processor is available in Singapore.

$1,899 from Newstead

agnès b. VOYAGE

Even before you browse through its extensive collection of its Bijoux range of accessories, its mainly crystal and steel finishing will set the festive mood. Once you’re in, the quirky accessory range spanning necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets and cufflinks (from $125) will bowl you over, while those looking for more substantial presents can check out the extensive range of shoulder bags, backpacks and wallets (from $245).

Artsyfact

Founders Aaron Koh, Casey Loh and Leon Lai (no, not the Cantopop singer) scour the island’s estates, homes and flea markets for unwanted junk, then repurpose and restore them into unique furniture and furnishings (prices range from $19 to an enamel vase to $2,000 for a sofa). Aspects of the original material, including its history with previous owners, are preserved and there’s always a story to tell.

Benares

From cushions to candelabra, decorations to drinking decanters, necklaces to apparel, this new lifestyle store has them all. All products are meticulously put together by a team of independent designers, showcasing quality, artisanal products that are truly unique to the city, even if its original concept is drawn from the many bazaars found in India. Highlights include a pure silk wrap dress ($389) and a handcrafted leather suitcase bag with a digital photo print of Calcutta ($749) which are both sublime.

The Black Label

More bespoke loving at this high-ceilinged, wood paneled space in the heart of the Central Business District. Top draws here are off-the-rack jackets, hand-embroidered shirts as well as accessories including handmade shoes, premium ties and quality belts (from $189). But if you’re looking for something special, the diamond-studded cufflinks, which bear 0.3 to 0.5-carat diamonds and come in sterling silver, white, yellow or rose gold, are perfect for the festive season (from $232).

Carhartt WIP 

The fashion arm of this heritage American workwear brand makes its debut in Singapore and Southeast Asia. Currently on the rack is its male-centric Fall/Winter collection of T-shirts, shirts, pants, sweat and jackets, all evoking a no-fuss, utilitarian-cool aesthetic. $69 for T-shirts.

Jules & Jim 

Although it has since scaled down after its recent move from Club Street, the bespoke home interior store still has a few tricks up its sleeve. Owner Camille Besancon continues to stock some rare gems here, including a hand-painted porcelain tea set ($8,000). But if you’re looking for something more affordable, sofa cushions here are a steal at $50 each, featuring a myriad range of prints that are certainly très chic.

M Dreams

Previously sold at department, multi-label and online stores, collab-happy Brazilian brand Melissa recently unveiled its first standalone flagship boutique, which boasts stark white interiors that make the candy colors of the jelly shoes (from $75) pop. For those who love previous collections from Jason Wu and swimwear label Salina, good news: their latest designs for Melissa are in this season.

Roccoco Kent

This unpretentious vintage shop is filled to the brim with an eclectic range of items from clothes and accessories to furniture and collectibles. Goods stocked here are mostly rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from all around the world and are updated weekly. Highlights include dresses (from $49) and old-school typewriters (from $168).

Suit Select

With preppy still being all the rage now, grab a ready-made suit here for just $299. The spacious store allows shoppers to browse up to a hundred styles of shirts, pants, suits and accessories for both men and women through two main collections— the Black Line which boasts more contemporary aesthetics, while the Silver Line is a must for those looking for more classic pieces. Shirts and ties are also very affordably priced here (from $49).

two.o.ri

nana & bird’s Georgina Koh and Chiew Ling Tan have added another retail concept store under their stylish belts with this recent opening, which houses emerging labels like Bracher Emden (from $280) and Wnderkammer (from $199).

Short Stops: Shop at these pop-ups before they’re gone

Feist Heist x White Antler at Blackmarket No. 2

Launched in collaboration with local lifestyle brand White Antler, the store, which wraps end December, carries its limited edition home décor items ($39 upwards) and Feist Heist’s latest collection ($39 upwards).

ActuallyX

In store through January 31 are five brands that are making their debut in Singapore, including Commongoodsociety (from $69), Joyrich (from $70) and kapok TOOLS (from $21).

The Emporium

The multi-label concept store brings in new stock every week from these brands (from $20), as well as items from guest labels like KLutched (from $499) through end February.