Bally
Luxury brands have always loved animal prints and Bally’s new Moritz collection of bags is a prime example. Famous department store Macy’s range of tote bags (from $895) is one of the 13 designs in the collection. Available in medium and large sizes, the bags come in over-washed crocodile, grommet covered nappa, antiqued deer and leopard prints—all wonderfully tactile and exquisitely rich in texture.
Available at #B1-36 Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7105.

Cartier
Show off your predatory instincts in style with Cartier’s range of panther-inspired jewellery. Embodying both power and grace, the Panthère de Cartier Collection features a selection of rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. The feline touch is evident in the skin of yellow gold, dazzled with brilliant-cut diamonds, onyx spots and nose, topped with tsavorite-garnet and emerald eyes—making this a symbolic and seductive jewellery collection.
Available at #01-33 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6734-2427.

Christian Audigier
The luxury street label is known to incorporate tattoo designs into its collections, with a particular predilection for animalistic graphics. A small but impressive collection of hoodies (from $225) comes in ferociously bold colored tiger and leopard prints, while their T-shirts (from $220) sport wild cat motifs.
Available at #B1-04 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6884-7807.

Dr. Denim’s
Unleash your inner tigress with Dr. Denim’s Snap Tiger jeans ($139). Released just in time for Autumn/Winter, the stretchy skinny jeans are spattered with white tiger prints—one of this season’s most exotic features.
Limited stock available at Very Wooonderland,
#B3-12 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6738-0002.

Karen Millen
Stay ahead of the pack with Karen Millen’s extravagant collection of high-heels. This season, the UK brand’s Leopard Print Pony Peep heels ($399) rise above the rest with their audacious velvet skinned leopard prints, structured around a black patent heel and concealed platform with a heel height of 11cm. Now that’s what we call standing out.
Available at #01-10 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6735-9880.

New Look
We love fur! Oh, don’t give us the PETA stare—we’re talking about faux fur. If New Look’s latest Autumn/Winter collection 2010 collection is anything to go by, their range of fur coats, made of synthetic fibres, will have you pouncing at any opportunity to wear them. The leopard print faux fur coat ($109.90) wraps purr-fectly around your body.
Available at #B2-34/35/36/37, 313@somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6884-5712.

My moniker is made up of … the Korean word "toki," which means "rabbit," and "monsta," which was just a silly way I decided to write "monster." It originally started off as an instant messenger screen name, but it remained something that I could identify with. A rabbit and a monster are polar opposites, but that describes my music and who I am.

LA’s music scene is … extremely inspiring with so many creative souls expressing themselves in their own unique way. The scene allowed me to express myself musically without feeling obligated to fit in a mold.

With the proliferation of Internet based music sites and blogs … it only takes one click to discover a new sound emerging from anywhere in the world. It's really an amazing age.

The downfalls of globalized music exist … but I suppose it's best to accept that music is going to be shared no matter what.  

I first got into music … as a young child when I took piano lessons at the age of six. From there, my passion for music grew and I found a big passion for all things hip hop.

I am definitely influenced … by hip hop producers such as RZA, Dilla, Pete Rock, Dre and trip hop producers such as DJ Krush and DJ Shadow.  However, I listen to a lot of bossa nova, free jazz, soul, 60s prog/pysch rock and electronics, which are very apparent in my music.

I'm extremely excited to be playing in Singapore and you can expect ... a lot of leftfield music with a fun and upbeat twist. I love quality music and I love having a great time, so I really try to bring the two together.

Satisfy your discerning musical taste buds at Syndicate 10 presents TOKiMONSTA on Oct 16, 10pm. Home Club, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd. 6538-2928. $15 at the door.

Alongside the three As (Annie Mac, Annie Nightingale and Anne Hobbs) representing the lead female hosts on BBC Radio 1, Canadian born Heidi Van Den Amstel also holds her own monthly hosting duties on her show In New DJ’s We Trust.

If there’s an international DJ that has recently gained prominence, there’s a good chance they’ll have been filtered through her show. Heidi’s energetic and characteristic personality and her knack for introducing newer music to a largely mainstream demographic have gotten everyone’s attention. “The majority of the listeners don't have a clue about underground dance music,” she says. “But I'm glad I can showcase it to a more commercial audience in my show. It has been two years now, and it’s really a great platform to deliver different styles of music.”

Her diverse taste in music was sealed by a move to London from her hometown in Ontario, Canada, in 2000. Back home, “Motor City” Detroit was just across the border and indie music was her sound of choice, but it was London that stole her heart. “My love for music was sort of waning when I left Ontario and Detroit, but when I arrived in London, the love was in full effect. The city opened my eyes to the underground electronic music scene; the parties were electric and the crowd was encompassing,” she says.

“Three years later, I opened up Phonica records with Simon Rigg and you could say that I just fell into the whole dance music scene. It was an unplanned move,” she adds. “I grew to love dance music although I didn't think it would end up taking over my life. I'm glad it did.”

Her jet-setting career spans dancefloors in clubs like Space Ibiza, Fabric and Womb to festivals like UltraFest, Bestival and Electric Zoo; and has taken her on a journey which she willingly embraces. “I’ve seen beautiful and horrible places; eaten the best and the worst food; met the most amazing and most ridiculous people; and played in front of 20 to 20,000 people,” she says. “I wouldn't change any of it. It’s all a learning experience. I will have many stories to tell when I’m old and gray and um... deaf.”

Catch Heidi and partner in crime Heartthrob as they tear up the floor on Oct 16, 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-35.

Celebrating a decade in contemporary arts, the four-day fair will feature cutting-edge works curated by prestigious galleries like Artêria (Canada), Caldwell Snyder Gallery (US), Shonandai Gallery (Japan) and Other Criteria (UK); spoiling us art addicts for choice. I-S suggests the following itinerary to make sure you don't miss out.

ARTSingapore Main Show (Oct 8-11)
This is a rare opportunity to view a vast collection of the world’s newest artistic pieces under one roof. With over $5 million worth of sales recorded last year, the fair attracts serious buyers from all over the world. The high prices are not restricted to works from world-renowned artists like Yang Tao's "A Toy that Wishes to Fly" (HaKaren Art Gallery); many emerging artists make their name here. A special area titled “New Finds” is where you can bear witness to the talents of local and international artists. From the likes of Dutch photographer Brenda Reimers’ vivid landscapes and commercial work, Malaysian born painter Soon Lai Wai’s realistic traditional Chinese paintings and Chennai-based photographer K.R. Santhana Krishanan’s inventive illusionary approach towards common images; ARTSingapore is more than an art fair, it’s a place of discovery.

A Rough Guide To (The Meaning Of) A Life 3.0 at SONY New Media Space (Oct 9-10)
Having been named "The Most Promising Young Artist" at the UOB Painting of the Year Award at the tender age of 18, and received both the San Francisco International Film Festival Golden Gate Award and the New Visions Video Merit Award in 1998, Singaporean artist Tan Kai Syng is no stranger to the art scene. Her interactive multimedia presentation at this year’s fair explores the meaning of life through her digital alter-ego, Kaidie. The installation will include a film of Kaidie’s adventures as she runs for 1,000 days through multiple levels of life in search of its meaning. Visitors can also participate by interacting with Kaidie in her virtual city, Nondon, via a live web-chat (Oct 9, 4pm; Oct 10, 6:30pm).

Art Conversations (Oct 9-10)
Some of the most respected and distinguished speakers in the art industry have graced this occasion in the past. This year sees Director of Sotheby’s Institute of Arts, Phil Whitaker, chairing the session “Conversation with Art Connoisseurs: Contemporary Asian Art as Investment—Its History. Its Future.” Also on the list is renowned Chinese artist, Yang Shaobin, who will discuss his personal artistic journey. This is an important session to attend if you’re interested in a deeper understanding of both the business and creative aspects of art.

ARTSingapore 2010 is on Oct 8-11. 4/F Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 6337-2888. $10 per entry, $20 seasonal ticket (unlimited entries).
 

The buzz: Love the speed and adrenalin of F1 but missed the race? Fret not—now you can soak in the glamour anytime at luxurious Italian brand Ferrari’s new store at Marina Bay Sands.
 

The vibe: If you’re a fan of the brand, you’ll definitely be staying for a while. The store’s furnishing epitomizes Ferrari’s focus on high quality through the use of soft leather and sleek brushed lacquer. Even the display concept characterizes the tradition and spirit of the brand with its dynamic lines representing the features of its race cars.
 

The goods: The line of products available is made with remarkable craftsmanship and uses only the best grade of materials. One that stands out is the All-Over Prancing Horse Collection of luggage bags ($3,859) with genuine calfskin trimming, contrasting stitching, personalized metal accessories and handcrafted details, complete with the “Prancing Horse” motif. It comes in two choice colors— beige background with brown leather trim and ecru stitching or navy background with grey—to offer an even more personalized fashion statement. The genuine leather jacket ($1,699) is also rather special; made entirely from ultra-soft washed buffalo hide for that vintage look—an absolute must-have for any Ferrari fan.
 

Why you’ll be back: It’s called style in the fast lane, baby.
 

#01-60/61 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7117. Open Sun-Thu 11am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight.

So much for keeping things private. Back in July we launched a project to find out what turns this great city of ours on. In the space of just a few short weeks, readers in their hundreds completed our online sex survey and, though most (understandably) chose to remain anonymous, there was no holding them back when it came to sharing their bedroom secrets. Of those that took part, 58% were male, 89% were straight, 82% think they’re good in bed and 6% say they’ve tried Viagra. So what do their responses say about the sex lives of Singaporeans? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

How many people have you had sex with?

How often do you have sex?

Do you insist on using protection?

What’s the longest you’ve gone without having sex?

What’s your favorite position?

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger

Although more than half of you are happy with your sex life, almost everyone had ideas for how to make things even hotter. Topping the wishlist among the guys were delayed ejaculation, larger penis size and more stamina; while the ladies wanted longer foreplay, more romance and an open show of affection and love. (Can we suggest that you might need to meet somewhere in the middle?) And more than a few of you would like to go a few steps further: Threesomes, role playing, sex toys and a spot of BDSM (Bondage, Dominance, Sadism and Masochism) were all suggested as suitable ways for spicing things up.

The Numbers Game

Commit these figures to memory. You never know when they might come in handy… 

Objects of Desire

“Touch me in the morning,” sang Diana Ross, though it’s unlikely she had this in mind. We asked you to tell us the most bizarre object you’ve masturbated with. Here are the cream—ahem—of the crop.

• Vacuum cleaner
• Shoe
• Hairbrush
• Soap dispenser
• Teddy Bear
• Sticky tape dispenser
• A pair of chopsticks
• Potted plant
• A spoon
• An electric whisk

Where’s My Pussy Wussy At?

Laughter in the bedroom is no bad thing. But some of your pet names for your partner’s genitalia are just plain ridiculous.
• Pussy Wussy
• Seafood
• ATM
• Durian
• Little Pig
• Chili Padi
• Abalone
• Venus Flytrap
• Rajaratnam Rajagopal
• Sluice 

 How soon will you have sex with someone?

The Three Least Likely
 

We asked which local and international stars our participants would most like to get up close and personal with. Once we’d weeded out the Brad Pitts and the Megan Foxes, this is what we were left with. Time to get some new fantasies, Singapore.

Doing IT

Top 10 Oddball Fantasies

If what some of you get up to is weird, what you fantasize about is even stranger.
• An older professor
• Waxing
• Uniforms
• Controlling my partner with my mind
• Oysters
• Wearing a penis ring
• Doing it on a helicopter
• Tickling
• An orgy at a dinner and dance
• Autogynephilia (male sexual arousal over the idea of being or becoming female)

Liar, Liar

Every participant that admitted to cheating on their partner was male. That means women are either incredibly well behaved (yeah, right), lied in our survey, or were mostly too busy with their adulterous liaisons to fill in the form. As for why 38% of guys couldn’t keep it in their pants:

Where do you go to look for partners?

While it comes as no surprise to learn that bars and clubs (28%), the office (24%) and dating websites (12%) make popular hunting grounds—with the more confident trying their luck at parks, beaches and gyms—a few answers came out of leftfield. Several participants identified libraries and bookstores as fertile territory, while others sign up for educational programs. And then there are the unholy few who specifically target church services to get their game on. We’d love to be a fly on the wall at confession!

Location, Location, Location

Away from the bedroom, these are the top 10 places our participants have had sex.
• Toilets
• Wardrobe
• Staircase
• Places of worship
• Swimming pool
• Cinema
• Airplanes
• Beaches
• Cars
• “In an aunt’s kitchen, doing it doggy style to my woman, while facing a basket of laundry.”

PLUS: Tales of the Unerected

These days one can either be a straight-up DJ or a DJ/producer/rock star/trendsetter/entrepreneur (a hipster, if the word doesn't make you cringe). Twenty eight-year-old Alexander Ridha is firmly one of the latter—as Boys Noize he's a hit around the world.

His is the same route followed by other commercial successes like Steve Aoki, Bloody Beetroots and Crookers; although Ridha admits he wasn’t all that cool as a kid growing up in a tough area of Hamburg, Germany, where punk music was his biggest influence. “The city I grew up in has the biggest red light district in Europe and we had a big punk culture,” he says. “We even have our own punk football team, St. Pauli, which I was a big fan of.” At 13, he traded playing drums in a punk band for vinyl collecting and soon that grew into an addiction. “My elder brother had all the first acid house and rap records. I grew up listening to them when he played them in his room. From there, I started my own collection. I had two jobs to fund my vinyl collection and one of the jobs was in a record store.”

Alex was only 14 when he began sending out his mixtapes to friends. He even tried selling them in the record store where he worked. “The store manager found out that I was sneakily trying to sell my mixes,” he says, “but was nice enough to give them a listen. A few days later, he surprised me by asking if I would like to do a warm-up set for about 500 people in a proper club. I was only 16 and played deep and old-school house. Suddenly the whole of Germany heard about me because I was the youngest DJ ever to play!”

Not one to rest on his laurels, he went on to learn music engineering from German DJ/Producer D.I.M and started production work at 16. Five years later, he was reincarnated as Boys Noize and moved on to Berlin, immediately becoming a household name under the wings of French label Kitsuné, Tiga’s Turbo Recordings and DJ Hell’s International Deejay Gigolos. And what about now? How does Boys Noize keep his sound fresh? “I take the best elements of electro, techno and house, and mix it with modern stuff,” he explains. “I love the jacking sounds! Although the music I started with in 2004 got bigger, there are some really stupid 'noisy’ records out there that I can’t stand at all. Today, everyone is a DJ without even knowing how to beat-match because the laptop does it for them, which is ridiculous! That said, there are also great young talents out there and amazing new fresh productions.”

Boys Noize will bring the house down on Oct 8, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St. 6738-2988. $30 inclusive of two drinks.