The pre-spring collection of Italian fashion brand Gucci captures the warm tones of the 70s in both their men’s and women’s wear. Ladies are all about oversized and striped items, while menswear embraces bold prints with a touch of humor and monochromatic browns. Key looks pose a difficult choice: printed trousers with plain jackets or printed jackets with plain trousers? As for accessories, the line of big tote bags in the same color scheme should have you looking the part at the yacht club.
Available at Gucci Boutique, Luxe Galerie, 1/F Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7000. BTS Chit Lom.
On the design side, the pre-spring collection by Louis Vuitton isn’t all that new—more of flashback than a preview. But the overall tones used are much livelier than in the past, and hint at things to come. The shirts and tees have sumptuous blue-and-red gradients, which can be paired with manlier pieces like the rock star-worthy black leather jacket and LV’s signature checked suit. Finish the look with accessories that give off that cruise-vibe like a red scarf or the black-and-white striped t-shirt.
Available at G/F Gaysorn, 999 Ploenchit Rd. 02-656-1149. BTS Chit Lom.
Seems like the launch of Givenchy’s pre-spring collection packs the most variety as, aside from the formal monochrome suit, the brand mixes and matches camos, florals, flames and other graphic prints within a single piece, such as t-shirts sporting both camo print and pictures of animals. The key is to dare to play with them by combining several prints on both tops and pants instead of attempting to pare them down.
Available at M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-8000. BTS Siam.
While everyone else is coming up with prints and color blocks for this pre-spring range, Bottega Veneta heads for a more breezy 2014 cruise collection where the luxury is in the details. The basics—shirts and trousers—go for light brown hues and loose linen fabrics. But dark brown and black leather accessories like bags and shoes really up the luxe factor, with details such as the brand’s signature intrecciato (leather weaving) pattern.
Available at M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-610-8000. BTS Siam.
Italian print-loving brand Emilio Pucci has revealed its 2014 cruise collection featuring easy-going day wear with a beachside vibe. Expect summer-friendly colors like raspberry red, peach, plum, turquoise and lemon yellow in both plain and print shorts, short dresses and jump-jackets. The girly style is toned down a bit in the bold and sporty accessories like black leather belts and gladiator sandals.
Available in January, at M/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. 02-129-4390. BTS Siam.
French luxury fashion house Kenzo has also gone big on the prints in its pre-spring collection. But rather than the cheerful and colorful look of Pucci, Kenzo presents a nostalgic and urban vibe in cooler hues like pool blue, pastel yellow, grey, soft pink and black. With inspiration drawn from designer’s Carol Lim and Humberto Leon’s youth, the collection adds a touch of masculinity to girl’s daily wear through oversized dresses and crop tops matched with high-waisted carrot trousers and jumpsuits.
Available at Designer Lux, 1/F Zen Department Store, Ratchadamri Rd., BTS Siam/Chit Lom.
American fashion house Tory Burch’s new cruise collection is inspired by paintings by French modernist artist Edouard Manet and is all about the mix-and-match look. Floral print dresses, trousers and shirts are the main attractions in both cool tones of blue and warm hues of pastel orange, while you can also expect summer-friendly accessories like floral print bags, basketwork handbags and Moroccan-style hats.
Available at 1/F Central Chitlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-655-7916.
Italian high-end fashion brand Gucci has come up with a very striking summer look in their pre-spring collection. Inspired by the sunset, oversized items like knee-length dresses, jumpsuit and shirts come in warm, 70’s evoking tones like orange, brown, kiwi green and maroon. The highlight has to be the way designer Frida Giannini has blended these warm colors into striped dresses and handbags that look just stunning.
Available at Gucci Boutique, Luxe Galerie, 1/F Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Rd., 02-793-7000. BTS Chit Lom.
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Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival
Date: Jan 4–26
Location: Hwacheon Stream and five villages in Hwacheon county, South Korea
The festival is held every year in January in Hwacheon county in Gangwon province, the coldest region in Korea. The area is known for its natural beauty, specifically its mountains and rivers, which are home to many otters and freshwater trout. At this time of year, the river is frozen over with ice, meaning you can try your hand at ice fishing — actually using your bare hands to catch mountain trout. Don’t leave without sampling some of the freshly caught fish, served raw and grilled. Attracting a large number of visitors each year, this festival also features ice sculptures and a fun park where you can enjoy sledding, bobsledding, ice football and various rides. Details at www.visitkorea.or.kr
Athi-Atihan Festival
Date: January 10-19
Location: Kalibo, Aklan, The Philippines
Featuring a parade where tribal dancers paint their faces dark and don colorful indigenous costumes, this street festival is one of the Philippines’ most striking events. The festival centers on religious processions in honor of Santo Niño (the infant Jesus), who locals believe will protect them from harm and illness. It’s believed to have started in the 13th century when a group of Malays, or Datus, migrated from Borneo to Aklan and made a trade with the Ati people, which was followed by a welcome feast and festival. Later on when the locals were struggling with their harvest, the Datus offered them food and in return the Ati people danced and sang for them. As such, the highlight is undoubtedly the tribal dance contests which make for many colorful photo opportunities. Details at www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com
Dinosaur Exhibition
Date: Jan 25-Jul 27
Location: Art Science Museum, Marina Sands Bay, Singapore
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Through collaborative efforts between scientists and artists, Southeast Asia’s largest dinosaur exhibition will fill 3,700-sq-meters of floor space at the Art Science Museum, Singapore. Featuring over 400 fossils and models, and over 50 original artworks, the highly interactive exhibition will take you on a journey 600 million years back in time to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Learn about prehistoric species, their behavior and how they evolved as part of this educational exhibition for all ages. Open daily from 10am–7pm. For more info, visit www.tinyurl.com/q6rztvb
Tropfest 2014
Date: Jan 25
Location: Penang, Malaysia
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Originally launched in 1993 in Sydney, Australia, Tropfest (www.tropfest.com) is the world’s largest short film festival, which has since expanded to cover many cities worldwide, and now includes Southeast Asia. The original event in Sydney just took place in December (having been moved from its normal February slot), but the first Tropfest SEA will occur on Jan 25 at the Esplanade in Penang. The event puts the spotlight on creative short films (less than seven minutes) made by rising talents, while big-name directors and Hollywood A-listers often fill the roles of judges on the big night. For updates and a full lineup, visit www.tropfest.com/sea
Java Jazz Festival
Date: Feb 28-Mar 2
Location: Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Java Jazz Festival is one of the world’s largest events of its type, attracting a large number of leading artists and jazz royalty from all over the world. Marking its 10th anniversary in 2014, the three-day event will welcome big-names such as Jamie Cullum, India Aurie, Natalie Cole, Earth Wind and Fire Experience and Sadao Watanabe. Details at www.javajazzfestival.com
Hong Kong Arts Festival
Date: Feb 18-Mar 22
Location: Various venues, Hong Kong
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Held every year since 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is one of Asia’s premier cultural events featuring a wide range of performing arts from Asia’s top talents and a long list of leading international artists. This year will see appearance from the likes of Geurzehich Orchestra Cologne, London Symphony Orchestra, II Giardino Armonico, Yulianna Avdeeva Piano Recital, Trisha Brown Dance Company, Scottish Ballet, Gregory Porter, and Madeleine Peyroux. For a full program, visit www.hk.artsfestival.org. You can also get closer to the artists through activities such as lectures, demonstrations, workshops, meet-the-artist sessions, play-reading and guided tours.
The Lantern Festival
Date: Feb 14
Location: China, Taiwan
If you’re stuck for ideas to surprise your loved one on Valentine’s Day, why not take a trip north. Also known as the Shangyuan or Yuan-Xiao Festival, this event is held every year throughout China on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar to mark the end of New Year celebrations. Even better, this year’s festival just so happens to fall on Feb 14. Provinces all over China will hold fairs where you’ll see decorated lanterns hanging outside houses and in public areas. In Taiwan, there’ll be giant Zodiac animal lanterns and countless small colorful lights adorning major cities. There’ll also be parades, cultural performances and firework displays—all making for a rather romantic scene. Details at www.taiwan.net.tw
Singapore International Jazz Festival
Date: Feb 27-Mar 2
Location: Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres and Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
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Held as a counterpart of the Java Jazz Festival, “Sing Jazz” is the largest jazz event in Singapore aiming to invigorate and inspire the local music scene. The festival will kick off on Feb 27 with Jamie Cullum performing at the Grand Theatre, followed by three days of performances from established names like Natalie Cole, James Morrison, India Arie and Incognito, as well as rising stars like Gregory Porter, Allen Stone, and local artists Glenn Fredly and Jeremy Monteiro. Details at www.sing-jazz.com
The Sapporo Snow Festival
Date: Feb 5-11
Location: Hokkaido’s capital of Sapporo, Japan
Held for one week every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is one of Japan’s most famous winter events, attracting over two million visitors each year. Featuring snow and ice sculptures, the event takes place on three sites: the Odori Park, the Susukino site and the family-oriented Tsu Dome site. The main site sees large snow sculptures, over a hundred smaller snow statues and concerts. Located just one subway station away is the Susukino site, which is a nightlife district, showcasing over a hundred amazing ice sculptures. Catering more to those with families, the Tsu Dome site will feature snow slides, snow rafting and sculptures with many food stalls available inside the dome. Details at www.jnto.go.jp
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Date: March 26–April 20
Location: Melbourne, Australia
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Held in Melbourne for three weeks every year, this is one of the largest comedy festivals in the world. The main attractions are the stand-up performances from local and international comedians at various venues across the city. If you’re in search of more entertainment, there’s also cabaret, theater, street shows, movies, and visual arts for you to enjoy, making it one of the largest cultural events in Australia. www.comedyfestival.com.au
Future Music Festival Asia 2014
Date: Mar 13-15
Location: Mines Wonderland, Mines Resort City, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Organized by Future Music Australia and Livescape Asia, this three-day event is promoted as Southeast Asia’s largest music festival. This year it will feature an eclectic lineup headlined by Deadmau5, Paul Van Dyk, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon of Wu Tang Clan, Baauer, Eric Prydz and Armin Van Buuren. The festival’s theme this 2014 is “safari.” Deadmau5 will take the stage on the opening day, followed by trance veteran Armin Van Buuren on Mar 14. The main festival, though, will take place on Mar 15 across four stages. Details and full line-up at www.futuremusicfestival.asia
Hong Kong International Film Festival
Date: Mar 24–Apr 7
Location: Various venues, Hong Kong
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One of Asia’s oldest film festivals serves up an array of flicks ranging from indie films to multi-million-dollar productions, with a large focus on local talent. The festival will feature more than 330 titles from more than 50 countries screened at 12 major cinemas in Hong Kong. There will also be seminars by international filmmakers, film exhibitions and parties. Details at www.hkiff.org.hk
F1 Malaysian Grand Prix 2014
Date: Mar 28-30
Location: Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia
Started in 1999, the Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit was Southeast Asia’s first F1 racing event and remains one of the most exciting of the season due to the demanding track and the steamy weather. Get in early and reserve seats to be one of the 130,000 spectators watching leading drivers like Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton from world-famous teams, including Ferrari, Renault, and Mercedes, racing over the 5.543 km track that packs in 15 turns and eight straights. The race weekend will start with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and the big race on Sunday. Details at www.tinyurl.com/pd2js6n
Mosaic Music Festival
Date: Mar 7-16
Location: The Esplanade, Mosaic Studio, Mosaic Club
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Started in 2005, this is one of Singapore’s largest music festivals and one not to miss for world music and jazz lovers. The ten-day line-up covers everything from folk and R&B to hip hop and electronic rock. Judging from previous years, nearly 100,000 visitors from all over the world are expected to enjoy the extensive list of artists headlined by Alpine, Kurt Rosen, The Cat Empire, Young Dreams, Charlie Lim, The Big Pink, Buika, Caspian, Neko Case and Olafur Arnalds. Details at mosaicmusicfestival.com/2014
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The year kicks off predictably with yet another Thai ghost film, this time under the production of Golden A Entertainment. The debut directorial effort of Pon Waranyu, who was assistant director in Bang Rajan 2 and Sam Chook, stars Paula Taylor, returning to the screen after a long absence, along with 9-year-old Wanisa Nuchanon. Almost needless to say, the film is not the brightest start for Thai films in 2014.
You may know that lemons are high in acidity and contain a lot of vitamin C, but did you know this acidity acts to dry out pimples as well as kill acne bacteria? Vitamin C also promotes healthy and glowing skin. Squeeze out some lemon juice onto a cotton ball and gently dab it on the infected area. It may sting a bit but that’s just a sign that it’s working. Rinse off after 15 minutes.
Store option: If you prefer a faster and a more medically-proven approach, try Madame Heng’s Ozzy Acne Clear Up Solution (B150).
Mix fresh lime, sugar, olive oil and honey into a bowl and use the formula to gently scrub the dry areas of your body: knees, elbows, hands and feet. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliator and will remove dead cells and clean your pores. Olive oil is high in vitamin E which can help soothe and heal your skin. Honey is rich in anti-oxidants which hydrate your skin.
Store option: If your skin can’t take the zesty lime touch, try The Body Shop’s Honeymania Body Scrub (B700) to exfoliate and smoothen out rough spots.
Coconut is God’s gift to hair as it has a bunch of nutrients that stimulate hair growth, like iron, calcium, and vitamins C and E. It also prevents spilt ends and breakage, while moisturizing the hair. Grate your coconut, removing all the flesh, and steep it in hot water. Then use a mesh colander to strain the coconut milk out. Repeat until all the milk has been extracted. Massage the milk in your scalp then work it down the length of your hair through to the tips. Leave on overnight and wash it out with a mild shampoo in the morning.
Store option: If you’re afraid you can’t wash off the coconut smell from your hair, try The Body Shop’s Beautifying Oil Coconut (B690) as an alternative.
Bananas and avocados are perfect for hydrating and repairing sun-damaged skin. If your skin is starting to act up because of the changing weather, chop up half an avocado and half a banana and mix together with a raw egg to use as a face mask or body paste. Place the mixture in the fridge and let it chill for an hour. Apply and leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off with lukewarm water. The richness of the avocado will nourish the deepest layers of the epidermis with plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Store option: If you can’t stand the idea of egg on your face, try Boots Extract Avocado Body Butter (B300) for skin hydration.
Feet are often neglected, leaving your heels to crack and develop calluses. An easy way to soothe your soles is through the use of extra virgin olive oil. Mix one tablespoon of olive oil, a few drops of lemon or lavender oil and apply with a cotton ball on your feet. Massage them in a circular motion for five to ten minutes. Put on a pair of thick cotton socks so the mixture seeps into your feet and acts as a moisturizer. Leave on for about an hour then wash off several times a day.
Store option: If you’re out of olive oil at home or don’t know where to get lavender oil from, try Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Crème (B780) to rejuvenate your dry feet.
The Body Shop M/F Terminal 21, Sukhumvit Soi 19. BTS Asoke.
Boots 2/F Silom Complex, Silom Rd., BTS Sala Daeng.
Burt’s Bees G/F Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd, 083-300-2554. BTS Siam.
Madame Heng 3/F The Emporium, 662 Sukhumvit Rd., BTS Phrom Phong.
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The décor studio of interior designers Ploypan Theerachai and Decha Archjananun has been on the rise this year after joining Milan Design Week in May and returning to Bangkok to scoop the Thai Designer of The Year prize at the annual ELLE Decoration Thailand Design Awards 2013. Thinkk Studio’s signature design is all about functional geometric shapes, like their latest award-winning item, the Weight Vase, made from waterproof concrete with powder coated steel. The overall design is modern but not too minimal.
Price: B7,600-12,800
Available at: Thinkk Studio, 7/8 Yenakard Rd., Chongnonsi. 02-671-9317. Order online at thinkkstudio@yahoo.com or sales@specimen-editions.fr
The debut collection from furniture brand Momoest, a collaboration between photographer and founder Supachai Ketkaroonkul and designer Apirat Boonruangthaworn, just won a design gong at the ELLE Decoration Thailand Design Awards 2013. Pieces like the rounded coffee table see Supachai’s passion for abstract paintings and photography provide the unique surface texture, framed by Apirat’s glass and steel accents—easy to match with any style of room.
Price: Lenya B37,750 and 27,200-29,500 for Pilu.
Available at: Yothaka Showroom, 1028/5 Rama 4 Rd., 02-679-8631/32. and Asana Showroom, 235/32 Sukhumvit 31. 02-662-3118. Or order online at momoest@gmail.com
Local décor brand Niyahm specializes in minimal wooden design. The brand started out doing made-to-order furniture through Facebook before getting more exposure by joining the recent BIG+BIH exhibition. What we find most interesting is how they complement their beautifully designed core products—beds, sofas, tables and chairs—with functional add-ons, like the sofa with removable pad (pictured). Suited for stylish, no-fuss bedrooms.
Price: TBA
Available at: Showroom & Office at 4/F Pen’s House Building, 1/6 Ari Soi 2, Phahol Yothin Rd., 081-812-2470 and 081-450-5140. niyahmdesign@gmail.com
Back in September, hip art space Speedy Grandma hosted their first furniture exhibition which featured the debut of newly launched home décor brand, Cast. The one-of-a-kind furniture exhibited as part of Claiming the Reclaimed was inspired by the raw irregularity of nature. Designer Saran Yen Panya uses contrasting materials like aluminum, thick wooden logs and steel. The furniture is now on display and put to actual use at the designer’s recently opened Potion Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 31. Despite the raw materials resulting in a rustic-meets-modern vibe, the pieces like the aluminum molded stools are quite easy to match with any room.
Price: Ebony B15,000; Notch B8,900; and S-Spruce B14,500-49,500.
Available at: Potion Bar, 235/10 Sukhumvit Soi 31. 091-868-9974.
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