While Solos may only be his second feature (and his latest collaboration with Loo Zihan), Kan’s certainly done his time, cutting his directorial teeth. Having directed programs for Channel 5, Channel 8 and Arts Central, he’s also helmed a whopping 10 short films in the last three years alone. His first movie The Art of Flirting earned him the title of Best ASEAN Feature at the Malaysian Video Awards, and he’s also picked up accolades such as the top prize at the Take 5! Guerrilla Film Making Challenge 2005 with the Singapore History Museum, the Best of Show at Canon DV Fest 2005 and Judges’ Choice Award for Fly-By-Night 2004.
He may still be studying for his BFA at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media, but Loo definitely isn’t a newbie to filmmaking. In 2005 alone, he directed three shorts and edited two. That very same year, his last collaboration with Kan Lume, Untitled, took home the second prize at the Soul to Soul Festival. He’s also worked on two parts of the Dance Trilogy, part of the Video Art Installation, Decay.
Boo’s star has been rising from the very get-go. His first short film Un Retrato de Familia (A Family Portrait) earned him Silver Screen Awards for Best Film and Special Achievement at the 18th Singapore International Film Festival. Graduating as the top student from Ngee Ann Polytechnic cohort, Boo went on to be selected as one of the esteemed 20 Asian participants to attend the inaugural session of the Asian Film Academy in Korea.
A successful former advertising man, this is Khee’s directorial debut. Spurred by his fascination of The Long March in China, he independently began developing Feet Unbound in 2001 and continued to produce and film this documentary between 2004 and 2005. It made its world premier at the 19th International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and was selected for the festival’s Joris Ivens Competition.
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Whoever said cute is out? Brainchild of Taiwanese designer Wang Yenling, Zuwa infuses accessories with the “awwww, look it’s a puppy” factor with the use of childlike, whimsical figurines. Decked out in black and white with dashes of color, these accessories are for those who blend the cool with the cute. Get them now at Anteprima Plastiq, 1/F Takashimaya Department Store, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6276-4366.
Having made its debut in New York with its Autumn Winter 2007/2008 range, G-Star confirms itself as a member of denim royalty. This time round expect an orgy of minimalist aesthetics, clean lines and handcrafted designs in raw denim. The new stocks have just arrived at #02-31/32, Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6735-8419.
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#02-47 Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Rd., 6733-6167.
The first ever Lanvin boutique finally arrives in Singapore. This highly coveted French label presents a swirling mix of luxe materials and choice cuts for its Spring/Summer collection. Look out for the trenchcoats in washed silk, leather blousons and even a respectable selection of men’s accessories like ties, cufflinks and colorful belts.
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#02-03 Hilton Shopping Gallery, Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Rd., 6738-1313.
Shoe sluts—the three-week old Manolo Blahnik store is a must! Arguably one of the most recognizable shoe labels in the world, Manolo Blahnik is a must for any self respecting fashionista. The timeless and beautifully handcrafted shoes like the Tofi, made from satin and fused with embroidery and green Swarovski crystals, and the Emerica, a sling back pointed shoe with Chinois linen details, are two of the best in the arrivals.
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(Image 1. Left to Right)
This brown belt with a scorpion motif will sting in more ways than one. $239 from Inhabit.
Die in style with this thick white vintage piece embellished with jewelry. $59 from COL:LAGE.
Join the ranks of these dead stars when you strap on this belt by Melody Maker. $60 from Actually.
Cross over to the other side with a touch of S&M when you put this on. $49 from Oppt Shop.
Skull drudgery has never been more brutal than this piece by Streets Ahead. $219 from Inhabit.
There’s no escaping this Goth-inspired leather piece from COL:. $59.
(Image 2. Left to Right)
If the grim reaper doesn’t get to you, this all-metallic piece from Déjà vu Vintage will. $89.
Break away from these chains of death found in this bold belt from Inhabit. $429.
Even eternal love can’t save you from this one. $79 from Queen’s Couture.
Cross your heart and hope to die when you see this piece by Virgins Saints Angels. $499 from Venue Berlin.
Say your prayers as this blood-red vintage piece from Pluck gets its final hold on you. $38.
Actually, 29A Seah St., 6336-7298.
COL:, #04-140 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6735-0887.
COL:LAGE, 61 Haji Lane, 6297-9886.
Déjà Vu Vintage, #03-12A Mandarin Gallery, 333 Orchard Rd., 6333-6630.
Inhabit, #B1-03 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6235-6995.
Oppt Shop, #04-36 The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd., 6733-9406.
Pluck, 31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4046.
Queen’s Couture, #04-01 The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd., 6737-3125.
Venue Berlin, #01-05 Palais renaissance, 390 orchard rd., 6732-6140
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If one wants to buy art, one would normally go to a gallery, a dealer or an auction house. But these days, increasingly, one can also head to a restaurant or bistro. Because restaurants don’t just feed you—they have to excite your aesthetic senses as well. And with interiors being increasingly important to up an eatery’s style factor, some are going to the extent of selling the artwork right off their walls. Here are some artworks from restaurants that we admire.
Where is it?
33 Scotts Rd., 6836-0055.
What type of art?
Contemporary art from India and the fine artists from the region. The restaurant also serves as an exhibition space of sorts, where new artworks are featured every two to three months, in collaboration with local Indian art gallery Artmosaic.
Why do it?
An aspiration to provide “food for the stomach and soul” for their patrons. There’s also a focus on showcasing the more modern facets of Indian art, rather than just clichéd traditional images. The architectural beauty of the premises must have helped to inspire the artistic endeavors as well.
Does it fit in?
Don’t make the mistake of dressing down, for the experience here is more Bollywood glam rather than Little India casual. The posh, yet muted atmosphere of the conserved colonial bungalow foregrounds is important, as it makes the artworks stand out even more. You’ll get the feeling you’re in some art gallery or museum.
What’s the price for art?
Depending on the artist, it can be as low as $750 or as high as $20,000.
In a word:
Sophisticated.
Where is it?
• The Wine Company@Dempsey
(Blk. 14-3, Dempsey Rd., 6479-9341) is their original retail outlet-cum-wine bar.
• The Wine Company@Evans
(Evans Lodge, 26 Evans Rd., 6732-1229), described as a “wine-centric restaurant.”
• Woods by the Wine Company
(Blk. 14-2 Dempsey Road, 6473-5428), a bungalow beside virgin forest, is an expansion of the Dempsey Road premises.
What type of art?
Each outlet features art from different backgrounds. The Dempsey outlet features Vietnamese art, while at Evans, the work of Mexican artist Rafael Cazares adorns the walls. Of greatest interest to proprietor Belinda Lim, though, is the work of artist and ex-NAFA instructor Low Kim Chit, displayed at Woods.
Why do it?
In a words from Lim: “Passion.” It’s clear that a lot of thought has been put into the artistic direction of the outlets. They have combined the fervor for both wine and art into a worthwhile experience for visitors, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s worth a pretty penny too. Well done.
Does it fit in?
Set up primarily to retail wine, the Dempsey outlet isn’t meant for visitors to linger. As such, the artworks there are not meant to create a sense of belonging. At Evans, though, the Art Nouveau style of the restaurant is complimented nicely by the colorful, flowing creations of Cazares. Woods is probably the most enchanting setting for art displays, with its cozy red interior and outdoor terrace set among forest lights, where Lim reserves her favorite artworks for display. Low Kim Chit’s elegant acrylic on rice paper creations are also perfectly showcased in this homely retreat.
What’s the price for art?
A piece can set you back at least $900. You may prefer to wait for Lim, an amateur painter herself, and her classmates to start selling their own works at cheaper rates in the future.
In a word:
Intoxicating.
Where is it?
#01-01, 5 Boon Tat St., 6423-1123.
What type of art?
Somewhat abstract but understated works by Dr Rajinder Singh, who’s “familiar with Jungian theories of the subconscious.” Like his previously exhibited works, these sketches and drawings are “free of the dictates of conscious manipulation”…hmm. Go figure.
Why do it?
It gives the diner a “refreshing” experience every visit, it seems. In other words, it encourages repeat business. The more altruistic reason given is that it’s also a venue for artists to showcase their work.
Does it fit in?
With the rather swanky yet warm look of the restaurant, it’s appropriate that the paintings aren’t too garish. Incomprehensible? That’s OK—all high art is supposed to be.
What’s the price for art?
The prices aren’t too prohibitive and range from about $400 to $1,500.
In a word:
Modish.
Where is it?
#01-42/45 Market Street Car Park, 146 Market St., 6557-0030.
What type of art?
There is a vague intention to create some sort of “rogues’ gallery” as befits the restaurant’s name. However, the artwork at present is by young student artist Jay Freeman from Perth, whose Warhol-inspired paintings seem rather rudimentary, but were chosen for their “feminine sensual feel.” Other artists include Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones fame, for his roguish charm. In other words, there doesn’t seem to be any common theme, and there’s no telling what sort of artwork we might see in future.
Why do it?
Apparently, they just decided that “the windows were too bare,” and hit upon the idea.
Does it fit in?
Though the present artworks generally fit in with the elegant cosmopolitan décor, and are definitely an improvement on bare glass panels, it’s quite obvious that the setup was less than planned.
What’s the price for art?
A whopping $1,800 for a painting half the size of a door. There are plans for an upcoming silent auction though, so you could try your luck there.
In a word:
Neophyte.
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So, your band’s on the radio? Oh, my. How passé. In an age where people’s attention spans are like humming birds on speed, music outfits are taking marketing to a new level to make an impression. Many of these bands are taking the alternative route and using tech and the Internet as a means of getting their sounds out, and a select few have gone a little further—as we found out.
Who: Local ambient outfit Embryo
How: Live performances? Boooring. Audiences were treated to an intimate set from Embryo when the band took part in Audioreload.com’s Red Bean Sessions late last year. Instead of playing a cafe or pub, however, Embryo played a set in a cozy studio which was streamed via the website directly to fans’ computers. To make it feel like a proper live set, Embryo even offered a bit of commentary about their music. And in case you missed the performance, the set is still available online.
Related Links: www.audioreload.com; www.myspace.com/the_embryo
Who: UK-based independent industrial band DeathBoy
What: Instead of touring England to support their 2006 release “End of an Error,” DeathBoy opted instead to play a “gig” in Second Life, the online world that simulates an exaggerated version of the real world, giving those in attendance an almost authentic concert experience. While the gig was not actually performed live, but streamed with animated versions of the band dancing along to the songs, it came with real-time commentary before each track.
Related Links: www.deathboy.co.uk; www.secondlife.com
Who: Singaporean electronica band Muon
What: A band putting their music online used to be a surefire way of getting their sound to a much larger audience. But these days, with so many unsigned bands online—some good, some utterly crappy—there’s always the risk of getting lost in the crowd. Muon, however, took the smart approach and attached itself to well-known fashion label Diesel last year, as part of the brand’s U: Music online music competition. Through this partnership, Muon’s music traveled well beyond Singapore’s shores and has brought them international recognition. The U: Music competition is opening again on Apr 2.
Related Links: www.muonmagick.com; www.diesel.com/#/cult/music
Who: Popular rock band Nine Inch Nails (NIN)
What: As a concept album about a paranoid, almost 1984-esque future, hidden messages seemed like the perfect platform to market NIN’s upcoming release Year Zero. They took the form of letters in bold on a tour T-shirt that together spelled the URL for a site about the album’s story (www.iamtryingtobelieve.com). Soon after, European fans started posting messages online about finding hidden USB devices at toilets of NIN concert venues, which contained promotional material and MP3s of new songs.
Related Link: www.nin.com; www.yearzero.nin.com
Films and television shows tagged with creative marketing promotions
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Tapping into the cyberpunk feel of this 1999 cult-classic action flick, the filmmakers included a password at the end of the movie that allowed fans to “hack” into the official site (www.thematrix.com) and access hidden sections.
Pretending to be a real documentary, this 1999 horror flick started scaring the pants off popular culture’s psyches before it even hit the screens, when the website (www.blairwitch.com) started documenting the “legend” of the Blair Witch as a serious phenomenon. To add more to the feel, the three main actors were listed as “missing, presumed dead” on film site the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com).
To add another layer to this popular television show’s mystery, the Heroes website (www.nbc.com/heroes) also features an online “graphic novel” that runs parallel to the show’s events.
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Before leaving for the front in your colorful uniform—to Khao San or wherever else for a splash—you need to think about your equipment. The colorful plastic pistols are now to be seen all over town: in Tops, Big C, and on streets. But for a better deal and bigger firepower, hit Chinatown.
From the main Yaowarat Road, head to Mangkorn Road, which is linked to Sampeng. There you will see a lot of shops with multicolored toys. These usually sell only a handful of water guns, but just one month before Songkran, they add those plastic pistols to their displays. At this time of year, the choice is enormous. It’s always cheaper to buy wholesale—this is where your local shop buys its water guns. Even the retail prices are cheaper, but you can usually buy three or six and get wholesale prices, so take your friends with you.
Most of these shops have been around for almost half a century, so expect to be welcomed with barely a smile by a grumpy big mama or papa with a Chinese accent. Among them, here are some customer-oriented ones:
Thanapan Plastic (420-426 Trok Issaranuphap, Sampeng, 02-221-0466, 02-224-2284, 02-622-6762. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) has almost 50 types of water gun, from small pistols (B20) to gigantic cannons with backpack water tanks (B350). Buy three pieces to get wholesale prices.
Charoenchai Store (735 Mangkorn Rd., 02-224-5182, 02-622-5373, 081-689-1319. Open daily 7:30am-7pm) boasts hundreds of choices. They have one extra large artillery piece, for B480. Not an easy thing to lift when full.
Amnuay Porn, A.P. Toys (844/2 Mangkorn Rd., 02-224-4600, 02-224-5197, 02-224-5256. Open daily 8am-6pm) has many types of water guns to choose from. Buy six pieces, or three big ones, to get a wholesale deal. Prices range from B5 to B200-something.
However if you do want to put down that watergun, check out these options.
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As we all know, delicious, fragrant rice should always be served hot. But every rule has an exception, and summer is the time to serve khao chae, or “chilled rice.”
A Mon dish traditionally made during Songkran, khao chae is half-cooked rice rinsed several times with water to remove all the starch. “Once the rice looks really clean, put it in cold water for a while so that the rice isn’t cooked any further,” instructs Chef Charoensri Wattanasri at Thara Thong. When half-dry, put the rice into a piece of cheesecloth, and steam it over boiling water until it is cooked. “That way the middle of the rice will still be a bit firm as khao chae should be,” she says.
Then comes the next important ingredient: nam dok mali (jasmine-scented water), which has to be prepared the night before. The traditional way to make it is to fill a clay pot with cold water and add a handful of fresh jasmine blossoms, then carefully float a jasmine-scented candle on the water before covering the pot for 15 minutes. Repeat the process so that the scent from the candle and the jasmine permeates the water. Leave the water to sit in the clay pot overnight. When it’s time to serve, mix the rice and water in individual serving bowls, and toss a bit of fresh jasmine on top.
Khao chae alone is refreshing but bland, so there are many side dishes. Favorites include hom daeng yud sai (deep-fried stuffed shallots), chai pow phat (stir-fried dry turnip), small fried fish, muu or nueng sawan (shredded sweet pork or beef), prik yuak sord sai (green chilli peppers stuffed with minced pork and shrimp and wrapped in a crispy egg net), luk kapi (deep fried shrimp paste balls), and slices of green mango and cucumber.
Making the tasty tidbits requires some effort and patience—this is not fast food. Take luk kapi, for example. You have to grind galangal, lemongrass and fingerroot into a paste and blend it with ground dried-fish and shrimp paste until it becomes sticky. Add some sugar and mix it again until smooth. Roll into small balls and dip them into stirred egg yolk before deep-frying.
“The Phetburi version keeps it simple by serving only three side dishes—luk kapi, sweet fried fish,and chai pow phat,” explains Chef Charoensri. “However, with the royal style you have a more numerous and elaborate options, and the small fish is usually replaced by shredded sweet beef.”
For the original Mon-style khao chae, you’ll need to go to Koh Kret, Nontaburi, or Phra Pradaeng during the Songkran festival. But royal Thai and Phetburi khao chae are available all over town at this time of year.
Kalprapruek
Set (B150): khao chae, luk kapi, prik yuak thord yud sai (fried green chili pepper stuffed with minced pork wrapped in crispy egg net), khai dang kem (salted egg yolk), nhung phra kem chubb numtan (salty fish skin mixed with sugar), green mango and cucumber.
1/F, All Seasons Place, 87/2 Wireless Rd., 02-685-3860. Open daily 11:30am–10pm. Available through Apr 30.
Klang soi
Set (B150): khao chae, luk kapi, hom dang yud sai, prik yuak sord sai, and shredded sweet pork.
Sukhumvit Soi 49, next to Samitivej Hospital, 02-391-4988. Open Mon-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-10pm, Sun 11am-3pm. Available through May 30.
Krua Mae Yui
Set (B200): khao chae, luk kapi, hom dang yud sai, prik yuak sord sai, and shredded sweet pork, carved veggies.
53/1 Soi Ari-Samphan 1, Phaholyothin Rd., 02-619-9952. Open daily 10am-9pm. Available through May 1.
Lai Rod
Set (B150): khao chae, luk kapi, prik yuak sord sai, hom thod sord sai phra (deep fried shallots stuffed with fish), phra wan (sweet fish), neur foi or moo foi (shredded pork or meat), chai pow pad wan (sweet stir-fried daikon).
120/4-5 Suhkumvit 49, 02-391-3193.
Open daily 10am–10pm. Available all year.
122 Rama 6 Rd., 02-279-2895. Open daily 11am–10pm. Available all year.
Princess Café
Set (B180): khao chae, luk kapi, hua hom yud sai, prik yuak sord sai, muu foi or shredded sweet pork, green mango, green onion and cucumber.
269 Larn Luang Rd., Pomprab, 02-281-3088 ext. 129.
Open daily 6am-10pm. Available for dinner through April 30.
Than ying
Set (B275): khao chae, luk kapi, hom thod (deep fried shallots), prik yuak yud sai moo (green chili pepper stuffed with minced pork, chai pow pad khai (stir-fried dry turnip with egg) and neur wan (shredded sweet meat).
10 Pramuan Rd., between Silom 15 and Silom 17, 02-236-4361. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. Available for lunch through the end of May.
Thara thong
Set (B450): khao chae, kapi (fermented shrimp paste), deep-fried shallots stuffed with minced fish, neur sawan foi (shredded and salted beef fried with palm sugar), chai pow ped pud wan (white Chinese radish fried with egg), prik yuak sord sai (chili peppers stuffed with seasoned minced pork wrapped in thin sheets of fried egg-white) and khra chai.
2 Captain Bush Lane, Siphya Rd., 02-266-9214. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6:30-10:30pm. Available Apr 9-17.
Thiptara
Set (B370): khao chae, luk kapi, hom thod (deep fried shallots), prik yuak yud sai moo (green chili pepper stuffed with minced pork and shredded sweet pork and beef.
The Peninsula Bangkok, 333 Charoennakorn Rd., 02-861-2888. Open daily 6-10pm. Available through Apr 15.
Thon kvrueng
Set (B155): khao chae (with kadanggha, mali flower, and candle fragrant), luk kapi, hom dang yud sai, prik yuak sord sai, chai pow pad wan (stir-fried sweet dry turnip), muu foi (shredded sweet pork), cucumber, thon hom (green onion) and khra chai.
n 239 Thonglor Soi 13, 02-391-8703, 02-391-8719. Open daily 10:30am-10pm. Available through May 30.
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