So another year has gone by and we’re gearing up for long nights of New Year’s partying and many broken resolutions. One of our other traditions here at I-S is to look back at what’s happened over the past 12 months and see if we can make any sense of the news, trends, happenings, events and non-events (there are always some) which washed up on our shores and graced our pages.

2006 was a good year for Singapore. The stock market boomed, and the economic prognosticators could hardly revise their calculations of GDP growth fast enough to keep up with reality. Combined with this was an explosion of nightlife, entertainment and lifestyle venues. 2006 saw us become a city that was hipper than ever with a slew of new places to chill, eat, drink and hang out. Our nightlife scene became cool enough to rival (dare we say top?) anywhere in the region with new venues like Ministry of Sound and giant St James Power Station joining the fold.

Lifestyle hubs opened up everywhere and we saw the return of destination neighborhoods such as Rochester Park, The Pier @ Robertson and the welcome revamping of Clarke Quay. The launch of VivoCity gave us much needed new retailers such as The Gap. Trendy new restaurants were everywhere: We couldn’t get ourselves into establishments like Il Lido and Graze fast enough (and sometimes we couldn’t get in at all). And the next few years promise to be even more interesting now that the integrated resorts are confirmed and ready to roll (well, the bulldozers at least, if not the dice).

But among all the up, up, up and boom, boom, boom, we did notice one thing that seemed to buck the trend. Our humble OB Index, which appears in I-S Magazine’s Upfront section each week and charts Singapore’s boundaries for openness, tolerance and freedom of expression, closed the year over 700 points below where it began—and spent several months this year in negative territory. Looking back at the news which led to the ups and downs of the OB Index, there were a few things that stood out as having had a particularly negative effect on the numbers: the controversies surrounding blogger Mr. Brown, and the licensing troubles of the Far Eastern Economic Review (FEER), just to name a couple.

Hmmm. Was it just coincidence that these things all occurred in the space of a few months, or did the drop in OB represent some kind of trend towards less openness and tolerance than before? To answer this question, we talked to academics, pundits and average joes to see what they thought of the news of 2006.

Openness Singapore Style

OK, so we all know the concept of openness in Singapore is not the same as in some other countries. The last time I-S Magazine looked at this issue was 2004, when the election of new Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong promised an environment where Singaporeans would feel free to “express diverse views, pursue unconventional ideas or simply be different.”

Since then, it seems Singapore has been on a journey to define what that means—only a little over 12 months ago Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said “it has not been proven that having more press freedom would result in a clean and efficient government or economic freedom and prosperity.”

According to Dr. Kenneth Paul Tan from the Department of Political Science & University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore, openness here is about balance. “The government’s apparently schizophrenic attitudes to conservatism and openness can best be explained as a strategy of balancing a politics of fear and a politics of material success, in order to maximize political capital from both,” he says.

Sinipan Samydorai of Think Centre, an independent political research initiative, says that in Singapore openness applies more to some areas than others; it does not apply across the board to every aspect of life. “If [the Government] say such things like, ‘We want to be more open,’ we also have to look at what policies and limitations or restrictions would come along with the package. When Lee says you’re allowed to speak your mind freely, it doesn’t mean there won’t be a defamation suit. That is not guaranteed.”

Colin Goh of Talking Cock, whose website regularly posts comments on current issues in Singapore, describes this as being “two steps forward, three steps back...There has been more openness in terms of lifestyle options—we can dance on bar tops, ogle nude Crazy Horse dancers,” he says. “But on the other hand, the [Mr. Brown] incident was bizarrely regressive to me, and some of the proposed Penal Code amendments are also disquieting...Overall, I think there’s a genuine belief that some level of diversity is desirable, but the application has been conservative and patchy.”

Stuart Koe, the Chief Executive Officer of Fridae, the leading gay website in Asia, agrees that openness is a unique concept in Singapore, “The level of openness acceptable depends on the topic of discussion, or issue at hand.”

Speaking Up

To be sure, the relaxations to censorship and film ratings have seen an increased number of previously banned films screening in our cinemas. And the phenomenon of “citizen journalism” was at an all-time high during this year’s General Elections, according to Goh Kheng Wee, Managing Director of NexLabs, an intelligent communications technology firm that did an analysis on the role of blogs in the elections.

But when bloggers went into print, things got more complicated. Today newspaper suspended its column by Mr. Brown, the popular blogger who often takes a satirical approach to comment on local matters, after complaints from the Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MICA). After the incident PM Lee commented that the column “hit out wildly at the Government in a very mocking and dismissive sort of tone.” The PM’s comments indicated that the Government might be prepared to discuss political issues via the newspapers, but only in a serious and constructive manner. He elaborated, “So we argue, sometimes we argue fiercely. But we should not take that as a sign that we are not open. Openness doesn’t mean just lovey-dovey. Openness means being prepared to be candid, to be direct, and to discuss very serious things very seriously.”

Goh of Talking Cock says he was surprised that MICA reacted as strongly as they did. “I had expected a stern point-by-point rebuttal on the merits or lack thereof of Mr. Brown’s criticisms, but was surprised to see it being turned into a whole thing about freedom of expression and what is acceptable or not in the mainstream press. Maybe the Government should change their spin doctors, because this certainly felt like a tactical error to me.”

With effect from September 11, 2006, FEER was required to put up a bond of $200,000 and appoint a local legal representative. FEER, which was already embroiled in a legal case over its coverage of opposition politician Chee Soon Juan, lost its Singapore license when it refused to pay the bond. FEER’s response at the time was to view this as evidence that Singapore hasn’t opened up. In a public statement, FEER commented, “We regret that this action infringes on the fundamental rights of our Singaporean subscribers and further restricts the already narrow scope of free expression in Singapore.”

Dr. Terence Chong of Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) agrees with Dr. Tan that openness in Singapore is applied more readily in some arenas than others. “[The FEER incident] certainly made the local press more sensitive to the difference between cultural liberalization and political openness,” he says.

The Other Team

To some commentators, politics is another area in which Singapore remained a conservative arena in 2006. During the April elections James Gomez of the Workers’ Party (WP) was criticized by People’s Action Party (PAP) leaders for lacking accountability when he failed to submit a minority report to the Elections Department. And in September PM Lee and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew successfully sued Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member Chee Soon Juan for defamation.

Dr. Chong of ISEAS notes, “There was a discernable reaction from Singaporeans. Many were turned off by this mud-slinging. This may suggest that the ‘political openness’ that many Singaporeans want is not Western-style individual rights, but a more level playing field.... Singaporeans, especially the younger ones, are developing a greater sense of moral and ethical justice when it comes to local politics. This may pave the way for greater openness.”

Gomez agrees. While he had spoken to I-S Magazine two years ago about how fear of expressing alternative views could be seen as self-censorship, the whole controversy that surrounded him this year has taught him one thing—that fear isn’t paralyzing. “I learnt a lot about Singaporeans. Trusting in Singaporeans, or otherwise what I call ‘the wisdom of the ground,’ is an important thing during the election process."

On the World Stage

Openness in Singapore became international news during the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and World Bank meetings in September. When 22 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) were initially banned, but then allowed, to enter Singapore during the meetings, World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz was highly critical. “At this stage of success Singapore has reached they would do much better for themselves with a more visionary approach to the process,” he said at the time. Activist Jeff Powell also described the reversal of the decision as “a little too late.” Nevertheless the IMF and World Bank meetings were a resounding success, attracting 23,000 participants from 184 countries, an unprecedented attendance at these meetings. In response to negative criticism from the international media, PM Lee was quoted saying, “What is important is that we do thing right thing. If we do that, the negative publicity can do us no harm because the delegates who came saw how things worked—they know the truth.”

What’s in Store

Officially, the government has no comment on the issue of openness—at least none of the several departments and ministries we contacted for this story. But the general feeling among observers and pundits is that the path is towards ever-greater openness, even though there may be bumps along the way. The past 12 months have shown that in other areas our society is clearly opening up. And there was good news in the OB Index this year, too. Even as recently as a few weeks ago there have been discussions to revise the Penal Code to allow oral and anal sex (albeit only between heterosexual couples) and PM Lee has said the government should look towards new media to spread its message, including the use of podcasts (which were not allowed during this year’s election).

Dr. Chong from ISEAS points out that younger Singaporeans, in particular, are embracing change. “Younger Singaporeans seem to be more vocal and willing to be contrary... Secondly, the media is more willing to report and profile contrary and dissenting views only because there is a clear signal from PM Lee’s administration that these are to be permitted,” he says. But Dr. Chong footnotes this with a reminder that the government has made clear it “will not embrace a liberal democracy as practiced in the West.”

2007 begins with Singapore poised for growth and greatness. And even if both our air and our attitudes toward openness get a little hazy from time to time, just remember it could be worse. You could be breathing the air in Hong Kong.

Views on openness in 2006

Kelvin Victor, 35, fireman
“I’m actually quite happy with what we have in Singapore—we have a stable government and taxes are relatively low. On the whole, I think we have quite a comfortable life here, which I think comes from strong support from the government to the people, as well as a good structure. After all, they are bringing in the Integreated Resorts, which will be good for the economy.”

Aaron Kong, 26, senior public relations account executive
“There is still room for more expression of actions in Singapore, whether it is regarding art, culture or speech. There is a general sense of a more open culture taking root and shape, as seen in the peer media channels, through blogs, vlogs and community forums. I hope that this form of expression will continue to grow and that relevant policies [are] put in place to encourage such expressions.”

Sheryl Quek, 25, writer
“The government’s loosened up CONSIDERABLY over the years. Letting go little by little is definitely the way to go, and in this respect, the government is pretty much on the right track. We’ve got what the rest of the world wishes they had in their country: Low-crime rate, safe streets, an affordable standard of living, a super efficient transport system and trees everywhere you go.”

Favorite events that shoot up the OB Index in 2006

Sexy Accessory

Bring some dazzle to your outfit this party month by hopping onto www.lartichaut.com. The online store stocks some of the most gorgeous accessories from select designers around the world. Some include the talented Disaya Prakobsantisukh from Boudoir and

Erika Pena, who previously worked for Donna Karan and Josie Natori. Be the envy of everyone when you adorn one of the coveted owl gold lockets ($119) by Boudoir or stand out with Pena’s Rossy de Paloma Earrings ($54). Alternatively, you can call 6252-9155 to make an appointment in its showroom at Novena Terrace and view the collection. It’s worth your while.

Time After Time

The latest watch ($169) by Levi’s blends Austin Powers and fuel consumption with its jellybean numbering and speedometer clock face. This psychedelic watch is bold and strategically detailed with rivets and threading. The design is an accessory alone, so time is just an added bonus. In black and white, these babies are available from o.d.m, #09-01, E2Max, Cineleisure, 8 Grange Rd, 6235-8187.

#01-206 Vivocity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9860. Open daily 10am-10pm.

You needn’t be P. Diddy to wear Bling. Modern European inspired pendants, rings and earrings in Asian sizes can be found in this new accessories store at Vivocity. Pretty stones (like rose quartz, tiger eye, onyx, amethyst and white jade) are encased in 925-silver with rhodium plating to achieve that sophisticated look usually found in white gold. “Bling is hip without the hop!” is the slogan for Bling. Want to know why? Check it out for yourself.

#01-24, VivoCity, HabourFront Walk, 6376-9791. Open daily 10am-10pm

Not just another menswear boutique, the first Charles Tyrwhitt store in Asia stocks some of the finest value-for-money business shirts you can find in town. If you think thread counts only apply to bedspreads, think again. The top of the range collection ($279) is made from 100 percent cotton with 180 thread counts. The store resembles a walk-in wardrobe with its built in wooden wardrobes and pigeonhole compartments. Explore other fun Friday shirts or coordinate with other twirly ties and kitschy cufflinks you can find in the store.

Some of the best parties happen on New Year’s Eve. Clubs bring in the best DJs, bars get dolled up, and thousands count down to the New Year excitedly, and are suddenly friends with every stranger within an arm’s vicinity (or more), when the clock strikes 12. For the most happening parties to go to on New Year’s Eve (or an easy way to make friends), check out our list.

Tear Up the Dance Floor

A number of clubs have invited some brilliant DJs to herald in the New Year. The legendary DJ Danny Tenaglia will summon up deck wizardry at Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988) this year. A cult figure in the ’90s, his anthems like “Music Is The Answer” and “Be Yourself” have got punters, even Carl Cox and Deep Dish, moving like the night will never end. And every cool and avid clubber should know Tenaglia is a master in various genres, from tribal to techno, minimal to electro.

And, if you frequent Zouk’s Mambo Jambo nights and Phuture’s Holla with Nervous nights, don’t miss the countdown party at Singapore Expo Hall 6 (1 Expo Dr., 658-8308). Residents are going to play classic retro hits and hip hop grooves.

Not to be outdone, Ministry of Sound (#01-02 Blk. C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6235-2292) has an awesome act lined up too. Breaks ambassador Adam Freeland, who has collaborated with BT, has thrown the genre into the spotlight, and is constantly pushing musical boundaries with his fresh sound. Fans are in for a splendid time as he headlines the party.

Hailing from the infamous Ibiza club Amnesia is Les Schmitz. His sound has elements of house and techno. We advise you to watch out for your socks as he rocks Attica (#01-03 Clarke Quay, 3A River Valley Rd., 6333-9973) on New Year’s Eve. And if you can’t wait for New Year’s Eve to make merry, hit Attica as Dimitri from Paris helms the decks on Dec 29. His house music has brought him to Chanel and Gaultier fashion shows and he has remixed for artists such as Björk and New Order.

If a beach party is your thing, go to the Siloso Beach Party (Sentosa, 1800-736-8672), and listen out for an eclectic assortment of tunes, from funk to latin, hip hop to trance. There will be a foam pool, a beat boxing performance, and MTV VJs Denise and Utt are the hosts for the night.

A Gastronimical and Aural Feast

If you don’t want to dance till you drop, and prefer to chill out to live acts while enjoying good nibbles, these spots may gratify. Jonathan Badon joins resident songbird Michelle Montero at the Atrium Lounge (4/F, Marina Mandarin, Marina Sq., 6 Raffles Blvd., 6845-1111). Badon has been touted as the “Prince of Operatic Pop,” and if you’re looking for a voice to melt your heart this New Year’s Eve, this man definitely makes the cut. There will be finger food and party packs and look out for the balloons which will be freed from the ceiling as midnight arrives too.

For a lavish way to while away your New Year’s Eve, go to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore (1 Fullerton Sq., 6733-8388). Award-winning chefs will prepare a six-course meal to be served right under your nose in The Ballroom, while you down premium champagnes and quality wines. Aussie band Savvy will entertain while you indulge in post-dinner cocktails and apéritifs. And for a sumptous buffet, head to Town Restaurant to enjoy finger lickin’ variety such as risotto with white truffle shavings, foie gras and unlimited beverages before dropping by The Courtyward to catch Aussie girl ensemble Shimmer. The group will be pumping out Billboard hits and popular favorites, ensuring a whopping good time. Oh, balloons will (again) run amok at midnight too.
For fresh oysters, tiger prawns and traditional Japanese noodles, go to The Lobby Court at Shangri-La Hotel (22 Orange Grove Rd., 6737-3644). Seven-piece band SYRA, fronted by Beverly Morata, will be dishing out dance, retro and Top 40s while DJ Glenn Ong play host in this countdown party. At the lounge of Intercontinental Singapore (80 Middle Rd., 6825-1008), savories like canapes will be served as jazz singer Wendolina entertains.

If you’re looking for a laidback spot to hang out at, go to The Pump Room (#01-09/10 Blk. B The Foundry, Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6334-2628) where modern Australian cuisine will be doled out as Jive Talkin’ plays rock, jazz and pop. Timbre (45 Armenian St., 6338-8277), where local bands Timmy and The UnXpected will be delivering rock numbers to woo the crowd on New Year’s Eve, is a good choice too. Or head to Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub @ Orchard (#B1-01/01-06 Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade, 442 Orchard Rd., 6735-0400) to pamper yourself with Irish stew and pop, rock and Top 40s played by local band Blue Jade.

Whether you’re a clubber, a foodie, or a live music enthusiast, various spots have activities lined up to make your night. Gather your mates and hit these countdown parties. It’s only fitting that 2007 should be welcomed with a blast.

Forgotten Resolutions

New Year resolutions are often made in the spur of the moment, but forgotten (very) soon after. As 2007 nears, we ask various resident DJs to tell us about the resolutions they have made (and failed to keep).

Damian Saint (Ministry of Sound): ALWAYS to quit smoking!!! Every year it’s the same one! This year I’m gonna nail it though and stop!

DJ NDC (Loof): To take part and win Singapore Idol. But I didn’t. Reason? I can’t sing...

Daniel Yeo (Attica): First, finishing my production. Second, doing more charity and the third resolution which I didn’t keep is toning my body!

Aldrin (Zouk): I don’t make New Year resolutions so there’s nothing I’ve failed to keep. Life moves too quickly and things can change overnight, so I rather just go with the flow.

Adrian Wee (Powerhouse): To take a crap in a Mercedes cab!

Come Jan 6, and you’ll see energetic and well-liked performer Eason Chan taking to the stage and delivering powerful tunes that span across his approximately 10 year musical career. This man hailing from Hong Kong has coveted numerous awards such as Most Popular Singer and the Grand Media Awards, and his chart-topping hits like “Shall We Talk,” “King of Karaoke Songs,” and “Ambush from Ten Sides” have many howling away in the karaoke rooms.

Earlier this year, Chan put up a series of concerts in Hong Kong entitled Get A Life, and his solo show Live at Shanghai in Nov was well-received. For his coming concert, Eason Chan Live in Singapore 2007, Chan will perform with a live band, with a stronger focus on his music instead of dance moves or stage antics. Music fans will surely be appeased.

The heavyweight has recently released a Cantonese offering What’s Going On…? When talking about it, Chan quips, “The original goal for the album was to have ten Cantonese and 10 Mandarin songs, and was originally called Divided. But What’s Going On…? has 10 Cantonese songs because there was not enough time to release 10 Mandarin and 10 Cantonese by Nov. I should be releasing the Mandarin songs in another album in Apr next year.”

So besides a startling concert in Jan, fans can look forward to another album by Chan next year. No doubt, as this versatile performer, who can play a wide assortment of musical instruments such as the piano, guitar, violin, harmonica and trumpet, has won admirers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and China with his talent and rich voice. And his forthcoming projects may just garner him more recognition.

Hard Rock Café

424/3-6 Siam Square Soi 11, 02-251-0797. BTS Siam. Open daily 11-2am.
The long running internationally branded bar and restaurant plays disco and rock tunes on all three floors. American music, beer and food (in American sized portions) also available.

Re-Feel

21/18-21, Block B, Royal City Avenue, Rama 9 Rd., 02-664-6459/60. Open daily, 6pm-2am.
The ground floor and mezzanine offer timeless Thai and international hits, spun by in-house DJs or faithfully covered by live bands. Dance on the second floor or chill in the small but fully equipped third floor.

Roadhouse Barbeque

942/1-4 Rama 4 Rd., on the corner of Suriyawongse Rd., 02-236-8010. Open daily noon-1am. MRT Silom.
www.roadhousebarbeque.com.
Roadhouse BBQ borrows a host of American bar traditions, including a “throw your peanut shells on the floor” rule, killer Buffalo wings, and pool and foosball tables on the third floor.

Maybe you’ve been there too—that moment when you think the dry cleaner has shrunk half of your wardrobe in a terrible steam-pressing accident, causing your legs to no longer fit into your pants. A trip on the Sky Train is scrapped because going up those stairs seems far too much like hard work. And your two new boyfriends are named Ben and Jerry.

The solution: get fit, fast. But if you want to keep prying eyes off your cottage cheese thighs at the gym and your brain from inventing myriad excuses for you to stay at home (“the latest Entourage episode comes on in 85 minutes!”), there is only one solution: A four- to six-week long program called “Boot Camp” dedicated to making you and your fat miserable.

For three days a week at Lumpini Park and at around B10,000 a month, commitment is usually not a problem—even in the face of 6am starts and far-too-cheery motivational chatter before the first coffee of the day. Since exercises during the 60-minute sessions (ranging from hill sprints to innocuous-looking stretchy band things that are actually the devil) are time-oriented rather than result-oriented, people can feel free to work at their own pace. Goals include a higher heart rate, improved flexibility, lower body fat, and better confidence once your time is up. And if you feel dissatisfied with your experience, there’s even a money-back guarantee.

Be serious and be prepared: Boot Camp rewards the hard working and is only open to people who are committed to trying all of the exercises, even those murderous suicide drills. Cringing moments during the sessions (aside from crying like a girl during pull-ups and tripping over your jump rope) include the shout-out of how many calories you’ve expended at the end of the sessions. Women, on average, use up about 400-800 calories in a one-hour session, while men can go from 600-1,000. And if you’re looking to snag a cute, fit mate during the Camp, you will be sorely disappointed—most people are really into getting fit and you won’t be in any condition to lure anything other than flies. “We can be selective about who we work with, because we take our job seriously,” says Daniel Remon, head of Fitcorp, the company running Boot Camp.

Sick of the snarky skinny girls by the drinks machine at your gym? Tired of knowing the names of all the contestants on America’s Next Top Model? Think you’re up to the Boot Camp challenge? To sign up, contact Remon at 02-656-8828/-30 or email [email protected].

So it’s that time of the year again to reflect on the year’s past happenings, count our blessings and, let’s get real here, pray for all the things that we want and don’t have. And, because we love this idiosyncratic and charming city of ours, we really do, we’ve put together our Christmas wish list for what we want for Singapore in the next year that will improve our quality of life—some more life-altering and serious than others. Wish us luck.

This Christmas, we wish for...

1. More public holidays.

2. A less stressful life.

3. A four-day work week.

4. Speeding bullet trains for MRTs. That way we can all get to work on time (if at all).

5. More Singaporeans who know how to play more and work less.

6. Things to happen spontaneously for a change, rather than through a committee, policy or board.

7. Our sweaty, hot little island to be moved several degrees north of the equator, so that we can finally have seasons (and more holidays!).

8. If that’s not possible, move us out further into the open sea so we can have clearer waters and real beaches.

9. More budget airlines so we can go on more holidays.

10. Satellite towns on surrounding islands so there are more places to go to during weekends (and have a holiday!).

11. More sex between couples so we can move up in the world’s sex ranking and be Number One in something that really matters (as opposed to SMS-ing).

12. Another Haji Lane—that’s the closest we’ll ever get to having a cool and funky neighborhood.

13. More smoking areas in alfresco restaurants, since we’ve been inhaling so much of the haze anyway.

14. More theater people in politics—they might as well put all that talking to good use.

15. More appreciation for our local sound artists, since they make cooler white noise than our local opposition parties.

16. More provocative and sexier TV Shows like nip/tuck.

17. An alternative art space dedicated solely to edgy contemporary artworks after the success of the Singapore Biennale.

18. More educated punters who actually care and know about the different genres of music, instead of rushing to see the next big international guest DJ.

19. Another season of Singapore Idol. It’s beyond a doubt the easiest thing in our culture to make fun of, and it makes bus rides that much more fun.

20. Borat to be screened completely uncut.

21. Restaurants that can come up with a new signature dessert that’s not just another warm valhrona chocolate cake.

22. Service staff who would actually benefit from service charges.

23. GST to stop going up.

24. Less pesky shoppers and roadshows at Orchard Road during the weekend.

25. Less pesky flyer distributors at every level of Sim Lim Square or Peranakan Place during the weekend.

26. More taxi drivers who actually know where the Expo and ECP are.

27. More cars in the opposite lanes that will flash their headlights to warn us of traffic police looming ahead like they do on Malaysian highways.

28. Seat belt laws that would actually make more sense. Why don’t lorry passengers have to wear them too?

29. No capital punishment.

30. Peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind. Failing that, how about the latest Porsche?

Fans of luxury bags will not want to miss the latest edition by fashion house Loewe. Its napa.aire, already creating a buzz in the scene, is one of the most stylish lazy bags we’ve seen in recent memory. There are no rings, no buckles—just plenty of room to store your wallet, handphone and make-up kit, as the bag takes the shape of your contents, literally. Oh, and coupled with cool clasps, made with one hundred percent nappa and a choice of 14 colors to choose from (we like the silver star and black), this is a must-have for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the fashion curve.