MASH-UP

Made for: Guys and girls 

Shaf, Daniela and Nat are MASH-UP. MASH-UP is an independent, offbeat street-wear label inspired by everything from ethnic heritage and
pop culture to cinematography. The brainchild of LASALLE College of the Arts fashion graduates Daniela Monasterios Tan, Nathanael Ng and Shaf Amis’aabudin, MASH-UP is a manifestation of their common love for music, partying and fashion.

They produce clothing and accessories that incorporate recycled materials and do-it-yourself craft techniques such as embroidery and beading in neon colours, to yield products that are unusual and fun.

A mash-up is a fairly new term used in music and it perfectly describes what we are about. They are
interested in bringing new meanings to old things, physically and metaphorically. For example, they
use old garments that already have their own history and function, and by using “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY)
craft techniques like embroidery, they are able to create a new use for them. Nothing is original, everything that exists and has been invented can be mashed up together to create a new story.

The hit to your wallet: From $39 for a necklace to $269 for a jacket.

Why we love MASH-UP:

The eye-catching prints and spunky colours look fresh in the light of the drab palette of depression-dressing so commonly seen on the streets today. The tongue-in-cheek details are also reminiscent of the eccentricity pioneered by the likes of Jeremy Scott and Henry Holland.

Website: http://www.mashupcollective.com/

* Images courtesy of MASH-UP
 

With the advent of coffee culture and the proliferation of cafés such as the almighty Starbucks and the specialty coffeehouses tucked away in the backstreets of Singapore, coffee addicts and casual drinkers alike have much to rejoice about. The ebb and flow of the waves of coffee culture has led us to the fourth wavefront, which begets nascent independent roasters and slow bar cafes to satiate the local burgeoning interest in gourmet coffee. Thus, coffee is now not only just regarded as a simple caffeinated beverage for the bread and butter man, but also as an art form; an experience and a lifestyle to be appreciated through the various senses and to be shared with like-minded people.

The rapid propagation of coffee culture is also evident in the increasing prevalence of do-it-yourself solutions, what with the typical coffeemaker, the push-of-a-button capsule machines, and the teabag-inspired coffeebags from renowned coffee labels. However, criticism towards the flavour and the quality of the products of these methods has led some to adopt a more epicurean approach to making espresso at home or at the office; the home barista.

The home barista set-up consists of the grinder, which grinds the coffee beans to a powder, and the espresso machine itself, which consists of various parts and accessories. Such a set-up is preferred due to the control over the degree of extraction and milk-steaming, essential in all the latte masterpieces bestrewing the interwebs. This combo may seem bulky and anachronistic to some, especially when compared to a sleek and chic little designer coffeemaker on your countertop. However, if you relish a well-extracted cup of gourmet espresso done the authentic good ol’fashioned way, or if you intend to impress your guests with amazing latte art, then the home barista is the way to go. As the saying goes, “A machine is only as good as the sum of its (many)parts.”

If you want your friends to think you own an Italian café right in your kitchen, or if you want to amaze them with your knowledge like a coffee virtuoso, then the Coffee Appreciation and Home Barista course conducted by TransZ Coffee will be right up your alley. Established in 2006, TransZ Coffee is a Singapore-based coffee company offering one-stop coffee solutions, including the purveyance of quality coffee beans, coffee machines, and services such as machine maintenance and barista training. Recently, the good folks over at TransZ Coffee came up with this interactive and intimate home barista course to educate the total novice on what makes a good espresso, and more importantly, how to make one!

The 3-hour course begins with an introductory theory lesson on the process of making coffee. As this course was designed for absolute beginners in mind, we started with the basics; the different types of beans, the processing, the roasting, and the different roast stages(from raw beans to the dark French roast). Then, we utilized our various senses to identify a well-extracted cup of espresso by examining how it looks(the shade of its crema), its taste profile(the intensity of its flavour), and the factors affecting the extraction. Thirdly, we touched on the history of espresso machines and their automation, and the parts and tools of the home barista set-up. Even as the technical terms started to pile up, it was in no way confusing nor yawn-inducing as the interactive session provided lots of opportunities to clarify any doubts with the trainer. Of course, as a good machine can only do so little without a good barista, we finally proceeded to cover the theoretical aspects of espresso making before we get down to the hands-on action.

The practical session was a true eye-opener; never would I have thought of the intricacies involved in the process of making a cup of espresso. Every single minute detail of every single step makes the difference towards either ending up with a delicious well-extracted paragon, or a mediocre over-extracted blunder. From the fineness of the coffee powder in the grinding process, to the precise amount of force needed in the tamping(compressing) of the powder, down to observing the flow in extraction and temperature required for milk texturing, each factor is deliberated with much scrupulous attention to detail. Due to the low trainer-to-student ratio(maximum of 1:5), a newbie will no doubt be able to obtain much personal assistance from the trainer to produce a decent cup of espresso with the right amount of crema and milk foam.

As my helpful barista-turned-trainer, Mr Richard Cahyanto, told me as he was performing his latte masterpiece, rather than being a dead-end job, a professional barista is actually a specialist line which requires much effort and experience before mastery of the craft. However, you need not have barista ambitions to handle the home barista set-up with finesse. Bear in mind though that espresso, the focus of this course, is only one facet of coffee, as the world of coffee is vast and wide, populated by the likes of drips, siphons, pour overs, etc.

Lessons are usually conducted once a month at their office at Paya Ubi Industrial Park, churches, and community centres with a low 1:5 trainer-to-student ratio to ensure a personal interactive experience. The $200nett course fee includes all course materials, coffee beans, milk, and the use of the machines. Aspiring coffee geeks may visit their Facebook page or their website, both listed below, for more information. Interested individuals may also contact them directly at jolin@transz-coffee.com for sign up details.

Website: http://www.transz-coffee.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/transzcoffee/
Contact: 68412829

Text by: Choy Jing Hui
Images by: Choy Jing Hui and TransZ Coffee

Long live British rock!
And that was the phrase racing through most of our minds after catching Carl Barat along with members of The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things at Homeclub last weekend. Famously known as the Pete Doherty’s mic-sharing sidekick and co-frontman in The Libertines, Carl Barat proved to us why he is also every bit of a rockstar like his former bandmate when he gave the audience an astounding 1 hour performance of british indie rock and a taste of his signature stage presence charisma that melted most hearts(both female and male fans!) like heatwaves through the club.

Kicking off the show with a popular tune from Dirty Pretty Thing’s first album “Waterloo to Anywhere”, the crowd immediately started cheering and burst into a dancing frenzy when they heard the punchy first few guitar riffs of “Bang Bang You’re Dead”. Witnessing a song that I use to hum to, on my way to see friends for a night of indie rock disco,  live was absolutely gratifying and I was instantly trapped under Carl Barat’s smoking gaze as he serenaded the crowd with songs from Dirty Pretty Things and his solo project.

Halfway through the set, members of The Libertines and Dirty Pretty Things left and Carl took the stage by himself. Just when we stopped hoping for something more out of the show, Carl surprised us all by playing an acoustic rendition of The Libertines’s “What Katie Did”, a song written by Pete Doherty about his excessive drug use after his breakup with former girlfriend, Katie Lewis. This song is famous for it’s infectious singalong which goes “Shoop Shoop Shoop delang-a-lang”, making it a signature Libertines hit. Judging from the roar from the audience when Carl was playing this song,  it was clearly the crowd’s favourite. And did you know that “Shoop Shoop Shoop delang-a-lang” was a replacement for the line “Shoot shoot shoot the line-a-line”?

The night escalated quickly into a british rock anthem show as Carl Barat and the boys belted out more hits from Dirty Pretty Things and The Libertines. Much to the ladies delight, he removed his shirt towards the end of the show, making his significant “Libertine” tattoo on his right arm visible to the audience. This tattoo was clearly shown on The Libertines self-titled album which shows an image of Barat and Doherty reunited on the latter’s release from prison during “Freedom Gig” in 2003. This album cover was named one of the most influential album covers of 2000s by NME. The boys also showed us their funny side by pretending to leave the stage down a flight of stairs before the encore but in actual fact, they were hiding behind Homeclub’s DJ console. I loved how Carl Barat and Anthony Rossomando shared the mic during “Don’t Look Back Into The Sun” during the encore, clearly reminding me of Carl’s onstage chemistry/bromance with Pete Doherty.

Overall, most of us enjoyed the show thoroughly and it was one of Homeclub’s best nights but hey, wouldn’t hurt for Carl Barat to throw more of  old Libertines tunes such as “Can’t Stand Me Now” and ending the show with “Music When The Lights Go Out”  would have been more ideal for me.

Text by: Erin Riduan
Images by: Trisno Dimas

Remember those days in early 2000s listening to loud rock music, with your entire body pumping with teen angst? You are always decked out in band tee-shirts, jeans and highcut chucks at the latest rock gig during the weekends and your mp3 player definitely  had a mix of songs from bands such as My Chemical Romance, Funeral For a Friend , Brand New and The Get Up Kids.

Well your prayers to catch any of these alternative rock heroes have been answered! Brought to you by the folks at Live! Empire, Utah-based rock quartet The Used will be making their first live appearance in Singapore on 18th May at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel. The band has included Singapore as their Asian pitstop in their “Vulnerable” tour to promote their fifth album of the same name.

The band rose to fame in 2002 with their self-titled first album, which was commercially successful, with hits such as “A Box Full of Sharp Objects” and “The Taste of Ink”. In 2004, they released “In Love and Death” which in my opinion, is the best album they have produced so far. The title of the songs and the music produced in this album is also a reference to the tragic events that surrounded Bert during the album’s production, particularly the death of his pregnant girlfriend.

Be sure to catch The Used as they rock The Coliseum at Hard Rock Hotel Singapore and expect a night of loud thumping screamo music fromt Bert Mccracken and gang! And don’t forget to wear your old The Used tee shirt to the show!

Tickets are at $79 (Early Bird), $98 (Standard) & $110 (At the Door)
You can also get your tickets here: https://tickets.eventclique.com/liveempire.

Text by: Erin Riduan
*Images courtesy of Live! Empire

All photographs provided by Steph Chan.

Team Credits:
Styling and Photography by: Bobbi Rose
Makeup by: Emily Cussens
Hair by: Nicole Christina Iroh
Modeling by: Gemma Huh

“I’m like Photoshop, I see my life in layers”, I shared with a good friend.

For those familiar with Adobe Photoshop, the design elements are separated and blended through layers. Each layer can carry text, vectors, photos, colours, shapes and they can be blended in different modes for the desired effect. Likewise, life is made up of different layers, combining to form a work of art.

This jogs my memory of an interview I had with Janet Ayliffe, an Australian artist who had grew up in Kangaroo Island, a quiet and understated island. On my visit to this beautiful island, I was captured by its simplicity, unpretentiousness and wild beauty.  This island, seven times the size of Singapore, houses only approximately 4,400 people.

One day, I stumbled into an art gallery called “Fine Art Kangaroo Island”, opened by a couple, Fred and Fleurs Peters. Surrounded by such natural beauty, it was no surprise that the running themes are all around nature. You’ll see the Australian Pelican tastefully expressed through sculptures and paintings. You’ll see sea creatures beautifully crafted as jewelry. Fred himself was a silversmith. But what caught my eye was a set of artworks that were intricately layered. Each element, be it water coloured animals or handwritten prose, were carefully woven together to create a collage that drew me in.

These were the works of Janet Ayliffe, a print artist, painter and printmaker for more than 20 years. I was so enamoured by her gentle and personal expressions that I asked Fred if I could contact her. Thankfully, I managed to speak with her and here are excerpts from of our conversation:

On Inspiration

Human nature is not one dimensional and entirely straightforward. We think in different layers and layer them over each other. Likewise, in my work, I layer various elements like animals, birds, flora and fauna, writings from my journals, with historical maps and records. I am interested in the ‘why’ and I want to honour people who have gone before me.

On Technique

I was one of earlier ones who have experimented with etching techniques. With Dan Welden and Pauline Muir, I had pioneered solar plate (Photopolymer) etching techniques as well as multiple plate work. These techniques allow for great detail and definition. Each plate is hand coloured.

On Art

Art is an expression of our lives and happens in different mediums. It is shaped by our circumstances.

I’ve been pondering over Erwin McManus’s words: “Life is a creative act. We are all artisans when it comes to life itself. We are a part of a creative process that brings to the world something beautiful, good and true.”

As I grow older, I feel a greater desire to make my life to count, to add colour and create beauty everyday. I want to weave the layers of my life together, bravely facing the layers of disappointment + challenges, freely celebrating the layers of successes + joys and creatively blending them with the ordinary + mundane… so that my life, can be a piece of Art.

Text by: Jael Chng
*Images courtesy of Janet Ayliffe
 

Polish Director Jan Komasa’s third feature length film, Suicide Room, combines two elements prevalent in present day teenage society—the obsession with suicide and the Internet. Dominik Santorski (Jakub Gierszal) is a high school boy who seeks solace online after an incredibly embarrassing incident with a classmate goes viral and causes him to become a subject of public ridicule. He meets Sylwia (Roma Gąsiorowska), a girl fixated on suicide, through the comments section of a self-harm video she had posted, and they grow closer through long webchats and time spent together in a place called ‘Suicide Room’ of a 3D social network. As the two bond, Dominik begins to neglect the other aspects of his life and remains locked up in his room to be with her. When his often absent parents finally take notice of their son’s erratic behaviour, their love is challenged by the prospect of his gradual descent into madness.

The film effectively captures the essence of a teenager’s struggles in a society where the Internet is as harmful as it is useful. There is a rawness that enriches its genuineness, where Gierszal manages to submerge the audience into his world as it violently spins out of control, and the line between the virtual world (represented by 3D animation) and reality begins to blur. Dominik’s story brings us on a journey of self-doubt and moral questioning when under peer pressure, showing us the adverse effects of someone who is unfortunately connected to people by broken and abnormal ties.

Komasa also manages to tackle a spectrum of societal issues. Suicide and self-harm is shown to be fetishised by the characters in the film—individuals fawn over the concept of death by one’s own hands despite eternally hesitating to do so. The idea of social stigma present through mental illness is also explored, where Dominik’s wealthy high society parents are somewhat ashamed of his depression. They see this as a poor reflection of themselves as parents who are burdened with the responsibility of raising their child to be a person comprised of academic achievements. Though the themes are presented in a very forthright manner, it remains tasteful and true to is message.

However, there are moments where the film leaves pockets of time unfilled and the jump between significant turning points is rather jarring. Intentional or not, it does add a layer to the sense of loss of a right mind, but can also cause an emotional disconnection from the audience.

Suicide Room is definitely a controversial piece of work, from its messages to its medium, visually and thematically confronting viewers to adapt as it slowly manifests to be something of great thought value. It is upheld by the stellar performances by its talented cast and its imaginative animated scenes.
 
 

 
Text by: Jillian Tan
*Images courtesy of EUFF 2013

“Oh, what became of the likely lads? What became of the dreams we had?”
Well hold that thought because your dreams are about to become reality, readers! As part of Symmetry Entertainment’s “Before Sunrise” live performances series, Carl Barat  and members of Dirty Pretty Things and The Libertines are stopping over for a one night only show at Homeclub this weekend!

Known for being the lead guitarist and co-frontman of The Libertines,  his onstage chemistry with Pete Doherty of mic-sharing & play-fighting during The Libertines shows and the more gentlemanly of the duo, Carl Barat is deemed as the most successful as he is the only member that has released a solo album after departing ways from the band and his post-Libertines band, Dirty Pretty Things. He has also written most of songs on the albums for both bands.

Charming, charismatic and recently dubbed as one of England’s classic British songwriters, Carl Barat has once again ready to perform with announcing tour dates in the UK, with HongKong and Singapore as their Asian pitstops!

Be sure to catch Carl Barat this weekend for some good old British rock and relive his legacy of being part of one of the most influential British rock band in 2000s! We can’t hardly wait!

Text by: Erin Riduan
*Images courtesy of Symmetry Entertainment

Hotel Re! transports guests to the mesmerzing charm of the 60′s & 70′s with its uniquely designed modern retro theme. Decked with cool furnishings complemented with ultra modern technology, you will find that this one-of-a-kind hotel surprises you from the very beginning as you walk through the lobby,.

Each floor is designed to a specific colour theme and the accompanying and carefully chosen furniture reflects this. This well designed hotel is an attraction to both the young and old. A random fact of the building: it was once a local primary school. Who knew that a primary school building could be transformed into one of the most unique concept hotels in Singapore?

Rooms available: 140

The hit to your wallet: $178++ to $568++/per night

Why we love Hotel Re!:
We love how rooms in this hotel screams “FUNKY!” as they reflect the iconic pop culture of the 60′s and the 70′s through their amazing  wall-papered walls and the modern retro furniture!

Location & Opening hours:

175A Chin Swee Road
Singapore 169879

Contact Number: +65 6827 8288

Website: http://www.hotelre.com.sg/

If you’re an ardent fan of films directed by acclaimed British film-maker Danny Boyle – like The Beach (2000), Slumdog Millionaire (2008) and 127 Hours (2010) – you’d be expecting his new work, Trance (Rated: M18, 101 minutes), to be delivered with his brand of stylistic visual flair, aided by, of course, a strong presence of music.

While style is in abundance here, substance is, however, impaired at several junctures. To start off, the story premise itself, written by Joe Ahearne (director of Doctor Who TV series) and John Hodge (Trainspotting), holds much promise: A gang led by Franck (Vincent Cassel) attempts to steal a multi-million-dollar Goya masterpiece during an auction. But while celebrating the success of the heist, Franck discovers that the prized painting is missing from the document bag in their possession.

A staff at the auction house, Simon (James McAvoy), is the “inside man” who helped make the heist possible; he is now suspected of betraying his accomplices. The problem is that he suffers memory loss after a concussion received during the robbery, so the location of the missing Goya remains locked up, out of reach, within his mind.

Enters Elizabeth (Rosario Dawson), a beautiful hypnotherapist who tries to help Simon remember what his co-conspirators so desperately want him to recall. Thanks to Dawson’s whole-hearted performance – not to mention her full-frontal nudity onscreen – her character is the most enigmatic, begging this question from the audience: Could she be the smartest person in the film manipulating everyone else’s mind?

Boyle ensures tight pacing in this very entertaining psychological crime thriller, as the audience is held spellbound by the many twists and turns in the plot. Trying to guess where the real truth lies, or what’s going to happen next, is part of the fun. But some scenes feel awkward – with lead characters falling in love (and into bed) a little too hastily and unconvincingly. There are also scenes where loud music becomes obtrusive rather than complementary.

Definitely, there are times when this mind-bending trip feels like it comes straight out of the Nolanseque world of Inception (2010). It’s a pity that it doesn’t even quite rank among Boyle’s best offerings – a few tweaks to the plot could have made all the difference for a much more satisfying experience. Despite the flaws, there are still some key dramatic scenes searing with so much tension and intensity that they might just be the ones left lodged within your memory – rather than the film as a whole.

Text by: Dexter Yong
*Images sourced from Google Images
 

Come evening when the sun has set, relax with a glass of wine amidst a surrounding of either simple clean cut furniture on the first floor, or an eclectic interior on the second floor.

The hit to your wallet: From $12.90 for a plate of Eggs Benedict and $14.90 for a Big Breakfast set.

Why we love L’etoile Cafe:
A delightful place to chillout and unwind with friends over their scrumptious and affordable all day brunch menu! We also love how the place is cleverly furnished with vintage and modern furniture, giving L’etoile Cafe a whimsical vibe!

Location & Opening hours: 

160 Owen Road, Singapore 218953

Contact Number:  +65 6298 2872

Website : http://www.letoile.com.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/letoilesg
 

Now where do I begin about The Radio Dept’s one night only show at TAB last week.
Being a huge fan of the Swedish dreampop trio, I was ecstatic when I heard the news that the band was returning to Singapore and would be playing songs from their last album, Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010.  I caught their first show in Singapore at Zouk in 2010 and although they played many songs from my favourite Radio Dept albums, I felt that the show was disappointingly too short. The time we waited for the band to start was equivalent to the duration of the show. Hence, I was really looking forward to the show at TAB.

Leisurely getting on stage after fans waited patiently for 30 minutes for the band’s arrival, The Radio Dept opened the show with my personal favourite “Always A Relief”  from their 2006 album.  The serenity of the guitar riffs in the introduction of the song mixed with the tranquility of Johan Duncanson’s voice soothe the hearts of many fans who were immediately drifted into a delirium of blissful shoegazing. The mood on the stage was at minimal with only red spotlight shined on the band members, hence most in the audience only saw the band’s silhouettes, and a great deal of smoke from the smoke machine boosted up the dreampop experience for fans.

The setlist for the show was refreshing as the band rotated between new and old songs from various albums. The Radio Dept went from  introducing their new single “Good Cop, Gay Cop”, to playing old favourites such as “I Wanted You To Feel The Same” and “Heaven’s On Fire”. Did I also mention that I was on the brink of tears when the outro of “A Token Of Gratitude” was playing?

We noticed that a new female member(who kicked ass!) was introduced on guitars and  Daniel Tjäder was not present at the show. I overheard some fans, who were seeing them for the first time, discussing in between songs about how they were put off with how the band hardly interacted with the crowd. To be honest, I think Johan and crew are just humbly shy and in my opinion, their dreamy music definitely makes up for the lack of crowd interaction hands down!

The Radio Dept closed the show with “David” from their 2010 album, Clinging On A Scheme, ending a few minutes before 10pm with no encore despite the constant cheers from fans for the next 15 minutes. Honestly, although I expected that there would not be an encore(same thing happened in the 2010 show), it was sad watching the hopeful faces of fans who were slightly crushed with disappointment.

Strange things did not happen at this show. The Radio Dept broke my heart, twice.
I have concluded that the band probably love making brilliant music more than performing them. Nevertheless, The Radio Dept forever remains in my heart as the band who performs the soundtrack of my life. Hopefully their 3rd show here in future will be gratifying, instead of leaving fans in a state of “Pet Grief”.

Text by: Erin Riduan
Images by: Trisno Dimas

After sundown, Jemma el Fna clutters with an array of food stalls and tables selling traditional Moroccan plates such as Tagine and cous cous and dessert carts selling an assortment of  colored doughs and sweets. As the stars start to come out and the diners start to head home, the square transforms into a music venue for emerging Moroccan bands to jam. The music is tantric and uncontrolled, drum beats mix with sitar strings to form a sweet cacophony, as the locals clap and beat their feet upon the cobblestones, dancing the night away.
 
 


 

Text & Images by: Steph Chan
 

The film starts out with Val, played by the charming Al Pacino, getting out of prison after being sentenced for 28 years. Upon his release, Val is reunited with his best friend and partner in crime, Doc (Christopher Walken), who has a daunting task ahead of him. Doc is made to murder Val by mobster boss, Claphands (Mark Margolis), by 10am the next day.

After Val confronts Doc about what his future has in store for him, Val takes the news surprisingly well and intends to make the most of his last day on Earth. The film basically follows the pair as they go on their little adventures. From visiting a whorehouse to raiding a pharmacy to get Viagra and then to rescuing their friend, Hirsch (Alan Arkin) from a nursing home, Doc tries to give Val all he ever wanted before time is up.

I have to say, the on-screen chemistry between Pacino, Walken and Arkin is insanely amazing. Pacino, as usual, steals the show and garners all the attention. Walken, on the other hand, is completely comfortable being in the background and starring out into space with his signature deadpan expression. Although Arkin doesn’t appear for long in the movie, his presence is felt when he was made to drive the gang to safety in a stolen car as the police was chasing them. Basically, to me, the trio worked well together and gave the film that 70s sort of humour that only people of that age could possibly interject. Brilliant, really.

Initially, the film starts out a little slow and it was hard to grasp what was happening. But after about 45 minutes, the plot became clearer and it was a joy to watch these sexagenarians take the reins. I quite like how the film also combined some heartwarming moments, as the aloof Doc shows tinges of emotions towards the end of the film where he leaves some cash for his granddaughter, Alex.

 
 
Overall, I was satisfied as I walked out of the movie theater. The dialogue that goes on in the movie might not have been great and some of the jokes were a bit overused (watch the scene where they steal the car, you might get what I mean) but the film really left an impact on me. I suppose that is what every director aims to achieve with his/her film.
 
 
 
 
 

Text by: Atika Lim
*Images sourced from Google Images

Helen Benigson is a British artist whose work takes the form of performance, video installation, light-boxes, printmaking, text and a series of collaborations. Benigson takes the performance name ‘Princess Belsize Dollar’ in which she embodies the alter-ego of a rapper and singer. Benigson addresses art with an aesthetic and conceptual approach that identifies with the body’s anatomy and biology via cyberspace. Her concerns with such themes are produced within psychedelic imagery, saturated in color to produce a kaleidoscopic digital vortex. With a great emphasis on visually alluring and erotic imagery, combined with feminine and often political themes, Benigson’s art creates a magical feast for the eyes and mind. Benigson dissolves the physical boundaries between the real world and the cyber world whilst simultaneously merging the activity of producer, performer and spectator.

In addition to an impressive educational background, with an MA and BA from the Slade School of Fine Art and an Art Foundation from Central St Martins College of Art and Design, Benigson has received countless awards and also participated in many residencies.  In addition her work has been exhibited internationally in solo and group exhibitions, including a solo show at the James Hockey and Foyer Galleries, Farnham and the Irma Stern Museum, Cape Town. She also performed at Frieze Art Fair and was included in an exhibition at Flat Time House, ROLLO Contemporary Art and at the Ace Gallery, Los Angeles. Currently, Benigson is included in the acclaimed video exhibition Videonale.14 at the Kunst Museum, Bonn, Germany.

Benigson has been featured in British Vogue Magazine and was commissioned to make customized chairs for the Adidas head office in London. Benigson has recently re-launced her new website, that is intended to appear as an art piece in itself, combining her areas of interest via a series of layers that overlap visual, conceptual and audio properties.

Benigson shoot for Adidas

To what extent has the fashion world culture influenced your art?

I love fashion and am constantly looking at trends and market patterns to inspire my art. I love going to different stores around the world and drawing inspiration for new work, as well as looking at prints and patters in clothing and accessories.

Do you plan to incorporate current affairs and politics in future projects?

It is always important for me to include current streams of politics and contemporary issues in my practice and to transform my ideas about these into something visual – to make a statement about the world through text, images and sound. I am really interested in global warming and the impact of human beings on the welfare of the planet and nature. I am also really interested in women’s issues and rights on a global level.

Would your interest in video ever lead you to movie making?

I would love to make a longer moving image work that could be seen in cinemas. I think the boundaries between video art and mainstream cinema are super fascinating.

Print

Do you see yourself creating more alter-ego’s?

I have just filmed a new music video for Princess Belsize Dollar and am really loving rapping and performing at the moment, so I don’t think I will be making another alter-ego any time soon !
 
Who are your idols/ people you most admire and why?

I am very lucky to be surrounded by many successful, powerful, inspiration women: from my mother who is a constant source of light and love, to my wonderful aunts and amazing friends. I am also inspired by the artist Irma Stern, who was a painter living in South Africa and who’s house still remains as a museum.

What’s your favourite iphone app and why?

I am really enjoying the “Videonale.14” app, which is the app for the exhibition I am currently in, at the Kunst Museum, Germany. One can download this free app, and enjoy the exhibition from anywhere in the world – by looking at each artwork included in the exhibition, as well as artists’ interviews and images. You can also vote for your favorite artwork for The Audience Award.

My other favourite app at the moment is Instagram, because I love sharing photos instantly and I love looking at what other people are posting too!

Benigson in British Vogue Magazine

 
 
 
 
 
 
Text by:Alexandra Unterhalter
*Images sourced from Google Images
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Ana Boutique

Featuring a great mix of established and emerging Australian and International brands including Fleur Wood, Little Joe Women, Zimmermann, Manning Cartell, Tato & Memi, Rodeo Show, Lee Mathews, Dinosaur Designs and so many more.

Along with styling services, personal shopping and in store events, Ana Boutique is fast becoming a Singapore fashion mecca for expat women. At Ana you will find luxurious clothing – wearable pieces made with only beautiful fabrics, textures and details. The labels we source are hard -to-find, one-of-a-kind but mostly importantly suitable for our sweltering weather.

The hit to your wallet: Stylish pieces from $149 to $259

Why we love Ana Boutique:
We are spoilt with endless choices in this boutique; from hard-to-find labels to an eclectic yet poised fashionable pieces!

Location & Opening Hours:

86 Club St
Singapore 096454

Monday-Friday: 10:00am till late
Saturday: 11.00am – 7.00pm
Sunday: Appointment only

Telephone: +65 6221 2897

Website: http://www.anaboutiques.com

*Photographs taken with permission from Ana Boutique
 
 
 

YUMUMU

Made for: Females

Designed by Lu Yilin, Yumumu is a womenswear brand that projects an unwavering image of modernity in an understated, yet distinct style. The brand is best known for its geometric emphasis and collaged fabrication.

Fusing influences from global cultures and contemporary art, Yumumu takes pride in its artisanal approach to the creation of every garment, establishing a fine balance between precision and imagination.

The hit to your wallet: $129 – $199 (tops) & $299 – $369 (dresses)

Why we love Yumumu:
We love that it’s minimalistic, but we wouldn’t call it simple. It’s slightly edgy with a subtle boldness.

Website: http://www.yumumu.com

*Images courtesy of Yumumu 
 
 
 

Model: Cenit Nadir @ Element Models
Hair: Chris Feliciano
Clothing: Verigaona Boutique.
Stylist: Veronica Garcia-Gaona Pagan

Introducing MTV’s newest VJ, Hanli!
This dark-haired beauty is all about adventure and up for anything that sounds fun. Born and raised in Singapore, Hanli caught the attention of the producers during the auditions of MTV’s search for a new host, with her fresh face and winning smile. Despite her busy schedule, she managed to squeeze in an interview with us!

Hi Hanli! How has life changed since you are an MTV VJ now?

Life is busier, that’s for sure! Everything I’ve been doing with MTV is all new and exciting. I’m always learning new things about what goes on behind the scenes and it’s so fascinating. The recent Laneway Festival was the first time I was backstage and seeing the chaos of how a festival was run was interesting. Plus I got to interview a few bands! It was my first interview ever. I talked with The Divine Fits, Kimbra and Real Estate.

Also I’ve been interviewed by various press members. This is all new to me, it’s not only been a wonderful learning experience being on both sides of the camera, but everyone has been very welcoming and helping me ease into each interaction.

How did it struck you when you realized you are a public figure now?

It was quite surreal to begin with, but I feel so grateful that I have this platform. We’ve all daydreamed when we were children what it would be like, and so to experience it first-hand now is crazy awesome!

I had a message from a fan the other day and it was the first message that I ever received and it was really touching to hear some feedback from the people I try to reach out to. It was a very sweet message from a girl from Malaysia, telling me how she wants to be on MTV one day and asking me for tips on how to make it and what to do to get her dream.  It made me realize the potential of what one can do with a platform like MTV, so I told her never to give up if it’s her dream.

Recently, you interviewed the band and artists at Laneway Festival 2013. How did that go?

It was amazing! I was a little nervous because it was my first interview ever, but all the bands I met and talked to were super down to earth and friendly. I feel their personalities complimented the indie genre, and their music was incredibly cool and real.

Their fashion sense was really interesting and alternative too. Policia’s lead singer had this one piece romper with a fascinating water painted psychedelic design. It was a great learning experience and given that it’s my first, I’ll never forget it.

It was really intriguing to be behind the scenes of such a major festival. Kimbra was amazing and truly blew me away with her stage presence. We met after her performance for an interview. She was incredibly down to earth, rather shy at times and yet on stage she was so powerful!

Name a band/artist you are looking forward to meet and interview in future?

I feel it would be amazing to meet the pop icons of this generation. People like Lady Gaga or Nicki Minaj are making such a social influence so I think that would be a real dream to meet them. Specifically, I think interviewing Adele would be something truly amazing. She is a beacon of talent and wholesomeness. I’ve been a fan of hers since her first single and her voice and lyrics are just incredibly relatable and powerful. She is someone whom I feel will last forever in the world of music. Her style is so elegant and she’s always incredibly down to earth when in public. It would be more than a dream to meet her… it would be a genuine honour!

Can you tell us more about the real Hanli Hoefer?

The real Hanli Hoefer is a simple kid! I love hanging with my girlfriends and being silly. I’m always up for a good time and trying something new. I’m passionately curious about a lot of things and I’m always trying to keep myself busy with outdoor activities or sketching. I can be very spontaneous and I consider myself adventurous. I feel sometimes, I can be a little sassy but all in good faith. I’m a very positive person and I really believe that these are our golden years to live a young amazing life!

What are your favourite hangout places in Singapore?

I like going to Arab Street. The vibe is so laid back and chilled out. I’d rather go to a bar and see a live band than a club! I love nature so honestly anywhere that is breezy, green and outdoors is where I like to hang out!

If you have a guest from overseas visiting Singapore for 1 day, where will you bring them to?

I would want them to experience both the new and old charms of Singapore, and with happy stomachs. I would probably take them around the Singapore River, and show them the sights and historic structures. We would eat at a hawker and they would drink many Tiger beers, and hopefully end the night with our famous Singapore chilli crabs at the seaside.

Alright last question,
If Hanli Hoefer could be a famous celebrity for a day, who will it be?

Probably Victoria Beckham, because she would have the most amazing wardrobe and I wouldn’t mind waking up next to her hubby…well, one can dream right? Hehe. I also wouldn’t mind being in Lena Dunham’s shoes for a day. She’s an incredibly insightful and funny writer and it would be interesting to see how her mind works and where she finds her humour and inspiration from. Plus the girl just won a bunch of awards for her HBO show Girls which is one of my favourites too. She must be on cloud nine right now!

Catch VJ Hanli on The MTV Show on MTV SEA premiering 20 April at 10am(WIB), 11am(SIN/HK/PHIL) & 12pm(MAL). Follow her on www.facebook.com/mtvvjhanli

 
 
 
Text by: ActuallyMAG Team
Images by: MTV Asia/Eliza Phua

“Fight the fights that matter” is seen imprinted on a seemingly ordinary, everyday shirt. But this message strikes up a powerful conversation that represents a movement that “Liberty Street” founders Joe Lacanilao and Lawrence Aritao are hoping to create.

A budding social enterprise that takes a stand against human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Liberty Street and each of their tees are uniquely designed to tell a story: one that starts with darkness but leads to hope and empowerment for those from challenging backgrounds. Those who buy from Liberty Street directly become a part of that story by positively impacting local communities and supporting the movement against modern day slavery in the Philippines.

We speak with Joe on his views of the label and what it means to own a Liberty Street tee.

How did the name “Liberty Street” come about?

The name Liberty Street actually came from my days in a punk/funk fusion band when I was 17.  At the time, I thought I would ride the rock n’ roll wave all the way to superstardom.  We didn’t get far, but we did end up recording a demo at this little upstart studio in Bloomfield, New Jersey, called Liberty Street Studios.  The studio on Liberty Street has long since closed its doors, but I’ve always liked the name. A decade later, when it came time to name this social enterprise that strives to do the things we do, I thought Liberty Street would be an appropriate name.

What made you start the label?

Lawrence and I started the label because we saw that there was a gap between the time in which a survivor is rescued from trafficking and the person’s reintegration into society. During this time, there is a need for these people to financially support themselves and their families.  It is also a critical period for survivors to develop necessary work skills in order to build a successful future.  Our goal for the label is to address both these needs by providing employment and work skills that they can use while working for us and in future careers.

What does it mean to own a Liberty Street product?

Owning a Liberty Street product means that you are joining a community that is making the world a better place.  One of the reasons we strictly control the way we distribute our products is because we want our customers to be knowledgeable about our company and what we do.  In this way, we don’t get random people walking into a store and buying our products simply because they think the design is cool. What we want are customers who make instant connections when they see others wearing a Liberty Street shirt, because they know they’re part of a community  fighting together to affect the world for the better. Fortunately, I’ve heard of multiple stories in which this scenario has played out, which is incredible!

What impact do you hope the brand will provide?

As a company, we really want to change things by setting right those things which are terribly wrong in our world.  And the way that we choose to do that is by inviting people to join us in our quest: by bringing light into the dark, one Liberty Street product at a time.

Check them out at:

http://libertystreetclothing.com/

http://libertystreetclothing.tumblr.com/

Or better yet, pick one up at http://libertystreetclothing.bigcartel.com  and be a part of the movement!

Text by: Deborah Foo
*Images courtesy of Liberty Street

If there is one band that takes you on a delirium of bliss and inputs majestic brilliance in each of their songs, the first name that pops into my mind would be The Radio Dept.  

The trio, made up of Johan Duncanson, Martin Larsson & Daniel Tjäder, named the group after a gas-station-turned-radio-repair-shop called “Radioavdelningen”, which is Swedish for The Radio Department. Listing Kraftwerk and The Pet Shop Boys as their influences, the band have been compared to shoegaze legends My Bloody Valentine, Saint Etienne and Cocteau Twins.

The Radio Dept released their debut album “Lesser Matters” in 2003 which received commercial success in Sweden and rave reviews internationally. Off the album is a beautiful(and controversial) single titled “Keen On Boys”, that caught the attention of movie director Sofia Coppola. She featured 3 songs from The Radio Dept in her 2006 film Marie Antoinette which starred Kirsten Dunst and Jason Schwartzman.

In 2010, The Radio Dept played their first show in Singapore at Zouk to promote their album, “Clinging to a Scheme”. Opening the show with the euphoric track “I Don’t Like It Like This”, some fans(like myself) who have been anticipating the band’s debut on our shores were unable to control our emotions and shed a tear or two during the one hour set.

We love each of The Radio Dept’s albums to bits and it’s a thrill to announce that the Scandinavian dream pop band will be returning to Singapore for a one-night only show on 23rd April 2013 at TAB; playing songs from their last album, Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002-2010.  
 
Tickets are available now at $50 standard and $60 at the door.

Strange things will happen on 23rd April at TAB Singapore.
You can count on it.

Text by: Erin Riduan
*Images courtesy of TAB Singapore

“It’s an honour for me to be playing in Malaysia. My father was from Penang”.
Having said that, Matt Tong (dummer of Bloc Party) took a long bow and exited the stage along with his bandmates while a loud applause erupted from the crowd. This is just one of our many favourite moments at Future Music Festival Asia 2013.

Located away from the hustle-and-bustle of Kuala Lumpur and situated near Sepang International Circuit(heads up, that’s where the F1 races are held), Future Music Festival Asia 2013 rocked our converse highcut sneakers off with 2 days of incredible music that had us dancing from early afternoon to the wee hours of the morning.

Sure it has been 2 weeks since FMFA2013 and this review may be a tad late but that’s how long it took us to recover from Armin Van Buuren’s euphoric set that sent us skyrocket-high into a trippy dimension , “exploring space” with Cosmic Gate,  partying(and bullsh*t!) with Rita Ora, forsee a good “Omen” of a rhapsodic performance by The Prodigy later in the evening and danced ourselves dizzy “gangnam style” with Psy.

Let’s remember our TOP 10 FAVOURITE MOMENTS at Future Music Festival Asia 2013!

 1

World’s number 1 DJ, Armin Van Buuren, standing on top of the DJ podium with a wide smile on his face, overseeing the sea of club kids, hipsters, ordinary folks and ravers during Day 1: A State Of Trance. Epic.

2

Neverending lasershow that lighted up the dark night during Aly & Fila energetic closing set! Tiu tiu tiu!

3

Dougy Mandagi of The Temper Trap serenading the crowd with “Sweet Disposition” in the late afternoon on Day 2. With the Flamingo stage located infront of a majestic ferris wheel and under bright skies of cotton-candy white clouds, the atmosphere was so sublime that it felt like a dream.

4

Rita Ora kicking technical difficulties in the balls(and also giving them the finger) when her set was interrupted twice. However, the fiery-hot songstress still gave us a punchy power-packed performance after with hit singles such as “R.I.P” and “How We Do(Party)”. Did we also mention that we love her bright red dress which sported two slices of cheese in the front?

5

Everything about Zeds Dead set. They killed it with a perfect mix of electronic and dubstep that had the crowd anticipating the moment for the duo to drop the bass! Wub wub wub wub wub~

6

Receiving a double-dose of “Gangnam Style” during Psy’s set. According to him, the first performance was for us to record on our phones so we have something to remember by and the second performance was for all of us to go crazy and join him in doing the infectious dance routine. Double Gangnam Style, Double the fun!

7

Sing-a-long session to FUN.’s “We Are Young” with Nate Ruess and the rest of Sepang.

8

Getting a free ride on a scooter(proudly sponsored by Vespa) from the entrance to the festival site. This service was available throughout the day within the festival and became a life saviour to festival-goers who are too exhausted to walk after a long day of partying!

9

Kele Okereke’s wonderful showmanship during Bloc Party’s set. Dressed casually in basketball apparel, we love how he cheekily interacted with the crowd in between songs. “You like that don’t you, Malaysia?”; he cooed to the crowd, causing everyone(men and women) giggling to themselves and smitten by his English-politeness.

10

And how can we forget? The Prodigy ending FMFA2013 with a bang(!); performing their classic hit, “Out of Space”. Fans of the British band went crazy when the introduction of the song started playing. And i literally mean, out-of-their-wits nuts! “I’ll take your brain to another dimension! Pay close attention!” sang Maxim Reality. Well, we were “taken” alright and transported back to 1992;  where Macaulay Culkin was lost in New York in Home Alone 2 and Kurt Cobain was still rocking out at concerts with “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.

Well done, Future Music Festival Asia 2013.
You have outdone yourself this year and we are impressed.

We can’t wait for next year’s installment of FMFA!

 
 
 
 
Text by: Erin Riduan
*Images courtesy of Livescape Asia

One of the most anticipated blockbusters of 2012, Django Unchained has received five Oscar nominations, 88% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earned more than US$400 million at box offices worldwide. Now, what other reasons do you need to catch Quentin Tarantino’s latest film?

Django Unchained (Rated: M18 & runs 165 minutes) is the second installment of the famed writer-director’s “Rewritten History” trilogy. The first installment, Inglourious Basterds (2009), was a tough film to follow, but boy, did Tarantino manage to step out of his own shadow! He even won himself a second Oscar statue for Best Original Screenplay at the 85^th Academy Awards.

Set in the Deep South two years before the American Civil War, Django (Jamie Foxx) – remember the “D” is silent! – is a slave who is recruited and later freed by a German-born dentist turned bounty hunter, Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz). The good doctor needs Django’s help to hunt down outlaw plantation overseers, the Brittle brothers. This partnership turns out to be a great success, but Django isn’t happy. Why? Because his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington), was sold to a charming but vicious plantation owner, Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio), who ironically has a black senior house slave named Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson) as his mentor. With the help of Dr. Schultz and a lot of bullets, Django sets his sight on Candyland (as Calvin’s plantation is named) to rescue his wife.

Foxx’s character isn’t the only one being unchained here. Tarantino certainly unchained himself from his usual screenwriting style by going back to Hollywood formulae. Instead of his usual non-linear story structure, with protagonists driven purely by vengeance, stuck in modern-day settings with no original music score, Tarantino goes the opposite direction this time around. What’s obvious in Django Unchained is the traditional Hero’s Journey with the protagonist motivated more by love than vengeance. I guess this would make the movie his first “Romantic” film.

The A-list ensemble cast consists of seasoned actors who have a long track record in proving their talents, so it’s no surprise that their performances are second to none. However, great performance might not always give you the accolades you deserve. DiCaprio is exceptional but was snubbed by the Academy when nomination day arrived. But Waltz was deservedly nominated and he ended up winning his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Hollywood is often rewriting history, adding fabrication to true events, real-life characters and dialogues in the name of better and more interesting storytelling. But to change the entire course of history?

Only Tarantino has the courage and audacity to pull it off: A band of vanguard soldiers killing Hitler and the whole of Nazi Party to end the war (in Inglourious Basterds), and a slave going on frenzied Chow Yun Fat mode by picking up two guns and turning the ending scene of Django Unchained into a Hong Kong bullet-ballet-bloodbath. As Tarantino continues to rewrite history in his films, he is, in a strange way, writing his own history too.

Text by: Lan Hao Yong

Introducing a brand new concept that revolutionises the idea of a personal workspace: STITX.

Essentially made up of a great many pockets, STITX is placed on the back of one’s laptop screen in order to create the perfect desk organiser. It effectively reduces clutter and increases productivity by minimising time spent on locating one’s belongings.

The creators of STITX, Jia Ying, Albert and Corina, who are Industrial Design majors from the National University of Singapore, have put elegantly: “You carry your laptop around, why not let it carry things for you?”

There’s even a smaller pocket STITX to be used on the back of one’s iPad. Car keys, wallets, phones and stationary can now be placed in separate compartments within your reach. Using STITX will ensure that searching and locating your belongings will be a breeze compared to if they were strewn around your workspace. STITX is thin enough such that it can be fitted onto one’s laptop and the laptop can still be placed in a regular case. With the regular STITX weighing at a mere 180g, and the pocket one just 30g, the STITX is nothing more than an extension of your own laptop cover.

It costs 39 dollars for a STITX which is a strain on the wallet, to be entirely honest (you could get a decent laptop cover for the same price and sew on a few pockets) but its well worth the splurge when judged by the quality of the material used and the functionality of the STITX. Made out of suede, wool felt and re-constituted leather and with materials laser-cut to ensure precision in dimensions, you can be assured of quality in your STITX. The adhesive used to attatch your STITX to your laptop will not leave residue on your laptop.

The pocket STITX costs 12 dollars, but you could get a couple of friends and order your very own STITX at the promotional price of just 80 dollars for two regular STITX and one pocket STITX.
Designed to serve those with busy lifestyles and to reduce the clutter in our workspaces, STITX will ensure that you have the bare necessities within your reach with you, anywhere, all the time.

 
Support their project here:
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/stitx/x/2644769
 
 
 

Text by: Nishanthini Ganesan
*Photographs courtesy of STITX

In an age where social media has taken over a large part of how we netizens perceive and view celebrities and artistes (musicians included), looks are becoming more and more important to attract and retain the short attention span of crowds around the world. So much so that many recording companies are even willing to forgo a bit of quality if their artistes are attractive enough to keep fans excited.

But Epic Records Japan, the label for all-girl rock band SCANDAL, won’t have that problem in Singapore, as behind these girls’ anime-level cuteness lie a solid sound backed by four talented young ladies, and the Singaporean fans just can’t wait for them to fulfil their promise of an “encore performance” since their last live here at Anime Festival Asia 2010.

Comprising vocalist Haruna, lead guitarist Mami, bassist Tomomi and drummer Rina, the band started out practising in a studio in Osaka where they first met in 2006. In fact, their name was aptly inspired from a signboard in the same building they practised at, where many adult shops were also located. Scandalous.

They took to performing live at Osaka Castle Park every weekend and managed to get signed on to indie label Kitty Records. Just two years later, they released their very first single, “Space Ranger”, which peaked at #2 on the Tower indie charts. Their following two singles topped the charts and marked the beginning of their successful career as a mainstay in the challenging Japanese music industry. The same year, they signed on to Epic Records Japan, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, they have firmly established themselves as a well-loved Japanese group in Singapore, and their popularity was affirmed when SCANDAL were greeted by a massive turnout of fans at Bugis+ a day before their first live for their “Encore Show” album autograph session.

This time, they had a performance at the *SCAPE Warehouse on 16 and 17 March, and played crowd favourites including “Shoujo S”, “Shunkan Sentimental”, and their first major label single “Doll” kept the crowd on their toes and chanting to the lyrics, but it was the newer songs such as “Harukaze”, “Taiyou Scandalous” and “Queens are Trumps” that really got the crowd going, as SCANDAL had not performed these songs live in Singapore yet.

At the end of the concert, when SCANDAL bade everyone goodbye and left the stage, the ensuing chants of “ENCORE, ENCORE”, were probably the most fervent I’ve ever heard live at a concert. Their newest album title probably contributed greatly to the enthusiastic cheers, but it is evident that the four girls have come a long way since their humble beginnings just seven years ago. To all Singaporean fans, they have promised (again) that the will come back again very soon, so stay excited for their “Encore Show”!

Text by: Bjorn Teo
Images by: Shiro Ang

Carpenter & Cook
Carpenter & Cook is a vintage home store and artisan bakery café, located in Upper Bukit Timah, Singapore. They have a range of carefully curated vintage furniture, home decor, as well as fresh home-made baked goods and confectionery.

Carpenter & Cook also provide dessert tables, styling services, vintage props and decor for weddings, parties, photoshoots and more! Step into their cosy little shop and be transported back in time, to days of yore, long gone by…

The hit to your wallet: From $5 for a soft and buttery pear almond eat-me cake to $7 for delicious savouries such as Cook’s Amazing Quiche.

Why we love Carpenter & Cook:
This cafe and furniture store simply shouts vintage!  The interiors are embellished with retro-style furnishings and home decor ranging from chairs to coffee tables that are available for sale and rental. You’ll also get to taste an eclectic range of pastries and desserts prepared fresh daily.

Location & Opening hours: 

19 Lorong Kilat #01-06, Singapore 598120

Tue – Fri: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Contact Number:  +65 6463 3648

Website : http://www.carpenterandcook.com

 
 
 

*Photographs courtesy of Carpenter & Cook
 
 
 

Over the weekend, 2 layers of plastic bags with its front labeled in jungle green caught my attention when I read it on a Swedish design website. Initially, I thought they were plastic bags designed to collect dog poo in public areas. To my surprise, the plastic bag is actually a plastic “toilet” for slum dwellers who lives without proper sanitation. Created by Anders Wilhelmson, an architect and professor in Stockholm, this product is called Peepoo. (http://www.peepoo.com)

It is a biodegradable plastic that serves as a one-time-use toilet. Once used, the bag can be knotted and buried. The bag contains thin layer of urea which helps breakdown urine and kills off disease-producing pathogens found in feces, which eventually turns into fertilizer.

About 2.6 billion people on the planet do not have access to proper toilets. It poses serious health issues as human faeces contains infectious and lethal pathogens, thus causing diseases such as cholera and diarrheal.  An estimated 1.5 million children worldwide die yearly from diarrheal diseases .

Instead of distributing the bags freely, Peepoo bags are sold at a subsidized price to end-consumers in slums. Users can either keep the waste as fertilizers or dropped at a collection point for a reimbursement.

Peepoo is currently used in Kibera, Kenya. This project has also created job opportunities. Now, there are collection services available as people are making a living by collecting the used Peepoo bags , which they then pocket for reimbursement fees.

However, majority are still questioning themselves about Peepoo;  Is the organization looking for donations from the public? Can people in the slums afford it ? All the answers to your queries can be found here on their website. (http://www.peepoople.com/information/faq/)

Peepoo is not only an innovative product but it has so many benefits.
Help us build more awareness about this wonderful project by spreading the news and sharing this article. I believe more are to come from Peepoo!

Text by: Paul Khor
*Images courtesy of Peepoo

Saturday, the 16th of March, saw the launch of Garden of Youth, a festival geared towards young people, proudly brought to us by Gardens by the Bay. The festival’s first event, The Fantastic Gig, was a five-hour long showcase of homegrown bands under the stars. It featured local acts: Cashew Chemists, Pleasantry, ANECHOIS, Tiramisu and MONSTER CAT.

The performances were scheduled to be about an hour each, just enough time for each band to give their fans a well-deserved performance and giving those unfamiliar with their music a taste of their work, leaving them wanting more.

Cashew Chemists opened the show with a medley of songs from their debut EP and despite the absence of guitarist Brian, gave a great performance. Following up was the otherworldly sounds of girl-fronted quintet, Pleasantry.

Tiramisu was probably our favourite act of the night. What seemed like a distant asian cousin of Queen’s frontman, Freddie Mercury, took to the stage, accompanied by members dressed in Bowie-esque outfits! The eclectic combination of rock n’ roll, disco, and theatrical performance art was brought forth by the five distinctly different musicians, drawing raving laughs and applause from the crowd.

MONSTER CAT was the last to take the stage, bringing the night to a close with their sombre, soulful stage presence.

Being able to enjoy these acts was in part due to the weather being on our side. The backdrop of The Fantastic Gig proved to be a sunny evening that transitioned into a beautiful night atmosphere. Transfixing the audience in matters other than music were two separate light shows, presented by OCBC and conducted in-between sets.
Each act started on time, with there being no long-periods of waiting in-between sets. Technical problems were kept minimal, consisting mainly of feedback from the speakers and microphones. Clear audio was the case otherwise, with the vocals and instruments molding perfectly in each set.

Those who have missed this inaugural launch of Garden of Youth will have to wait for next year, where we hope to once again experience the level of showmanship and musical prowess in our homegrown musicians that we have seen in this fantastic gig!

Text by: Nishanthini Ganesan
*Images courtesy of Garden of Youth Singapore

In June last year, as part of an overseas serve learning project, a group of theatre students along with Micheal Chang, artistic director of Tapestry Theatre (Singapore), travelled to a remote village called Tap Tap in Cebu, Philippines to conduct a 2-day playback theatre session. Playback Theatre is a form of improvisational theatre in which a group of audience share stories about their lives and watch them re-enacted by actors on the spot. The aim was to use Theatre as means to target issues on corporal punishment and other prevalent domestic issues in their community. The sessions focused specifically on teenagers and mothers.

The playback theatre actors and musician

 
Despite the language barrier between the locals and ourselves, we were able to overcome it using simple gestures, movements and sounds and minimize the use of English. Using theatre games, we created a safe and comfortable environment for teenagers and mothers to express themselves through theatre. With this space and opportunity given to them, they shared their personal stories and feelings towards corporal punishment. Memories and recollections of childhood experiences with corporal punishment, and for some young participants, of on-going every day abuse, were told.

Hearing these stories, the playback theatre group worked together to create images and scenes inspired by what was shared. Teenagers and mothers were moved and relieved by what they observed and upon seeing these images, they reflected on their experience and on how they want their home settings to change. Through sharing their stories, each teller gained a sense of relief having their story being heard and acknowledged. Many became emotional upon sharing their stories to us, but yet, many also shared that they felt empowered to be able to express their feelings.

A fluid sculpture – based on the experiences of a participant

An interesting observation made in the teenage group was that when asked what they felt about the punishment inflicted by their parents, no matter how harsh, they shared that they were apologetic and felt that their parents were always right in hitting. This is alarming, as this revealed that in this society, corporal punishment is perceived to be acceptable despite any circumstance. In addition to the relief achieved through sharing, Playback also has the ability to unravel and surface prevalent societal issues to be reflected on by its participants.

In the workshops, we also adopted an interventional approach where we suggested alternatives to corporal punishment through the workshops to teach parents how to deal with their children. This is not conventional in Playback but because the purpose to this workshop was also child advocacy, we felt an inclination to suggest healthy measures in dealing with children.

Some theatre games were played with the children at the start of the session to make it more comfortable for them (their features have been concealed to respect their privacy)

Being a theatre student, this experience was enlightening and gave me a fresh perspective of theatre and its purpose as an art form. Playback centralizes theatre on the audience and not the performer, which is very different from what we generally observe in commercial plays and indulgent theatre. It takes theatre to a whole different level whereby it is created to serve a community instead of mere self-gratification or for art sake. Taking this tool back to Singapore, this playback theatre group hopes to extend services to our local community. With our hectic lifestyles, perhaps such platforms are important to allow for people to share and learn from one another.

More here: https://www.facebook.com/gotongroyongsota

Text by: Tyen Fong
Edited by: Maria Chung

It is fascinating to see how retail fashion evolves, especially for those in the new fashion sector. In the case of Beijing, Triple-Major is a great example as it broke normal boundaries by starting something new in an unexpected location. Within months, this small store made headlines and went viral; intriguing many fashion websites around the world on what this tiny boutique is all about.

Hutong area is not your typical fashion neighborhood in Beijing. Depending on which way you see it, the narrow streets in this area are either charming or filthy (to some). But does it appeals fashionable wannabes? Indeed it has! When I was there on Friday in the early afternoon, 2 trendy customers with amazing avant-garde outfits walked in the store. It is amazing how Triple-Major pushes the boundaries of fashion in Beijing.

Triple-Major supports avant-garde designers. Naming some of the designer labels they carry, they have international designers such as Daniel Palillo, Mario, and Christophe Lemaire to local Chinese designers such as Makin Jan Ma and Dooling Jiang.  Triple-Major has also recently opened their second outlet of bigger space in Shanghai.

To summarize their success, it’s all about risk taking. Triple-Major is also at an advantage as they are the first to go into a different direction, unlike other boutiques in Beijing. The founder, Ritchie Chan, was born in China but raised in Hong Kong and later on, Los Angeles.

In Singapore, Commes Des Garcons first opened its guerilla store single-handedly in a street previously unheard of called Haji Lane. Years down the road, Haji Lane is now a much sought-after street for retail fashion. Similar things are happening in many cities around Asia.  It takes someone to take a bold step to do something different, that is what fashion is all about.

Text & Images by: Paul Khor