Fann Wong's newly launched Fanntasy Bakes introduces Christmas offerings, Carolina Herrera & Rabanne pop-up at VivoCity
Check out One°15 Christmas Festival, get ideas for Xmas hosting, indulgences and more
New Things On The Block covers all the latest lifestyle news you need to know at the tip of your fingers.
Fanntasy Introduces the Ultimate Festive Indulgence: Valrhona Dark Cherries Decadence Cake
Thespian actress Fann Wong launches Fanntasy – an online pastry brand that serves up old-school bakes with a twist. The self-taught baker is currently focusing on two of her partner and son’s favourite ingredients – namely chocolate and durians. The two delectable cakes available now are the Signature Valrhona Chocolate Tart and Musang King Gula Melaka Tart.
Try out Fanntasy by Fann Wong's latest Christmas masterpiece, the Valrhona Dark Cherries Decadence cake, a symphony of flavours and textures. The cake features a velvety 70% Valrhona chocolate cremeux, a layer of 62% Valrhona Satillia for complexity, and delightful dark Italian cherries for a sweet and tart contrast. This deep, dark chocolate flavour is contrasted against a less intense 62% Valrhona Satillia to give it more complexity and depth.
It's time to veer away from the typical logcake choices this Christmas. These delights are available at the official Fanntasy website in limited quantities. So, act swiftly to secure yours!
Ralph's Club to attract international and regional celebs
In celebration of Ralph's Club: From Singapore To New York by Ralph Lauren Fragrances, the launch event will be graced by regional celebrities from Thailand, Vietnam and Philippines as well as an international surprise guest appearance on 1 December 2023 (Friday).
From Thailand, actor Bible Wichapas Sumettikul, Meen Nichaloon Khajornborirak, March Chutavuth Pattarakampol and model Amanda Charlene Obdam. Followed by Vietnam actor, Bui Anh Tu and fashion icon, Bui Thai Bao Chau and Philippine’s model, LA Aguinaldo.
In the past, Shinee's Choi Min-ho made a pitstop last November 2022 to lend his star power to the event, but the mega-million dollar question that begs to be answered now is: Who is this year's international celeb?
Dior presents new women's exhibition in Paris
Visiting Paris any time soon? From 24 November 2023 to 13 May 2024, La Galerie Dior, a place of art and memory, is hosting an unprecedented exhibition presenting Dior's collaborations with women artists. These sacred connections are celebrated via the singular universes of several emblematic female personalities, most of whom have woven spellbinding dialogues with Maria Grazia Chiuri. In turn, works by Lillian Bassman, Elina Chauvet, Judy Chicago, Maya Goded, Constance Guisset, Katerina Jebb, Eva Jospin, Brigitte Lacombe, Claude Lalanne, Sarah Moon, Brigitte Niedermair, Shourouk Rhaiem, Niki de Saint Phalle, Penny Slinger and Yuriko Takagi succeed one another room after room, offering a poetic journey.
The reinterpretations of the Lady Dior signed by the creators of the eight editions of Dior Lady Art are revealed in the Chambre aux merveilles, like a revisited cabinet of curiosities. All the captivating figures honored here symbolize Dior's commitment to the powerful sisterhood so dear to the Creative Director of Dior women's collections. An odyssey in homage to the House's constantly renewed inventiveness.
Visit La Galerie Dior at 11 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France.
Louis Vuitton announces the venue for their Men's Pre-Fall 2024 show
Louis Vuitton recently announced that their Men’s Pre-fall 2024 show will take place on the famed Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong SAR on 30th November 2023.
A mythic location bordering the picturesque Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Avenue of Stars holds a distinguished status among locals and visitors alike, where the island city’s icons and legends have been immortalised. Over a hundred meticulously crafted celebrity handprints adorn this revered location, taking visitors on a pop-culture journey through East Asian cinematic history. The avenue, known to be Hong Kong SAR’s epicentre of Arts and Culture, is framed by the captivating beauty of Victoria Harbour, soon to serve as the awe-inspiring stage for the vision of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director, Pharrell Williams.
With the support of K11 MUSEA, Louis Vuitton will transform K11 Victoria Dockside for the occasion. The show will be livestreamed locally on digital billboards and globally via the Maison’s social channels, with Louis Vuitton inviting guests, residents, and international audiences around the world to experience Hong Kong SAR through a vibrantly sartorial lens.
The upcoming Louis Vuitton Men’s Pre-fall 2024 show is also made possible with the ongoing support of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), and all support of various departments from The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Watch Louis Vuitton Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 Show by Pharrell Williams this Thursday, 30 November at 8pm (SGT) here.
Maison Kitsuné x Samsonite collection drops in Singapore
World luggage leader Samsonite is teaming up with the multi-faceted Paris-meets-Tokyo brand Maison Kitsuné on a unique collaboration that merges supremely practical luggage and travel accessories with playful Parisian cool.
The campaign tagline, entitled 'Carry Your Wanderlust', encourages travelers to fearlessly embrace their desire to experience the world. Presented through a playful lens, the campaign is anchored by a brand film that follows a high-energy, wonder-filled journey within a unique Tokyo-inspired setting.
The Maison Kitsuné x Samsonite collaboration and its supporting campaign lean into a fun, stylish, and sophisticated identity. Speaking to consumers with an appreciation for fashion-forward and premium-quality products, the exclusive collection caters to a wide range of needs through diverse products, including luggage and lifestyle bags. Featuring six styles, the collection arrives in a base colour of black and white, as well as a signature Maison Kitsuné “Camo Fox” print. The result is a beautiful blend of Maison Kitsuné style and Samsonite functionality, thanks to plenty of thoughtful, organizational compartments and a durable, long-lasting quality.
The Spinner 68 luggage is perfect for longer trips away, and a cabin-friendly Rolling Tote, which is an ideal choice for weekend travels due to its compact shape. Customers can also go hands-free with a Crossbody, featuring a long, adjustable strap, which is ideal for both journeying to the airport or daily adventures. A Rolltop Backpack offers flexible sizing and a utilitarian look, while a Backpack offers a more structured, timeless shape. A unique Sling Bag, complete with an easy-access front pocket, is perfect for keeping important items such as passports and wallets safe.
Maison Kitsuné x Samsonite collection will be available from today, in all Samsonite stores and online at samsonite.com.sg.
Banyan Tree Samui receives sustainability certification
Banyan Tree Samui has become the first and only hotel in Thailand to be accorded Platinum Certification by EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking organisation for sustainable tourism.
The award of EarthCheck’s Platinum Certification marks 10 years of continuous excellence by the resort in 10 key performance areas: Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Energy Efficiency; Management of Freshwater Resources; Ecosystem Conservation & Management; Social & Cultural Management; Land Use Planning & Management; Air Quality Protection; Wastewater Management; Solid Waste Management; and Environmentally Harmful Substances.
Although other hotel chains have received similar accolades from EarthCheck at a group level, Banyan Tree Samui stands alone as the sole resort or hotel to be recognised with Platinum Certification at a single-property level.
"Banyan Tree Samui's achievement in receiving the EarthCheck Platinum Certification is a landmark moment in sustainable tourism in Thailand,” said EarthCheck CEO Stewart Moore. “This certification reflects not just a decade of commitment to environmental stewardship, but also a dedication to social responsibility and economic sustainability.”
Book a stay here: Booking.com | Agoda
Carolina Herrera & Rabanne VivoCity pop-up until this Sunday
There’s no better time to gift fragrances than now. Perfume brands are pulling out all the stops to woo consumers with exciting gifts with purchase and complimentary full-sized items in their Christmas gift sets. Join Rabanne and Carolina Herrera as they celebrate the gifting season with holiday sets encapsulating some of their most popular and iconic fragrances! From sweet and sultry to dark and mysterious, these scents are sure to entice.
Here are some of what you can expect at the pop-up and more. Immerse yourself at the VivoCity Atrium pop-up at Level 1, until this Sunday 26 November, as you explore a wonderland of captivating scents, each carefully selected to evoke the warmth and cheer of Christmas.
No time to pop by VivoCity by this Sunday? Be sure to check out Sephora's Black Friday sale happening now until 27 November.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum Set (Holiday Limited Edition)
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum Rollerball Trio (Holiday Limited Edition)
Paco Rabanne Fame Blooming Pink Eau De Parfum (Limited Edition)
Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau De Toilette Set (Holiday Limited Edition)
One°15 Marina Presents A Starlit Christmas Indulgence for all in the family
Head to One°15 Christmas Festival, an enchanting celebration set against the stunning backdrop of One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove. Experience Singapore's only floating Christmas light display and a Christmas Market with everyone in your family. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with a floating Christmas display, a Boat Light Competition, an Artisan Market featuring craft and food stalls, live entertainment, and even boat rides with Santa Claus.
Event Details
Date: 25 – 26 November 2023
Time: 5pm – 10pm
Venue: Boaters’ Bar at One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove
Admission: Free
What’s more, they offer solutions for Christmas feasting and hosting. On top of their perennial favourites such as the Kurobuta Porchetta, One°15 Marina Sentosa Cove is introducing a number of new additions to this year’s festive offerings. The Bone-in Slow-baked Whole Lamb Leg Shoulder (S$178) is marinated with rosemary and slow-baked for 12 hours to achieve a meat preparation that is tender and delicious, whilst the Honey Pear Log Cake (S$78) is a new twist on the classic that is set to leave mouths watering with fluffy Japanese sponge slathered with honey pear purée. For durian lovers, the Premium Mao Shan Wang Durian Log Cake (S$88) is a one-of-a-kind dessert that lets the rich and creamy durian take centrestage.
To place orders, please visit https://one15marina.com/shop/christmas-specials/ or contact 63056982. Christmas treats are available to order from 20 November 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Artyzen Singapore opens on Cuscaden Road, Orchard
Artyzen Hospitality Group (AHG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shun Tak Holdings Limited has announced the opening of two new luxury lifestyle properties in Singapore and Shanghai, under the Artyzen Hotels and Resorts brand, the group’s premium hotel brand. The two new hotels, located in Singapore’s leafy West Orchard neighbourhood and Shanghai’s vibrant new Central Business District, Qiantian are Artyzen Hotels & Resorts’ new flagship properties, joining two existing hotels, Artyzen Lingang Shanghai and Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau.
Located in the West Orchard neighbourhood on Cuscaden Road, Artyzen Singapore offers 142 elegant rooms & suites – all with balconies, high ceilings and ceiling fans, and luxurious baths. All suites feature large landscaped sky terraces complete with a sun deck and outdoor furnishing, the perfect place to chill and relax. Fans of Peranakan food should look forward to Quenino (pronounced as /ˈke-ni-nu/), means ‘little one’ in Malaccan Creole Portuguese, a restaurant brand co-created by celebrated Melbourne Chef Victor Liong, with Malaysian Chinese heritage who has been awarded Two Chef Hats by the Australian Good Food & Travel Guide. The Quenino brand will be felt throughout the hotel in other two F&B concepts, Café Quenino and the Roof Garden.
Book on | Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com
The Standard debuts new lifestyle concept brand
The 125-room StandardX, Melbourne – opening in February 2024 – is a new hotel concept from Standard International that takes the iconic brand back to its youthful roots. Think of it as a classic Standard experience, retailored to fit rough-and-ready modern travel without sacrificing all the quirks that make The Standard so beloved.
Located in the vibrant, post-industrial enclave of Fitzroy, The StandardX, Melbourne is rooted in a neighborhood with a storied history of iconic record stores, sticky-carpeted punk clubs, legendary writers' haunts, and beloved party spots. The hotel takes inspiration from Fitzroy’s 70s and 80s heyday, when artists like Nick Cave, Ollie Olsen, Stuart Grant and Rowland S Howard established the Little Band scene and created a hotbed of creative energy where experimental art, music, and culture flourished. And while the area has evolved from its Little Band origins and softened its edges, it’s still a gem.
A trifecta of distinct food and beverage concepts will leave a lasting impression on guests and locals alike. Perched atop the hotel is The Roof, a secret hideaway accessible exclusively to hotel guests, offering a dining experience inspired by the melodic flavors of Mercado Medellin. Guests are surrounded with incredible panoramic views of Fitzroy and Melbourne, creating the ultimate city playground. Executive Chef Justin Dingle-Garciyya showcases delectable dishes including tacos, ceviche and more. At the all-day Thai diner, BANG, a medley of bold street flavors and techniques are on display. The StandardX’s approach to easygoing hospitality is visible at Box, a retail concept that includes everyday essentials, lifestyle items, as well as snacks and beverages to be enjoyed on-the-go or in room.
Muji Plaza Singapura reopens, now twice its original size
Muji Plaza Singapura reopened on Nov 22, and it is now more than twice its original size at 38,000 sq ft. It holds the honour of being the brand’s largest flagship store in Southeast Asia.
Adding an interior and lifestyle design consulting service to their portfolio, Muji fans can head down to a 1,045 sq ft, four-room HDB mock-up flat that showcases the Japanese retailer’s signature minimalist aesthetic. The design service Muji Renovation, is touted as one-stop shop for renovation and home furnishing services.
Also new is a section featuring home-grown brands and products, such as local bicycle retailer Ascent Bikes, which sells high-quality customisable urban bicycles. Once a seasonal pop-up, the Muji Community Market is now a permanent space that highlights products from lesser-known Japanese regions. Ehime, known as Japan’s citrus kingdom, is currently the featured prefecture.
The popular Cafe&Meal Muji has also expanded with more seating space.
As part of its grand opening, Muji Plaza Singapura has special discounts for five days from now till 26 November. They include buy-one-get-one-free promotions for items such as small-bead sofa sets and canvas totes, and 20 per cent discount on selected products. There is also a dedicated section for sustainable everyday essentials, such as hand towels, cooking tools and stationery items, all priced at under $10.
Enhance and manage your moods with the revolutionary The Beem
The power of scent is undeniable. This festive season, show those near and dear to you just how much you care with the gift of The Beem. Developed by Singapore-founded Mudo Labs in conjunction with scientists, psychologists, researchers and industrial designers, this pocket-sized device is designed to enhance and support our lifestyles and well-being by harnessing the power of meticulously researched natural botanicals to manage our moods. The Beem blends acupressure with aromachology — the science of scents, to provide a simple solution for users to choose how they want to feel.
Get it at www.mudolabs.com or experience it in person at the brand’s first-ever pop-up store at Great World (Level 1, unit #01-K108/K109). Visit Mudo Labs for more information.
Coravin going for up to 50 per cent off
Looking to prolong the enjoyment of a spectacular bottle of wine?
Widely recognized as an essential tool for wine lovers, the Coravin preserves your wine so you can enjoy it as intended, whenever you want it.
Launching their festive discounts just in time for year-end celebrations, check out the Timeless Six+ Mist, S$333 (U.P. S$611) colourway that comes in a subdued grey shade with accents of silver, while the Timeless Three+ Deep Sea Blue, S$323 (U.P. S$434) features a matte oceanic blue over the characteristic Coravin all-black device to offer a fitting and functional statement for those who love adventures in the sea. Alongside the travel-inspired hues, oenophiles can opt for the Timeless Six+ Midnight Blue Celebration Set (S$890) or Timeless Six+ Lotus Red Gift Set (S$890) for alternative glossy shades of metallic blue or red.
All models come packaged with thoughtful accessories, including an aerator that decants wines as they pour, a base to display the device, a bottle sleeve to keep wines chilled, a carry case for wine nights at someone else’s, alongside Timeless Screw Cap(s), needle clearing tool and Coravin Pure Argon Capsules.
Fancy another colour? Get the Emerald one here
Ready-to-heat pizzas and DIY Pasta Kits from Casa Vostra
Planning festive menus? Casa Vostra is the answer to replicate restaurant-quality pizzas and pastas at home. Now with an expanded repertoire of homemade Italian staples, the team has come up with delivery bundles in various configurations of pizza (12-inch), pasta and gelato for customers to explore.
Perfected by pizza maestro Chef Antonio Miscellaneo for optimal enjoyment at home, all pizzas across his trademarked Newpolitan and DoubleCrunch variants will only require a 5-minute second bake while his homemade pasta selection will come delivered in quick D-I-Y kits alongside accompanying sauces ready to be boiled and tossed before serving.
To complete the Italian affair at home, each bundle will come with homemade gelato pints (S$16) that are churned with 100% natural ingredients. Customers can also add bottled wines to their order with a concise curation of red and whites from S$48 onwards.
Find out more at Casa Vostra.
The Marmalade Pantry Celebrates Christmas With Gourmet Takeaways & Yuletide Feast
The magical Christmas season is almost here, and The Marmalade Pantry is casting an epicurean spell with its ‘A Christmas Tale’ offering. This year’s lavish Christmas treats include fresh and classic standout features such as juicy roasts, appealing side dishes, and a pair of log cakes.
If you are looking for a restaurant to celebrate Christmas, treat yourself and your loved ones to a yuletide feast at The Marmalade Pantry. From set menus to a la carte specials (including outlet exclusives) to enjoy with family and friends. Highlights include Hokkaido Sea Urchin Pasta and Pan-Seared Alaskan Cod Fish which are available exclusively at Ion outlet.
Wish to feast away from the madding crowd in town? Head to The Marmalade Pantry Anchorpoint which is serving up their Christmas special Yuletide Feast at S$168 for you and your family and friends to enjoy. From Arugula Salad, Truffle Mushroom Soup, Spicy Crabmeat linguine, Mac & Cheese, and a Choice of Porchetta (1kg) or Roasted Bone-in Beef Short Ribs (1kg) served with fried smash potatoes, grilled fine bean, mushroom cream sauce, your party of 4 are guaranteed a fulfilling meal.
Check Marmalade Pantry for details.
