Fabulista Enjoys: Sex and the City.

Love. According to Carrie Bradshaw, is what all the 20 somethings arriving in New York are in search of.

Labels. Are what everyone else, including the love-seekers are also looking for.

Of course, the labels that Carrie speaks of are the kind that adorns the neck lines at the back of our tops; the kind that are flashed like marquees on billboards, screaming the names of designer like saints on a calendar.

However, I am thinking, perhaps the labels that the writers are also alluding to, are the kind that we are forever seeking and also lay on others (and ourselves) so that we can fit into whatever mould that others expects of us, or us of them so as to make life easier for everyone.

Things are so much easier when everyone fits into a mould, isn’t it? Or is it?

Imagine this situation. The male of the human species is the breadwinner and the female the homemaker. True?

False. I have come across so many women who run their office system like the German rail network but are clueless when it comes to raising kids and household economics that most of the time; they become THE peril to their kids. I also know of men who can’t hold down a job to save their own lives (not to mention their families’ – individually, not collectively) but are wonderful with children and home. They can list you the best method to get rid of that blueberry stain from the white cotton baby’s bib to the easiest and still delicious of making poulet au cordon bleu.

So what happens? Stay home dad and working mum. Difficult to swallow? Yah, you can go all cosmopolitan and say, “Why not?” But what if you are THAT husband? Or THAT wife? Would you still be as cool about it?

Gentlemen, honestly, are you saying you would not have any qualms about being the husband that dons the apron, cleaning up your baby’s poo?

Ladies, are you saying that you are comfortable with a husband who earns less than you do? That you have to pay for everything yourself… and you husband’s AND kids’.

Not an easy question to answer now, is it? See what I mean when I said labels do not necessary an easy life make?

Nevertheless, somehow, some time, in the midst of running the human race, we unconsciously and inadvertently fall into the hegemony spell that feeds us these, amongst other pseudo-norms.

We think we are the better for it, but it is doubtful. How often have couples quarreled for monetary reasons, usually for the lack of it from the male partners? Or the lack of culinary and housekeeping skills that presumes to lessen a female’s matrimonial opportunities? Are we all reduced to moneymakers and housekeepers? Or perhaps a greater implication of this model, that we are all incomplete unless we are all heterosexually partnered?

It seems to be. Or at least, by following and subscribing to the pseudo-norm, we are perpetuating it without questioning the (lack of) relevance and/or logic behind these practices.

Labels. We make them. Then we expect others to fit them and are ourselves thus fitted. Then we make life awful for ourselves and others, using these unnatural, manmade, baseless and often unquestioned fallacies because of these unrealistic expectations.

Perhaps we should try a new paradigm. Charlotte mentioned, “Thank you for being you”. Carrie suggested (paraphrased), “We are not sure how we should do things [and live our lives]. We just make our own [personal] rules as we go along”. Maybe we can try not to expect how others should be. Instead, go out and meet people with an open mind, without expectations. With our eyes and minds opened, perhaps then we can better see the world and everyone around as they are. Not as types or caricatures, rather, as they should be; as they really are…

Beautiful. Unique. Individual.

Fabulista Excited: About the Hanoi Holiday.

Nope, this is not a title of an expose on the Vietnam War and its atrocities. The Fabulista is keenly aware of the events but not keen on discussing them; at least not here. What the Fabulista is excited about though, is the impending trip to Hanoi and Cat Ba. The latter destination has got nothing to do with anything feline or pubs (although I’ve been told you can find them aplenty there). Instead, what Cat Ba really is, is an island set off the main body of Vietnam itself, thus Cat Ba Island.

The trip itself does not start till the 1^st of June. In the meantime, I am desperately trying to pick up some daily survival lines thieng Viet, although I’ve been told that many of the younger generations can speak thieng Ahn nowadays since it is taught in schools. Well, chuc may mang! Hopefully, I can remember the important lines before setting of.

I have, as I did on my trip down to Bali, enrolled myself into a cooking class. Who knows, maybe when I come back, my fabulous friends will be able to get a taste of delicious homemade rice paper skin spring rolls and authentic pho bo…

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Fabulista Avoids: The Shame of the Bourgeoisie.

It must be my fabulousness. I exist on a plane that many wish or assume themselves to be. It must be my caliber. I cannot empathise with those clamouring along the edges of perfection - the nouveau-riche; the bourgeousie; the affluent but crass.

For example, in my institution for the stylishly astute that trains future wannabes, I cannot fathom those whose bourgeois attitudes and reasoning simply eludes me. For example, when a recent emergency of a certain terror-inducing Malayan python escaped from its cage during a routine bowel movement exercise, one of the model’s parents actually called to decline attendance from the day’s lesson that day!

On another occasion, another parent accused my fabulous and caring virtues of assuring them that their progenies are doing fine as being oblivious to their children’s apparent talents! Obviously, some people are suffering from a nasty bout of 'inferiority complex'! This was after I have told them in a previous correspondence that they need to come and meet me unless they have issues to bring up to the style coaches’ attention! Obviously, someone’s not been paying attention to the institutes’ correspondences and instructions… well, you can move them out of poverty but you can't move the poverty out of them.

Anyway, I have since given those bourgeoisies a piece of my mind and shut their traps. Besides, this fabulista is on the move. It won’t be long when my fabulous self is deployed to a more divine state of beauty and style and fabulosity in a more sought after institution (FAB-ASS) in a more desirable locale.

Fabulista Workout: The Grand Sainted Sanction.

Every year in June, I make my annual pilgrimage to an island set in the sea for the religious celebration of the Grand Sainted Sanction. It is an annual event that every believer in the Order of the Fabulous looks forward in zealous anticipation.

The celebration is also known locally and internationally as the GSS. It’s a two month long event which does not require one to do anything except fasting and meditation. Indeed, every believer and doyen of style and beauty will go on a one month long purchasing fast and coupled with a daily meditation of tracking down the latest of one’s heart’s desires at various shrines and temples. Do not assume to think that it is easy. It is also a meditation of the heart to discipline oneself from buying anything at non-sale prices.

Well, the month long fast is finally over and the celebration of the Grand Sanction, marked by a Feast of the Desirables which began the other day. Of course, being an honoured and well-respected member of the religious order has its privileges. I was invited to several temples to preview the offerings for the feast. Yes, I am that doyen who exists far above common mortals and wannabes. I have access to taste the precious and the coveted on display at the various sanctuaries way before the other lesser beings even get to see or even smell it – the smell that rises to fill the temple with its heady perfume of tanned leather and coloured suede.

The first of many sanctuaries I have visited was the holy shrine of Ferragamo. I entered the crystal gates with the keepers holding the door for me. Inside the holy of holies I touched and felt many things. The Matrons of Virtues glided gracefully across the felted floors, producing Matters of Miracles and Beauty for my perusal and consumption. Of course, as a gesture of goodwill, I finally departed with grand rewards – the coveted Palinuro Loafers of Great Comfort in ivory leather and the Belt of Miraculous Colours in blue and white.

The next day, Vestal Virgins invited me to the Temple of Bally. As I entered the Gates of Grand Oak Brown, the virgins danced before me and graced their steps with the latest creations from the newly appointed temple keeper, the sagely Brian Atwood. After a grand and respectful homage to the sage, I left with a great blessing of illustrious beauty – the coveted Great Works of Cajano, the famed oxfords in brown perforated leather.

Finally, I arrived at the building dedicated to the Goddess at the Grand Temple of Ta-Ka (She Might Yell). It was a grand affair at the temple. Inside the Hall of the Great Sages, there were a group of vestal virgins and gatekeepers in every Chamber of Beauteous Things. I went down to the Basement of Great By And By and found great gifts of the softest creations – Towels of Great Blessings, Oils of Holy Aromas amongst other things.

My fasting and meditations had worked. They are now rewarding me with gifts from above – boutiques on the upper level chambers. This is only the beginning of a two month long celebration. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of festivities, feasts and other assorted celebrations.

Fabulista Regrets: The Pointlessness of Giving Oneself.

After all that I have done for them, the sponsor for the wannabe models under my care accuses me of not knowing them individually? They lament of my insensitivity as towards their feelings and anxieties?

How ungrateful! How insolent! How presumptuous!

I shall now relegate my care and concerns to other parties and other places.

Fabulista Proclaims: The New Status Cymbal (K-W-E-N-G!)

You see them everywhere nowadays. They are the common denominator of the tasteless. The nouveau riche. The bourgeoisies. Many designers produce them; run of the mill, thoughtless products that are thrown at the ignorant, the clueless and the style-less. These undiscerning consumer of mass-products swing around town, toting their overpriced canvas, displaying it like their trophy for being at the apex of style and affluence. Unfortunately, it is more like a scarlet letter for their lack thereof.

So don’t walk too near me if you own one of those monogrammed status cymbals. Otherwise, don’t blame me if I can’t hear you – those clanging monograms are just too loud.

Status cymbals - symbols of gauche, unselective and indiscriminating tastelessness.

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Fabulista Wonders: The Point in China Made Bags (Is There One?).

There is a reason why people maletiers (professional luggage makers) began their craft. Travel has always been a treacherous and bittersweet adventure – more then than now though. The last thing a traveler wants to worry about is a split luggage in the middle of a journey.

That is how investment in a quality luggage began. That is the raison d'être for all maletiers – Louis Vuitton and Goyard to name a couple. However, somewhere along the way, fashion and stylishness crashed right through the front door of the houses and design of the canvas and leather became a factor.

This is also one of the many reasons why I invest in designer bags. Apart from Louis Vuitton and Goyard, other houses like Prada and Hermès begin as ateliers with their reputation built around craftsmanship and quality of their stitching and leather. Therefore, buying their creation and products is investing on quality and peace of mind when using and traveling.

Being in the industry that espouses and purveys fabulousness, I know that certain parts of China are known are for their craft and workmanship. For example, Shanghai is a province that is traditionally synonymous with excellent carpenters and tailors. Wood joints are seamless and done without nails, bolts or screws. Clothes are sewn where the hems and seams are almost invisible. However, most of the rest of modern China is agriculturally, industrially or commercially related. Generally speaking, not much of communist-China is linked with refined handiwork. Therefore, if you ask me, then I’d have to honestly remark that China is neither Italy (for leather) nor France (for couture) in terms of quality workmanship.

This brings us back to the topic of maletiers. Many of the fine designer houses we know have shifted their production to China. This is done for financial reasons of course; labour in China is dirt-cheap. Imagine 2 billion people, of which those aged between 18 and 45 (a conservative bracket) are clamouring to be gainfully employed – being sick and tired of being sick and tired after a day’s back-breaking farm work. Labour is plenteous and cheap.

Unfortunately, unlike established places like Italy and France, where generations of people have learnt their craft and skills have been honed, refined and passed from their parents and child, China’s has a general digital dexterity, relatively speaking, where hands and fingers are no different from toes and soles.

It is precisely for this reason, and more, that I am wondering. Why would anyone, worth their salt in fabulousness purchase a made in China reticule or luggage? These products are crudely made and exhibit conspicuous flaws when compared with their continental counterparts.

Unless, of course, it is as we suspect, the people who choose to purchase those items are genetically deprived of the fabulous gene and therefore, pathetically have none to speak of.

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Houses known to have China-made bags (non-exhaustive):

Furthermore, China is also known as one of the land where counterfeit and replica bags flow. Websites blatantly flaunting sales of counterfeit stuff are rampant. Just try and google the name of a designer bag and the first sites that are listed are those offering replicas and counterfeits – it is quite literally, a web of sadness.

So, would you still want a MADE IN CHINA bag?

Fabulista Ridicules: The Terracotta Fetish.

Terracotta is clay.

Terracotta is a tile.

Terracotta is NOT a skin colour.

Terracotta is NOT sexy.

So unless you are Donatella Versace (God knows why…), fake tanning to terracotta is ridiculous.

Sun tanning to terracotta is pure stupidity - unadulterated.

Fabulista Rejects: Gucci and Pigs

I have mentioned in an earlier post about how I dislike Gucci’s designs. They have gone the easy way out by emblazoning their logos, ostentatiously and unabashedly everywhere on their products. Perhaps they should take a leaf or two from out the design philosophy of their subsidiary Bottega. Products should be as works of art and design. The logo and/or brand is only a final touch - like an artist signing off one's work tastefully in a discreet corner.

Or perhaps they are just appealing to a certain demographics?

In addition, EVERYBODY knows that Gucci uses pigskin extensively in their leather products. Pigskin is easily recognisable with its signature triangular pore-pattern arrangement (see photo below). As read on MensFolio:

“Pigskin's status got elevated ever since Gucci used it extensively on its leather goods. Of course, when Gucci does it, they make sure it looks good. Afterall every Gucci sells for a few hundred bucks. The pores actually become like a pattern of the leather. And it's very scratch resistant.”

But,

“Pigskin has always been regarded as the cheap alternative to cowhide and is commonly used to make bags, wallets and shoes. Because of its low price, pigskin is also used as the inner linings for bags and shoes.”

There are certain strata in my society and indeed the world, where handling of anything porcine is religiously forbidden. Thus, I always find strange, bizarre even, to see them carrying Gucci. It’s surreal to see them all wrapped up, covering their faces and necks and then around their arms and sometimes cradled in their bosoms – a pigskin product with the double-G emblazoned on them... or does that mean that they are carrying fakes...?

Eeew... scary thought!

 

 

Fabulista Introduces: Nespresso™

It’s not everyday that fabulous people get the chance to hangout and catch up with one another. Fabulistas are far too busy most of the time being seen, setting trends, pushing the envelope, redefining the cutting-edge. Yes, when it comes to people like us, with one swift and decisive stroke of the pinking shears, we can set hemlines and the public world can become a girl’s gynecologist.

However, when we do, we share exciting information – and more often that not, we do this at a coffee joint; our favourite coffee joint. It so happens that this time around, we also spotted a new kid– Nestlé’s Nespresso™ system has arrived on Arena’s shore.

What is Nespresso™?

Nespresso™ machines use Nespresso™ coffee pods. You can buy the pods on-line direct from Nespresso™ and they come in a variety of strengths and flavours. Basically the value of the Nespresso™ system is that the coffee is sealed in its own individual pod.

The pod is only broken open in the machine as you are making the coffee. As far as we know there is no better way to keep the coffee fresh. The empty pod is stored in the machine's bin until you empty it. There is no mess and no coffee grounds. The machine is supplied with a starter pack of 12 Nespresso™ pods. The coffee itself tastes excellent and there is no variation from one cup of coffee to another.

A coffee purist might say that Nespresso™ is too easy. Yet while it's true that there is no way to play around with blends and strengths - and no way to customise the system to suit an individual taste - for anyone who just wants a simple way to produce excellent coffee every time this system is perfect.

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George Clooney for Nespresso™

Fabulista Inhales: A Breath of Pure Air

It’s finally arrived. Hugo Boss Pure. The uplifting infusion of fig water, Mediterranean citrus, a heart of lily and hyacinth, and a base notes of Massoia wood brings to mind the scent of pure, clean water gushing down in a refreshing waterfall – cleansing, revitalising.

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Chris Austad for Hugo Boss Pure

Fabulista Sighs: It’s Still Beautiful After All

In the season finale of “Brothers and Sisters” we are left with a cliffhanger of a certain mysterious ‘Ryan’. While the internet is rife with discussion about plot loopholes and disparities, this Fabulousness is only interested in the important matters.

When two persons in an ocean of lost souls manage to find each other, the union of their individuals from ‘me’ to ‘we’; from ‘I’ to ‘us’ should be celebrated.

Only the people who are truly happy for us when we are happy, are the only people who really matter in our lives.

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Love, life and living is what it is no matter how it manifests. Love, life and living can still be a very beautiful phase in every cycle on the Samsara.

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“…and things that we thought to be true, turned out not to be… and it seems when we give up on what was, that’s when things we thought improbable or impossible even, happen right before your eyes…” - Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker.

Fabulista Sighs: It’s Beautiful After All

I know it is just Hollywood, but it’s so romantic and beautiful. My heart was on the verge of bursting out of its chest cavity and my tears were threatening to burst a dam.

I am talking about the on-again-off-again relationship between Kevin and Scotty in Brothers and Sisters, currently in the second running season.

It’s so beautiful and perfect and romantic and chivalrous and gentlemanly and... AURGH! everything so perfect, such a (add your own ultimate adjective here) relationship they have between the two of them, I wish I’d be as lucky and happy one of these days.

Sigh…



“I realize how lucky I am… I get to come home to someone who is kind and caring, who changes the light bulbs and… marry me.”

“I am completely, completely in love with you… because you make feel like I don’t have to be anyone other than who I am…”

“That feels like family… I want us to be a family… because that never ends.”

Fabulista Introspects: Tear | Stained

Riding
On a bus
The public transport
Trudging and ambling
Along the avenue of stars
Into the junction of loneliness
The sky clouds over
Tears fall
From the shielded faces
From the midnight diamonds
Splattering on the windows
The opening revealing the world
Sodium lights orange blights
Washing the streets
Phosphorescent
Opaque and sleek
Streaking through the pane
Falling on the bitumen skin
Searing in a dotted line
Hiding the tracks of tears
Masking the salted marks
Staring at the weeping sky
Sweeping pass the window pane
Hiding all the tears and pain
Welcome to my world

Fabulista Travels: To Asia

After two years of practicing and preaching my personal brand of beauty and brains… i.e. general fabulocity, this divine M. has decided it’s time to move on to greener, nay, more colourful pastures. Together with the global economy shift, it is only right that this divine thing moves to… ASIA!!

After six months of general communication via emails and teleconversations, the divine M. finally met up with the headmeister of the Fashionistas’ Associated Business And Styling School (FAB-ASS for short).

Of course, it is needless to say that the headmeister of FAB-ASS is impressed with my portfolio. Who would not be tempted to take in a socially experienced, culturally exposed fabulista of my caliber, gifted and with an ability for general and specific fashion and fabulousness that is honours certified? The headmeister has since express keen interest to take me into his fold. Once a vacancy is open, I shall be informed and I shall be a gainfully employed member of FAB-ASS.

Hopefully, after years of wondering, the divine and delicious M. Fabulista can go home to where it all started.

Fabulista Anticipates: Fabulousity in Vietnam.

Am looking forward to being TOTALLY in Vietnam... soon!

Fabulista Considers: Clean Waters.

RIGHT NOW, 1.1 BILLION PEOPLE ON THE PLANET DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO SAFE, CLEAN DRINKING WATER. THAT'S ONE IN SIX OF US.

Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation causes 80% of all sickness and disease, and kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more than three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. Additionally, collecting water puts them at greater risk of sexual harassment and assault. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water. Of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old.

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charity: water is a non-profit initiative bringing clean water and basic sanitation into impoverished communities. Since charity: was founded and began activity in August 2006, we have funded the construction of more than 250 wells that, when completed, will provide clean drinking water to 150,000 people. We're just getting started.

YOU CAN HELP.
$2o can give a person in Africa clean, safe drinking water for 20 years. 100% goes to direct project costs. donate >

Fabulista Shops: For Burberry

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I remember a time when I avoided Burberry like a quarantined state. It was a time when street urchins were all sporting their trademark tartan polo shirts. Being a person who knows better (in very many ways) I did not wish to be associated with them even via my sartorial choices.

Fast forward to present day, Burberry has finally gotten their act together. Street urchins can no longer afford them (and there are labels that cater to their abase taste). So the other day, while shopping for my fabulous self, what should I see – Burberry having a sale!

Unfortunately, mainlanders got a whiff of it as well and were spotted in packs inside the boutique. Aurgh! It’s enough to whip me back to the time when street urchins were in there (it’s the same difference…).

Fortunately, the Burberry associates in the boutique saw my apparent higher-order-ness and promptly waltzed over to me and ushered me to the corner where the better and more exclusive pieces were held.

Thanks to their assistance, I am glad to report that I had gotten a few pieces of exclusiveness and quality which shall nourish my skin in a week’s time – had to send my purchases to be refined and customized.

As I had mentioned before, loyalty shopping pays. Being a returning customer and shopping at regular places has its rewards and privileges.

Fabulista Applauds: Iron Man – The Movie

Starring Robert Downey, Jr, I really thought it was a miscast. However, my friends tell me that Downey does resemble the comic hero. I don’t read the comic, I only know Iron Man as an animated cartoon character and I thought Downey’s darkside does not quite suit the character he’s playing. Show’s how much I know.

Apprently, Tony Stark is every bit as dark as the Downey. So it suits the role well. But that aside, Iron Man is really a very entertaining piece of action/adventure movie. The witty lines and the flawed characters and even the clumsy-klutzy Tony Stark made the person/hero all the more relatable and believable.

The show and its story is current and human. It’s a larger than life story in an approachable, believable package.

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At the end of the show, I was so inspired; I went and got myself an Iron Man action figure. So now, my Superman and Bumble Bee have a new heroic partner in protecting FabuCity.

He is IRON MAN.

Fabulista Re-Sighs: For the Return of my Hero

You may remember my first sigh of James from Atonement (and first sighted as Tom Lefroy in Becoming Jane with the saucer eyed Anne Hathaway with her on-again-off-again nasally so-called Brit accent).

Here’s James McAvoy in his latest incarnation as the IT assassin of the retcon genre comic hero Wesley Gibson in Wanted.

Yes, you have been granted permission to drool…

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Synopsis (extract from Wikipedia)

Based upon Mark Millar’s explosive graphic novel series and helmed by stunning visualist director Timur Bekmambetov—creator of the most successful Russian film franchise in history, the Night Watch series—Wanted tells the tale of one apathetic nobody’s transformation into an unparalleled enforcer of justice. In 2008, the world will be introduced to a hero for a new generation: Wesley Gibson.

25-year-old Wes (James McAvoy) was the most disaffected, cube-dwelling drone the planet had ever known. His boss chewed him out hourly, his girlfriend ignored him routinely and his life plodded on interminably. Everyone was certain this disengaged slacker would amount to nothing. There was little else for Wes to do but wile away the days and die in his slow, clock-punching rut.

Until he met a woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie).

After his estranged father is murdered, the deadly sexy Fox recruits Wes into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains Wes to avenge his dad’s death by unlocking his dormant powers. As she teaches him how to develop lightning-quick reflexes and phenomenal agility, Wes discovers this team lives by an ancient, unbreakable code: carry out the death orders given by fate itself.

With wickedly brilliant tutors—including the Fraternity’s enigmatic leader, Sloan (Morgan Freeman)—Wes grows to enjoy all the strength he ever wanted. But, slowly, he begins to realize there is more to his dangerous associates than meets the eye. And as he wavers between newfound heroism and vengeance, Wes will come to learn what no one could ever teach him: he alone controls his destiny.

Fabulista Wonders: About Ignorance; Oblivion; Indifference

Was not trying to eavesdrop. Totally. Honest! In fact, was trying to concentrate on lunch in front of me. Mmm… delish! But conversation in front of me by a duo of father and son was simply too intriguing…

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Father: Okay, fine! So your elder brother’s deadly poisonous cobra escaped its box. The cobra is a terror and now your entire family of hamsters is at risk. SO WHAT!!?? I already told you he tried his best to keep the cobra inside the box. He did not want to keep a lid on the box because… (pause, wrecks his brains for a plausible and sensible explanation, while kid looks in anticipation)… because, well I am sure your brother must have a VERY good rationale for that. Anyway, why did you not bring these questions up when we were talking about it last night? Why wait till today? And here, when you brother is not present to neither explain nor defend himself?

Son looks at father with imploring eyes, seeming to beseech the understanding of his concerns. It would have been plain to see the son’s trepidation and anxiety over the safety and very survival of his hamsters. Which the father obviously neither sees nor shares.

Father (exasperated): You don’t seem to understand to understand right? Alright then, are you suggesting that I disown him and throw him out of the house? Tell me! Is that what you want?

The boy remained silent…

Father (exasperated): Good. That settles the case.

Somehow, to an observer, the boy appeared resigned to the fact that his father is probably not going to do anything about his brother’s irresponsible behaviour over the apparent cobra incident. But then again, I only overheard snippets – for all I know, “Cobra” may be a code name for anything. The brother’s nymphet girlfriend who hates rodents, maybe? Well, it was obviously more of a monologue, really, but you get the idea. No?

Sigh… favouritism. Do parents have to be THAT obvious?