Fabulista Presents: The New Gentleman’s Manifesto.

Style:Men published in their sophomore edition, the new manifesto for the 21^st century gentleman.

Don’t:

• Enforce political or religious views on anyone; one is a liberal and only respects the laws of nature and humanity.
• Insult or swear at another man, invoking religious icons or person’s parents. Not in defence; not in offence.
• Be involved in petty gossip or idle talk, nor keep oneself in the unenlightened company of those who do, especially if one is the object of their gossip.
• Say something that makes another feels small.
• Comment on another man’s dress sense – even if the person looks like a dog’s dinner – unless one's opinions are sought after.
• Attempt to correct another person’s English unless one is the editor of the financial times or an English Language professor.

Do:

• Not be easily offended – a good sense of humour is the most stylish gentlemanly accessory.
• Not be afraid to try new things; never be biased against shape, size or fit till one tries it.
• Carry only the necessities in one's wallet and a man-bag only for function and not a fashion statement.
• Always use a foot deodorant when sockless; slip-ons are strictly for yachting getaways in the Bahamas or the like. No exceptions.
• Own at least one navy blazer; or black in the case of a mob or triad leader.
• Have or cultivate exquisite taste and sophistication. Never over accessorise or outshine a lady companion. Hip-hop stars are exceptions.
• Not rumple one’s cloths; posture is all-important, even when sleeping.
• Wear a tie-bar just below the second button, technically the third button from the top.
• Always wear an undershirt.
• Exercise and maintain a balanced diet. Fit into your clothes but never deprive or starve oneself of food.
• Always wear well-cut clothes at an ideal length; never look like one is wearing borrowed or hand-me-downs.
• Always wear proper underwear; boxers or briefs are never too small or big and jockstraps are permissible only to cricketers.
• Never look down on one who cannot afford to dress as well as one does.
• Not be ashamed of owning six identical, well-cut shirts.
• Be well versed in knotting a tie.
• Learn how to sew and replace any button on one’s garments.
• Make sure that one’s belt goes through every loop on one’s trousers.
• Maintain a neat and simple haircut, regardless of length; radical cuts are only for trendy boys.
• Ensure that shoelaces never come undone; Velcro is not a solution.
• Not kiss and tell; it is not one’s forte.

Fabulista Adores: Leather

There is nothing quite like the soft-spoken nod towards taste and refinement than a quality leather accessory.

Types of Leather
(this list is non-exhaustive)

	Pigskin - Economically priced leather, noticeable hair follicle pattern, thin leather generally .8-1.0 mm thick.
	Pig suede - Economically priced suede, noticeable hair follicle pattern, very soft, thin suede generally .8-1.0 mm thick.
	Cowhide - Maximum valued material for texture and appearance, top grain finish, extremely durable, firm yet easy to break in, comfortable, thickness vary greatly from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick for belting and saddlery, grain can be from extra smooth through a pebble grain uniform pattern, generally less expensive grains will have some spider web type gain pattern.
	Cow suede - Maximum durability in a suede, comfortable, can come is a variety of softness; thickness can vary greatly from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick.
	Goatskin - Economically priced leather more durable than pigskin but with a courser tiny pebble grain finish. Generally only available in weights of .9 to 1.1 mm thick.
	Horse hide - Can be expensive but lately has been pricing similar to cowhide but happens to be harder to work with, stiffer and stronger. Ideal for bag and cases or heavy biker garments. Harder to find these days. Thicknesses from 1.0 to 1/8" thick.
	Split Leather - Economically priced leather that can appear like top grain finish or a rustic cracked finish leather. Strong and durable and can vary in thickness from .8 mm thick through 1/8" thick.
	Calfskin - Rare in comparison to other leathers, baby cow, more durable than cow, thin, softer, thickness range from .8 mm to 2.0 mm thickness.
	Buffalo - Value priced, heavy duty leather, hair follicles and grain often evident, durable and generally found in thickness from .9 mm to 3.0 mm thick.
	Steerhide - A skin from a male cow or male buffalo that is generally the same properties of each but a bit tougher than the female skins.
	Sheepskin/Lambskin - Extremely soft, comfortable, pliable but can stretch and excessively distort the shape of the garment after excessive use, some tanning can be expensive, softer and plumper is more expensive, less expensive skins have a tight small pebble grain and the cheapest skins will be course in it's feel.
	Deerskin - Most value in softness vs. durability, extremely soft and extremely durable, generally very expensive. Pebble grain common. Soft touch and somewhat spongy in it's feel. Thickness is between 1.0 and 3.0 mm thick.
	Chamois - Is baby lambskin. Absorbent and naturally yellow in colour. This is the split section of the hide. Can be used in washable garments, stains easily, extremely soft to the touch and my dry stiff unless hung neatly to dry. Thickness is from .8 to 1.2 mm thick.
	Naked - This is a tanning process or lack of finishes giving it the Naked name. Any skin can be naked but most commonly you will find naked leathers in cowhide with all the durability and qualities of such. Generally a more expensive skin because they have to use choice skins (without markings and scars) for the leather to be used in manufacturing without waste.
	Distressed - A term used commonly these days as an uneven coloured finish. Most common in light brown naked buffalo leather (where each panel on a garment is rarely a perfect match due to the unique qualities of each and every skin). In the 50's though the 80's distressed leathers had been where the painted outer coat finish cam off or rubbed off during use. Some people still use words like "rub off" or "pull up" (pull up has extra oils in it for a similar effect). Distressed can come in a variety of thicknesses, textures, skins and even colours.
	Patch Leather - Random scraps of leather are sewn together and then pressed to make a large flat garment later cut into pattern parts to make things from jackets to bags. Generally any type of leather is used here. Most common is garment weights of .9 to 1.0 mm thick in a variety of pigskins, lambskins, goatskins, sheepskins and even cowhide.

Fabulista Appalled: With The Lack of Good Taste...

That one should desire to dress up and accessorise appropriately when it comes to a public party is not surprising. In fact, it is a sign and gesture of good taste and breeding.

Unfortunately, this discreet gesture of the upper crust was distinctly missing at the recent YSL launch. The party was typically attended by the generally well-heeled, socialites, tai-tais and wannabes. However, what was missing was the attendance of the muse called Good Taste.

Splashed almost every tai-tai and wanabe’s arm was a Hermes Kelly or Birkin. Mind you, at 60cm wide, a Birkin is no tote – it really is a weekender*. Also, at an evening do, why would anyone be holding on to a handbag that looks more suited for the office than the ballroom? I would have thought that a clutch would be more appropriate for the occasion…

In the end, they were like handbag lemmings – all looking similar and have an appalling general lack of good and selective taste. So eager to set themselves apart, they end up looking identical, uniformed, indistinguishable, unremarkable.

The ironic part was, although it was a YSL do, there were more Hermes on swinging on the arms of the guests than there were YSL bags on sale. It was like the boutique opened its doors, promptly had diarrhoea and made Hermes.

For some ideas on what other bags might have been more suitable and still gestures towards one’s good taste while setting one apart, here are some suggestions:

Loewe - Amazona	Chanel - 2.55	Christian Dior - Lady Dior
Fendi - Spy	Bottega Veneta - Veneta	Louis Vuitton - Mahina XS

*The Birkin is an enlarged version of the Kelly as suggested to Hermes by the actress herself.

Faulista Runs: 10km in Public...

It’s Monday morning.

At 11:35 a.m., it’s a bit of an odd hour to be contemplating things like work and stuff. I checked on the calendar and realise that, “hey, it’s the run this weekend!” Then with a dread, I contemplated again – yes; I seem to do that a lot, don’t I? I mean, contemplate.

I’ll be on the run this weekend with my village training school this Saturday next to the refreshing ocean. Hmm… it’s a while since I’ve been there. Wonder how’s it’s changed already.

But seriously, I digress. I should be considering if I had been practising enough to be in tip-top condition for the run. It’s my usual 10km, but still, I don’t want to take any chances.

See you there! Next to the ocean and taking in the bracing sweet air for the run!!

Fabulista Reiterates: The importance of proper pronunciation.

While having lunch at one’s favourite democratic eatery at the Atrium, one was reminded of the importance of proper pronunciation. The anecdote below is a big blow to the head *ahem* and serves as an indication to the consequence otherwise…

The eatery is unfortunately, also the favourite of many, as they would pronounce themselves “so-fers-ter-catered” (sophisticated) local girls. You know the kind – the ones who sports a perennial tan that puts even Donatella Versace to shame; the ones with a penchant for wearing thin cotton wrap dresses even when they are shopping along the Orchard Road belt, with the ability to pile on cosmetics on their faces that even drag queens would feel embarrassed, who loves white flesh potatoes especially the ones imported from navy ships.

It was while one was lunching, that a group of them sat down next to one’s table, along with a sack of said potatoes (albeit rather good-looking potatoes *wink*). Midway through their meal, one of the “so-fers-ter-catered” girls, with legs that possibly begin at her neck, caught my aural attention. She pushed her dish away with limp-wristed hands and promptly declared, “Oh, I’ve had enerve… the food is rur-lee feeling me up…”

is this being felt up by food?

At this point, one nearly choked on one’s bite of bean curd in the mouth. How on earth is it possible for food to molest a diner? How on earth does food feel someone up? I am not sure if the sack of potatoes were as dense as their female equivalent seated opposite them, but they appear to comprehend their outrageous statement. Being the linguistically inquisitive individual that one is, one could not help but glance over in their direction.

With that one glance, all mystery was dispelled – one witnessed the “so-fers-ter-catered” girl who accused the food of molest rubbing her (non-existent) stomache. While trying to sound “so-fers-ter-catered”, she had accused the food of feeling her up (pity the food) while meaning stuffed – “the food is really filling me up”.

One tried to go back to one’s meal. Unfortunately, with my over-active imagnation and the very graphic accusation of food feeling up the uglier than Donatella Versace (if that was possible) super-tan “so-fers-ter-catered” female in an inappropriate cotton wrap dress, one had completely lost one’s appetite… for the next seven days.

Fabulista Reflects: On War

Do not describe.
The necessities of war.
To me.
Please.

I am drowned.
In salty ocean drops.
Of sorrows.

The fabric woven.
In various shades of green.
Brings none of glory.
Nor of shame.

It weaves.
A heart.
A family.
And so a country.
Bereaves.

Fabulista Excited: The Retail Connection.

Ever wished that one could saunter down the retail belt on the sunny island set in the sea without breaking into a sweat? Now you can…

Remember the massive road works down the junction of Paterson Road and Orchard Road? Apparently, part of the construction is an underground link way from the underground station to the building across the road. This means, it is now possible to visit one’s in-laws between Tangs, Shaw House, Wheelock Place, ION, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City – all without breaking a sweat!

Ooh, time to do everyone else a favour and check myself out in fabulous wear and parade down the gorgeous air-conditioned corridors of the underground! Scarves! Longs! Shoes! Knits! Here I come…!

 

Ngee Ann City	Wisma Atria	ION Orchard

Wheelock Place	Shaw House	Tang Plaza

Fabulista Amazed: At Compensations.

Many people have ego issues. Many compensate it. (Heard of the man with the extra large, extra powerful sports car?)

Many people are hit by the economy downturn and stressed out. Many people seek relief. (Heard of stress shopping?)

But the following is just over the top - a Russian billionaire lost 13 million in stocks went ahead and build himself a yacht. But it's not just any yacht, but one like this...

Yes, that IS the actual Eclipse, a 557-footer, USD490 million yacht complete with a missile-detection system, two helipads, a luxury spa, swimming pool and a miniature submarine. With those exaggerated specifications, it's more like a liner than a yacht.

That's quite a way to compensate and relief stress, no?

Fabulista Reads: For the Holidays

Right after Nicholas Sparks' “The Lucky One”, one embarked almost immediately on Matt Dunn’s “From here to Paternity”. The former is a warming read that is good for Sunday mornings with honey (make it manuka) and warm toasts. The latter is like a combination of chocolate and banana – it’s funny but surprising good.

“The Lucky One” is essentially a love story of a returning American Iraqi war veteran. It journals his search for the subject of a photograph he held on as a lucky charm during his stint on the frontline. The search blossoms from a meeting that blooms into romance between protagonist and said subject. The journey is at once tender and heart wrenching in typical Sparks style. However, unlike his earlier works, this latest publication, like many of his recent ones ends with a pill that is not as bitter to swallow.

 

“From Here to Paternity” is best enjoyed for its near non-stop provision of witty one-liners, play on grammar and homonyms. Famous for his romantic-comedy tomes, this is his third publication that offers some insight into the male psyche. For Will, the story’s protagonist, we see a guy who is desperate to settle down with a family when he hears his biology clock’s tick escalating to one worthy of Big Ben’s proportion. So how does he try to solve his problem? Well, what’s better than good’ol fashion advertising? But it’s the hows and the ensuing process that makes the adventure. It is at once funny and tender with an ending that is as heartwarming as hot chocolate and (almost) as nourishing as a banana.

Read the above titles for an enhanced break while on holiday. Highly recommended.

Currently reading:

*Yes, I may found a new favourite author after Maeve Binchy, Nicholas Sparks, and Sophie Kinsella. :-)*

Fabulista Concerned: About the ION.

Fabulista is about fashion and all for fashion. This is why one has been terribly excited with the reveal that the fashION IcON had been dripping to the public as it draws closer to its opening date.

Can you love fashion and be alive without waiting excitedly beyond bated breath for the ION’s opening? One thinks not. However, being a socially (if not globally) conscious Fabulista about town, one cannot but notice the yet-to-be-completed concrete and steel entity consuming more than its fair share of energy resources. Every evening, the site is a dazzling display of flashing lights bulbs, glowing LED walls and even a larger-than-life motion-picture screen. If this is how it is while it is still under construction, it paralyses even oneself at the thought of how the building might be, energy-consuming wise, when it goes full-up on the peacock dance.

What one likes to ask is whatever happened to the adage ‘fashion with a conscience’? In addition to the nightly flash dance, let’s not forget the full glass bubble that is the shopping mall. Can you imagine the energy needed to effectively cool what is essentially a giant greenhouse? The compressors will be working non-stop!

This could be potential public-relations nightmare once the (money-wielding) crowd realizes the possible horrors. Is it possible in this day and age of transparent-everything to ask the management for a reveal or report of their energy consumption? After all, unless the building comes with its own solar-energy power station, what started as a potential fashION IcON could quickly spiral into a IrONy pION.

Fabulista Excited: About the Release of Nokia N97

Can't wait to get a set of my own...!

Fabulista Loves: Jean-Claude Ellena

Jean-Claude Ellena: founder and creator of The Different Co. and range of perfumes. The current Nose of Hermes' house of perfumery.

Fabulista's personal favourite from:

• The Different Co. - Bergamote.
• Hermes:
• Cologne - Pamplemousse Rose
• Jardin - Un Jardin Apres Mousson

Creator of Hermes' exclusive collection of Hermessence range of EDT and the 'Jardin' range.

Latest project (May 2009): creation and relaunch of Hermes cologne collection.

Signature style of perfume blending: clean and minimal, allowing every note to develop to their fullest potential.

Fabulista Experiences: The New Hermes Cologne

Hermes Pamplemousse Rose: notes of grapefruit, orange, rose, rhubofix and vetiver.

The house of Hermes had just released two new colognes to join in the foray of the singular D’Orange Verte. Pamplemousse Rose and Gentiane Blanche were released just a few months back and have arrived on the shores of the sunny island set in the sea.

Since this is a personal review, one has the liberty to do this – dismiss one and only mention the favourite. So while Gentiane Blanche is a floral/herbal blend of white gentian and musk, it will only receive the briefest of mention and end here.

On the other hand, one shall now wax lyrical about the other – Pamplemousse Rose. One loves refreshing fragrances and there is nothing quite as refreshing as the redolence of citrus fruits. In this case, fragrance maestro Jean-Claude Ellena employed the sparkling and tart notes of the grapefruit – the paradise citrus. The zesty head note awakes the senses and opens the olfactory gateway for the subsequent layers of the cologne. While the citrus fades away quickly, as most head notes usually do, it brings about the orange and rose heart notes. These are subtle and luscious, with the floral note reminding one more of a gentle geranium than an opulent rose. As the scent develops further, what one senses is a woody/musky scent of vertiver, with reminders of the earlier orange and rose.

Overall it is a delightful scent which needs to be over applied in order to extend its sillage (it is after all a cologne). Re-application is recommended halfway through the day, if it is intend as a whole day wear.

Fabulista Reads: Again!

Just completed:

If you are a fan of Maeve Binchy, you would have been captivated by her warm and intimate style of writing. The prose that she weaves links you into the stories as one of the involved characters. You laugh, you hurt and you cry with them. Heart and Soul is no different – it made me cry as well. The latest from Binchy weaves characters from her previous stories like Scarlet Feather, Quentins, Nights of Rain and Stars and Whitethorn Woods with new ones created for this new one. One of the main characters Fiona is from the previous NORAS and her story from the other novel continues in this one. Together with other new characters and set in a new heart clinic, Binchy tells of an Ireland in transition. It is a new place that is coming to terms with its budding cosmopolitanism. Without being didactic and preachy, the theme is introduced in a heart-warming and at times emotionally-charged tale.

Now starting on:

 

 

Fabulista Holidays: On the Sunny Island (set in the sea)

“Congratulations ! Your reservation has been CONFIRMED.”

How wonderful! One’s hotel reservation has been confirmed - well-deserved break from everything after almost a year.

If you are going to be holidaying on the sunny island as well, how about a spot of Martini one of the days when one is there?

Fabulista Offered: A Bally good job!

One had mentioned the virtues of loyalty shopping before. In one’s case, loyalty shopping happens to refer to one’s in-laws (see links on left). Apart from being in the know of latest collections, sales and preview sales, there are the occasional unexpected perks. Just the other day, yours truly, the Fabulista experienced one said unexpected perk.

After a fabulous tea/dinner with Jeane, one casually walked into one’s footwear purveyor of choice. Of course, Cat was there to offer a warm smile and updates on the latest collections (AW’09 is coming in a couple of weeks’ time), upcoming sales (preview is on in a week’s time) and new openings (a store six times bigger will open at the ION). We also caught up the latest adventures of her daughter (pulled out of nursery classes and enrol again next year).

Our conversations naturally steered toward the products and its raw material – leather. Apparently, Cat, the assistant store manager was so impressed with one’s vast and profound knowledge of the product and its varieties she wanted to hire me on the spot. When it was understood that she was serious, I expressed my forte and desire as a buyer rather than in upfront sales. Nodding sagely, one also informed her of my current three year contract.

“Oh yes, we’d definitely have a vacancy then, what with plans to expand nationally and regionally… we’d keep in touch.”

Imagine, Fabulista in the business of high-quality fashion leather footwear. Honestly, is it that hard?

Fabulista Quotes: Hong Lim Park Turns Pink

May 16, 2009

Hong Lim Park Turns Pink
By Nur Dianah Suhaimi (The Straits Times)

THE green field of Hong Lim Park was awashed in pink on Saturday afternoon.

About 1,000 people dressed in various shades of pink turned up at the Speakers Corner there to participate in Singapore's first ever outdoor gay event.

Pink Dot Sg, a gay interest group, organised it.

The group was lobbying for a 'more inclusive Singapore' as well as the freedom to love, regardless of sexual orientation.

The event was peaceful and good-natured, with singing and cultural performances as well as groups of people picnicking on the grass. Many turned up with their dogs.

While the majority of those who came were young, not all were gay.

Sociologist Teo You Yenn, 34, came with her husband and 11-month-old daughter. All three were in pink.

Said Ms Teo: 'I believe there should be different kinds of families in Singapore. Gay people should have the right to public space and privacy, like everyone else.'

Local actors such as Timothy Nga, Neo Swee Lin and Pamela Oei were also there to support the cause.

The crowd started gathering at 3pm and dispersed around 6pm.

Read the full report in The Sunday Times.

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (3)

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event (2)

Fabulista Attends: The Pink Dot Event

Fabulista believes in LOVE. Fabulista believes that it comes in all forms. Fabulista believes that it should all be respected for it is all beautiful and real.

Fabulista celebrates LOVE because Fabulista celebrates all things beautiful from bags to booze, from Aigner to Zegna.

So step out from your closet and step into the light, the fabulous, warm and liberating light.

At the Pink Dot Event this evening at a park on the sunny island set in the sea, a crowd of people, from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the everybody’s right and freedom to love – love that comes in all shapes and colours, forms and aspects. And this evening, that shape is a CIRCLE and the colour is PINK. The form is BIG and it covers ALL aspects of love.

At about 5.30, the beautiful individuals at the park became one united people and formed one gigantic pink dot – a circular shape with no beginning and no end. It celebrates the all encompassing aspects of love. And one realized how universal and all encompassing love really is – words materialising into physical reality.

One saw familiar faces from one’s life - university professors, schoolmates, classmates, friends, military men, educators and more – all aspects from all circles. It really is a small circle. Small world and it is a world filled with love.

It has always been Fabulista’s creed – Love in any form is still love. There is no one to deny that.

---

“For if the creator creates out of love, than the one who denies love denies the creator and all things created including the self, for one was also created out of love.”

- Me (Fabulista)

Were you there at the Pink Dot Event?

Where people gathered, pretty in pink.

Celebrating love in all aspects.

Releasing hopes and dreams.

Fabulista Steadies: For the Great Singapore Sale 2009

photos courtesy of Hermes, Loewe & Bottega Veneta

THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE

29 May - 26 July 2009

Whether you are in the main shopping belts of Orchard Road and Marina Bay or at the suburban malls, look out for discounts of up to 70% off the usual prices. That goes for just about anything, from designer apparel to jewellery, watches and more!

And whether you are pampering your loved ones or just rewarding yourself, MasterCard gives you more reasons to shop, so use your MasterCard for exclusive privileges this Great Singapore Sale.

On top of that, visitors to the island city during the Great Singapore Sale are entitled to exclusive promotions on selected retail and lifestyle purchases. So take advantage of the season’s tourist privileges and rewards to enjoy even bigger bargains! What’s more, there will also be attractive dining offers islandwide during the season to keep you and your companions thoroughly contented even when you’re not shopping.

Extract from THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE home site

Fabulista Makes: The Pink Dot

Fabulista Loves: Special Long Weekends

Fabulista loves the long weekends. One loves it even more when one’s relations stop by the sunny island for a visit (yes, one was not had from asexual reproduction and does have relations).

Over the long enlightening weekend, one’s godpaddy came for a surprise visit “to escape the dowdy weather back home”. Unfortunately, the island’s weather was not exactly bright and fabulous over the past three days either. In any case, we were able to squeeze in some shopping opportunities along the stretch of road along the district known as the fruit plantation.

We had lunch at the Atrium at a democratic eatery, which served our favourite beef dishes. I showed paddy the new mall that’s coming up right next to the eatery’s lookout windows. Even at its incomplete state, the building looks impressive what with all its LEDs and sweeping canopies.

After lunch, paddy mentioned his regrets that this year’s thanksgiving and Christmas periods would occupy most of his time and thus avail him not for visits then. The inconvenience resulted in this:

An early present from one of my favourite in-laws’ Spring/Summer’09 collections…

Don’t you just love long weekends and surprise visits?

Fabulista Excited: About ION Orchard

Silly name. I know. Of all the words available to the human language, they chose one that seems to show no relationship whatsoever to the experience of the place. Oh well, it doesn't matter. It is not for posterity. It is likely to change once the management changes hands (case in point; Lane Crawford to Wheelock Place).

What one is more enthusiastic about is the promise of exciting and new concept shops that have never been to the shores of the sunny island set in the sea. More than 60 per cent of the mall will be taken up by flagship stores, new-to-market brands and new concept stores.

Some of the more established names include Burberry, Club 21, Mango, Muji, Richemont Luxury, Sephora, Starbucks Coffee, Swatch and Zara. Many of Fabulista's in-laws like Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Uniqlo, Topshop and Topman will showcase their collections in double-storey flagship stores.

The mall, situated on what was once the picnic ground of Pinoys in Singapore, is also bringing in brands like Bimba & Lola, Boss Selection, Chaumet, Christian Audigier, Dsquared2, Diane von Furstenberg, Just Cavalli, Marc Jacobs, Patek Philippe, and Vivienne Tam, which are new to Singapore or having its own stand-alone boutiques for the first time.

Time to settle one's credit card bills to get ready for the next round of card flashing exercise come July.