Would you mind talking a little bit about yourself and your background?
Born and bred in Malaysia, in Penang, a small island in the north part of Malaysia. A sleepy town, but a very touristy town. So I guess it’s a ...[ read full review ]
Can you talk a little bit about the store, how did it start, what made you want to get into this?
Basically, I was working in Taiwan, 4-5 years ago, when a couple of friends suggested we start a concept men’s ...[ read full review ]
In a city defined by the hustle and bustle of its citizens, it is often easy to forget to find time to relax. Thankfully, for those of us in need, Shanghai is home to many spas, and among them ...[ read full review ]
Rest and Relaxation
Massage parlors in China are a tricky topic. Countless accounts of shadier adventures are out there, both for the ignorant and the willing, but amongst them exists a veritable industry of legitimate venues that provide all sorts ...[ read full review ]
The Bund's Fairmont Peace Hotel permeates history unlike any other venue in Shanghai. Originally built by Sir Victor Sassoon, the hotel first opened its doors in 1929, and, with its 12 storeys, was the first ‘high-rise' in China. Throughout its ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Perfect Album
Your wedding day, your baby's first birthday, a spectacular holiday abroad or a big party thrown in your name; these are all occasions which warrant a whole lot of happy snaps because these are memories that count. Marc Krakers, founder ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Beauty, We All Have It
Every woman knows that impending feeling of self-loathing when you look in the mirror and dream of a flatter stomach, longer legs, fuller lips, better skin, etc. The truth, however, is that there is no such thing as perfection, and ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Alter Exclusive and 'alter'native
If you're tired of seeing the same old luxury brands around town, then head to Alter for the ultimate fashion experience. Exploring a gap in the market for an international fashion/lifestyle boutique in Shanghai, Alter offers over 30 worldwide brands ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Green & Gorgeous
The organic movement, with roots stretching as far back as the 1900s, has grown to encompass several fields, including cosmetics.
Nowadays, products are defined and certified as "organic" by several different organizations and countries. Every organization has a slightly different interpretation, ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Winnie, Raffles Institute of Design
What is the key motif underpinning your collection?
It is an environmentally-friendly, pollution-free design. I always think about how the designs are processed, released and controlled within its surroundings.
Have you always had big ambitions?
Yes, I want to make money and set ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Hydi, Designer at Raffles Privato
Tell us a little bit about the idea you had for your clothing.
The entire collection revolves around ‘Fairyland' and accompanies "Romanticism" as the overall theme. Inspired by the fairytale image, I have re-created a modern fairy, with elements of ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Dell, Designer at Raffles Privato
Can you explain a little bit about the ethos behind this project and how it became a reality?
My pieces are inspired from the golden paddy fields and sunset glow of my hometown. I incorporate my homesickness into my work and ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Dino, Designer of Raffles Privato
Did you ever expect to be running your own business when you started studying?
Of course, running your own business is every designer's dream. It makes me happy when someone puts on my clothes and it also gives me new ...[ read full review ]
FYI: The Student Store
Eight young fashion designers from Shanghai's Raffles Institute of Design are busy speeding up the pace for the grand opening of the first student concept store on the Chinese mainland. Located in XinTianDi Style, Raffles Privato is part of a ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Yan Ming, Designer of Yan Ming Fashion Studio
What is the core concept behind your clothes?
For this collection, my idea is broken things. "Something new comes from old things broken". I believe broken things bring you strength and power. To show something broken is to show some power, ...[ read full review ]
Yan Ming Fashion Design Studio is located in a quiet residential area, way away from the bustling shopping streets of NanJing Road and the French Concession; but don't be taken in by appearances: on the ground floor of one of ...[ read full review ]
Interview: Chiao Wen Liang, Area Manager of Strip & Browhaus
Why do you think Strip and Browhaus have been so attractive to the Shanghai population?
Our services are so highly needed in Shanghai because there are so many expats here who have been waxing since the age of 15, 16. There ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Wax On, Wax Off: Essential beach hygiene
When it gets hot enough to fry an egg on the bonnet of a car, it's time to take off all those clothes, slip into swimwear and head to the nearest beach. Before you do, however, it's best to make ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Stop Smoking
May 1 marked the first day that China began enforcing a new law prohibiting smoking within public indoor places. Although some are doubtful of the efficacy of this new policy, it still represents a huge step forward in a country ...[ read full review ]
Most Shanghainese and expats are experts at assessing the relative merits of the thousands of spas and therapy rooms littering the metropolis. With such stiff competition out there, it is crucial for any newcomer to the massage industry to have ...[ read full review ]
If you crave a super-luxurious, super-exclusive hide-out in Shanghai, look no further than the street formerly known as Rue Massenet, now SiNan Road, where Sinan Mansions and Hotel Massenet lie basking in all their glory.
Covering an area of 50,000 meters ...[ read full review ]
In recent years, the Chinese consumer has developed a seemingly voracious taste for imported luxury goods. Not least of these purchasing mores is wine. Traditionally, the tipple of choice in China is, of course, the rocket fuel baijiu. However, with ...[ read full review ]
Fido's star is definitely rising in the East. In Tokyo and Seoul, man's best friend can now don the latest designer gear, get a weekly "pawdicure" and even wed their doggy sweetheart. Such is the popularity of mutts that dog-lovers ...[ read full review ]
Love is out there: everywhere you look, Shanghai is celebrating romance, and there are certainly some great ways to show you care, in restaurants and hotels all over the city.
The InterContinental Shanghai Expo, located in PuDong, with a stunning view ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Be My Valentine (Treat me right)
There's nothing better than doing activities with a significant other, especially if that activity is relaxing in the comforts of a fantastic spa facility. Let all the tension slip away with one of these relaxing remedies.
VIZCAYA CLUB
Set in a Spanish-influenced ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Be My Valentine (Stay the night)
Flee the house and everyday life with a night or two in a five-star hotel. Whether you have time to leave the city or not, you will definitely have time to take advantage of these special rates
INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI EXPO
Hey big ...[ read full review ]
FYI: Be My Valentine (Sweet loving)
Love is in the air, and that air is filled with chocolates, couple spa treatments and weekends away. Picking some of the most seductive selections out of the brimming boxes of earthly delights, there's something for romance seekers of all ...[ read full review ]
January in Shanghai can take its toll. The tension created from the combination of the cold weather and the daily grind often finds its home in one's neck and shoulders. Juventas Spa conjoins the artistry of aromatherapy with high-end massage ...[ read full review ]
Since completing his diploma at Shanghai's Raffles Design Institute, Artur Engalychev decided he'd transfigure his final project from an abstract theory into a concrete institution by opening Fusion Fashion. Taking the ideas he'd conceived as a student, he adapted them ...[ read full review ]
When people talk about training in martial arts, it's mostly images of popular action movies that spring to mind; starting with the dynamo that was Bruce Lee, to the more modern-day, glamorous interpretations in Crouching Dragon, Hidden Tiger, to femme ...[ read full review ]
