A meeting with singer Bebe Rexha convinces zaneta cheng that in spite of the challenges of the 21st century, the American Dream is alive and well
CONSIDER BEBE REXHA. Born Bleta Rexha to Albanian parents in Brooklyn, New York, Rexha grew up consuming the brash, unapologetic glitz and glamour that typify America’s music industry, watching her favourite artistes belt out chart topper after chart-topper at award ceremonies like the VMAs.
Many of them — Mariah Carey, Kanye West — came from humble backgrounds and worked hard to rise through the ranks to global stardom. For Rexha, for whom creating and performing music was therapy throughout high school, this was something she wanted to be a part of.
When I meet Rexha, it’s in The Landmark, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, before her performance at the Landmark Boutique Boulevard extravaganza. In the suite, reclining against the velvet sofa, her bottle blonde wig is perfectly in place. Her arched eyebrows, painted beige lips and flawless foundation are impeccable, plucked from current stateside beauty trends, such as matte lip kits and contouring.
All this immaculate grooming is topped off by a tight-bodice tropical number with velvet platform sandals — a 21st-century manicured package of youth, familiarity and sex appeal. If I squint, Rexha is a dead ringer for a Kardashian sister.
Denne historien er fra December 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra December 2017-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Double Take
Although somewhat dismissed by the contemporary art world as gimmicky, works that incorporate optical illusions remain immensely popular with the general public. Perhaps it speaks to our inherent need for something slightly magical in our everyday lives.
Plugged Into Wealth
Fintech advocate Carney Mak is bullish on disruptive technologies, but preaches deep understanding of business models before diving in.
Going for Green
SIMON ROGAN's visionary approach of cooking in tune with nature is inspiring chefs in Asia to be more sustainable.
TABLES TURNED
They could have their pick of the best schools, but more young super achievers from Asia are going to a hotel academy a choice they believe opens up more doors.
PRECIOUS HISTORY
Cleef Arpel TACHA VASSILTCHIKOV res her insights the jewellery house Peers preserving its patrimony and Heritage.
MARKS OF DISTINCTION
A clasp-free necklace that could be easily put on by the wearer, without assistance.
Colours of the Season
Thanks to K-pop stars, analysing colours to personalise make-up has surged, with theslategs service available from the boutique of Korean. brity make-up artist JUNG SAEM MOOL.
MAKING OF AN OPUS
In Hermes’ Barénia, in-house perfumer CHRISTINE NAGEL has realised a decade-long dream that harks back to her childhood stories.
Everywhere Care
Serums from homegrown skincare brand Blé de Fonty target more than just the face.
Pucker Up
Lip moisturisers are essential in Singapore’s air-conditioned environment. We share our personal favourites and introduce lip care that go the distance.
