CATEGORIES

Best Kept SECRETS

Tucked away in various parts of Singapore are four fiercely independent establishments that have gained a loyal following despite the challenges of operating a business in a small city. What keeps them going? We have a chat with the owners to find out.

Where should you invest your first $1,000?

Unsure about where to start? Learn from these money experts and financially savvy women, who give us the low-down on what they did with their first $1,000.

The former civil servant advocating for better animal welfare policies in Singapore

Aarthi Sankar may have been with the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Singapore for just over a year, but she has big hopes for the animal welfare group as its executive director.

This 30-year-old saves $3,000 a month so she can buy a home

In this month's Money Diaries column, PR manager Jennifer discusses the sacrifices involved to save up for her first property.

THRIVING IN THE BUSINESS OF LOVE

Cupid is not the only force at play in the complex business of love: This February, we unveil the hidden aspects of professions dedicated to matters of the heart. We meet a matchmaker, a couple who are couples therapists, and a Gen-Z trio reshaping the discourse on sexual wellness.

The world of high jewellery can often appear intimidating. How do I start my own collection?

CONSIDER HERITAGE

YOU LOOK GREAT..." FOR YOUR AGE "

In an era where inclusivity and diversity are championed so passionately, do the rules of age still apply to fashion trends?

A Singular Vision

The driving force behind Swedish fashion brand Toteme is the Scandi aesthetic of chic minimalism, centered around key wardrobe staples.

One Piece Wonder

The easy-to-wear deconstructed denim jacket makes maximum impact.

REBECCA LIM

As actor Rebecca Lim prepares to embrace the most demanding role of her life motherhood - she reflects on the profound changes and self-realisations that this transformative period has brought forth.

Do Luxury Handbags Make Smart Investments?

With headlines from reputable news outlets declaring luxury handbags a better investment than art, watches and even classic cars, can women really turn to their bags as a viable option?

Cultural Exchange

Meet Circe Henestrosa, the Singapore-based fashion academic and curator whose homage to her Mexican roots sparked a collaboration with Dior that culminated in a stunning 2024 Cruise collection.

Trusting AI With Your Money

As artificial intelligence gets integrated more into our everyday lives, chatbots seem to have a ready solution for everything. Can they answer money questions well? Two (human) financial advisers grade their advice.

The Rise Of Fractional Work

It's not quite freelancing or gig work, but fractional employment - where people are hired by companies for a fraction of their time - is a growing part of the job landscape, and experts say it's here to stay.

A Bag To Brag About

Finished with sleek malletage detailing, the Go-14 bag is an homage to one of the first designs that women's artistic director Nicolas Ghesquiere created for Louis Vuitton.

Tokyo's Buzziest Neighbourhoods

Throw a stone in Shibuya or Roppongi and you'll likely hit a Singaporean. If you're looking to avoid the usual crowded and touristy areas, why not check out lesser-known neighbourhoods instead? Audrey Tan discovers a different side to Japan's capital.

Should You Disclose Your Salary?

In the US, laws have been passed to make the salary discussion more transparent. But it’s not as simple in Singapore. We explore the pros and cons of salary transparency.

Bare Beauty

Full-coverage foundations are seeing a decline in popularity in the past few years, with more women opting for foundation-free looks. We find out what's behind the shift.

BUILT BY THE COMMUNITY

For 20 years, Pelangi Pride Centre has served as a beloved resource centre for the LGBTQ+ community in Singapore. But it is more than just a well-stocked library of books - it is sharing its space with individual support groups, and organising events ranging from author readings to panel discussions.

GREEN VALUES

A shared passion for sustainability brought Christina Rasmussen and Sasha Wijidessa together as business and life partners. The co-founders of plant-forward gastro bar Fura share how they have established their partnership in the culinary industry.

DEALING WITH DISCOMFORT

Lyn Lee is the first Asian female to serve as global chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Shell PLC, a role that manages the intersection of corporate responsibility and cultural sensitivity. We speak to her about her commitment to drive genuine change and create a more inclusive workplace.

I find that oversized, men's watches suit me better than the dainty, feminine ones.Do you have any recommendations?

Have you noticed that some brands like Hublot and Vacheron Constantin no longer categorise their watches according to gender?

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

The worlds of fashion, art, romance and high jewellery collide at the Van Cleef & Arpels: Time, Nature, Love exhibition in Seoul.

FAB FOUR

There's been a palpable shift away from dopamine dressing and logomania in recent years, with designers turning their focus towards timeless pieces and investment-worthy items As we step into 2024, here are four classics that we anticipate will endure for the long haul.

IMAN FANDI

NOT YOUR GIRL NEXT DOOR

WELCOME TO MY BEAUTY CLOSET

They are unapologetically obsessed with the latest skincare and makeup trends, and their passion has propelled them to amass an extensive archive of products. Three beauty lovers tell us how their impressive collections came to be.

Hitting all the right notes

Niche perfumes are finding success in a mass-produced world, and these brands have risen to highly coveted status.

CALM AMID ΤΗΕ CΗΑΟS

Despite Delhi's infamous reputation as a city heaving with smog and bad traffic, writer Soh Wee Ling found respite in pockets brimming with quaint coffee shops, home-grown designer boutiques, and historical marvels.

This is not a curry puff

Araya, the first Chilean fine dining restaurant in Singapore, is schooling us on Latin American cuisine.

The fashion stylist who launched a successful modest wear business

Adlina Anis went from being one of the few hijab-wearing fashion stylists to being one of the pioneering entrepreneurs in stylish modest fashion for Muslim women in Singapore.