Insider Roundup: Taylor Swift Releases Surprise 'Folklore' Album & More

Exciting headlines

Friday is here! How are you celebrating another wrapped-up week? A hectic working week often means missing out on the latest on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle so let this roundup help you keep tabs on what you need to know. From Taylor Swift releasing a surprise album, IKEA venturing into fashion, Kose SEKKISEI launching their annual SAVE the BLUE Project, and chick-flick classic Clueless turning 25, we’ve got all the juicy deets — and more — below.


Taylor Swift surprises everyone by dropping a new album




Just last night, Taylor Swift dropped a bomb on Twitter and Instagram. The singer-songwriter announced the release of her eighth album titled Folklore. The posts immediately garnered almost a million interactions across platforms within the first hour of posting. The album includes 16 songs in the standard edition, with a bonus track titled the lakes available in the physical deluxe release. In line with the number eight, the multiple Grammy winner also announced that the release will include eight deluxe CDs and vinyls available for a limited time. 


IKEA introduces EFTERTRADA clothing line




Remember the IKEA bag that became an instant fashion hit? Well, it seems like you’ll be able to actually add fashion finds to cart soon from the furniture purveyor too — at least if you go to their Harajuku store in Tokyo. The brand announced the launch of its EFTERTRADA clothing line, a capsule collection of apparel and accessories, which will supposedly follow the furniture hub’s signature blue and yellow colour story and is said to be made from eco-friendly cotton and reusable water bottles. Now here's what we want to know: will they roll this out on their other branches, too?

Kose SEKKISEI launches SAVE the BLUE Project 




Speaking of eco-friendly initiatives, Kose SEKKISEI’s SAVE The BLUE Project is also one to watch out for before the month ends. KOSÉ Singapore teamed up with Seastainable Co. to launch the SAVE the BLUE Limited Edition Kit, which includes the SEKKSEI Lotion, Emulsion, Treatment Cleansing Oil, White Washing Foam, and Clear Whitening Mask) last 19 July 2020. Each kit costs SGD49 via LAZADA and Metro and 50 per cent of the sales proceeds will be donated to Garden City.

The campaign, which has been annually contributing to Okinawan coral cultivation since 2009, is also celebrating its 12th year this 2020. In 2018, they also added wintertime forest conservation as one of their goals for the initiative.

Avon Philippines releases #NudeNormal Intimate Apparel line and campaign




Meanwhile, in the realm of fashion, Avon Philippines released their latest Intimate Apparel line which aims to promote skintone-friendly undergarments for Filipinos. Together with the launch, they also introduced their #NudeNormal campaign, which aims to embrace body positivity and promote empowerment for every woman embarking on their own journeys amidst the new normal.

Maison 21G to open two new retail outlets in ION Orchard and Bugis




New things are also in store from Maison 21G patrons as the haute perfumery label will soon open two new retail outlets following their flagship in Duxton. Mark your calendars for 10 and 14 August as they open their doors in level B2 of ION Orchard and the Beauty Library Section of BGH Bugis respectively.

Clueless celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Blu-ray + Digital release




Has it really been 25 years since Clueless premiered? As if! No, but seriously, a quarter of a decade has already passed since the Alicia-Silverstone-led movie made its way into the hearts of chick flick lovers. To mark the occasion, Paramount released a special Steelbook Blu-ray + Digital set that’s now available for purchase on Amazon. Now, don’t be a snob-and-a-half and add it to cart!

The Parent Trap cast reunited virtually for a cause




If you think our Clueless news is already nostalgic, here’s another one for you: The Parent Trap cast — yes, Lindsay Lohan included — virtually reunited to set up a fundraiser for the World Central Kitchen. The organisation provides meals to frontliners and marginalised communities all over America. In the video, the cast talked about the casting process, how it was like filming, and also paid tribute to Natasha Richardson, who died in a skiing accident in 2009. She played Lindsay Lohan’s mum on the film and was described by the former child star and teen icon as a “maternal” figure to her on- and offscreen.

Viu acquires rights to select Takuya Kimura Fuji TV Japanese dramas



Japanese dramas are not as visible on streaming platforms, unlike K-dramas. But things are finally looking up for J-drama fans as Asian drama streaming site Viu recently acquired rights to a number of Fuji TV dramas starring J-entertainment icon Takuya Kimura. The member of one of Asia’s best-selling musical acts, SMAP, will have his projects Long Vacation, Moon Lover and Hundred Million Stars From The Sky streaming on the platform starting next month.


(Cover photo from: @taylorswift)


Next, look back at One Direction's history post-hiatus in celebration of the group's 10th anniversary. 

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