Over the weekend, a lot of things happened. And as always, we're here to recap these headlines you might have missed, all in one curation. Read more about why Hong Kong Disneyland temporarily shut down its operations, how celebrities mourned the sudden passing of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, and more in this week's Insider Roundup.
Hong Kong Disneyland temporarily closed due to coronavirus outbreak
Following the increase of coronavirus cases all over East Asia and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Disneyland announced it will temporarily close operations until further notice. The park, which is one of the most popular destinations in the country for both locals and tourists, stated that this is to protect the "health and safety of both [their] guests and cast members (Disneyland employees)". Similarly, Ocean Park, which is also another popular theme park in Hong Kong, followed suit, given that the outbreak has now reached emergency status.
As of writing, 12 countries, inclusive of Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines all have reported cases of coronavirus. Proper caution is advised such as wearing face masks and taking sanitation measures when leaving your residence. Take care, everyone!
Celebrities mourn the death of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant
From one unfortunate news to the next, Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, passed away with nine others in a helicopter crash Sunday morning. The basketball legend was said to be travelling along foggy skies when the helicopter crashed and burst into flames along the hills of the Calabasas in Los Angeles, California.
Following the surprising news that stunned both sports fans and fellow personalities within and outside the court, many took to Twitter to remember the Lakers' star by. Former U.S. President Barack Obama tweeted, "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act." Fellow basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabar also shared his reaction to the sudden news saying, "I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete." Celebrities and artists such as Ellen Degeneres, Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, and Kanye West also extended their condolences to Bryant's family, especially his wife Vanessa.
Bryant, who has played for the Lakers for almost two decades, was one of the most recognisable names in the sports industry today. He was 41. Read more on our tribute highlighting Kobe Bryant's best quotes here.
Lizzo, Billie Eilish among Grammy's 2020 winners
Speaking of celebrities and personalities, Bryant's accident coincided with the Grammy's dress rehearsal on the morning of the 26th (GMT -8:00), which was said to have clouded the event with such a devastating atmosphere. But of course, as performers do, the event still proceeded with such high-level performances, making for yet another unforgettable awards night.
Starting off with a tribute to the basketball star made by Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men, some of the event's highlights also include Lizzo scoring a bunch of Grammys with Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Urban Contemporary Album, and Best Traditional R&B Performance. Billie Eilish also won big with Best Pop Vocal Album, Song of the Year with her chart-topper Bad Guy, and Album of the Year. Apart from the landslide of wins, notable performances from the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande and Camilla Cabello also won this year's crowd.
Former Gucci and Valentino designer is now Harlan + Holden's creative director
If, just like us, you end up craving to shop after witnessing all the swoon-worthy looks at awards, this news is for you. Filipino brand Harlan + Holden is now spearheaded by Alessandra Facchinetti, who has formerly designed for fashion powerhouses Valentino and Gucci.
The brand, which is headquartered in South Korea and has several boutiques in both Indonesia and the Philippines, displays classic and minimalistic silhouettes that have immediately caught the appeal of the market since its conception in 2015. Now, it aims to grow even more under Facchinetti's creative direction, making it more exciting for fashion fans like us.
Hermes launches lipsticks to headline upcoming beauty line
To end our roundup on a somehow positive note, Hermes recently teased their upcoming lipstick line, which is said to headline their upcoming beauty range. Dubbed by the Wall Street Journal as the Birkin bag of lipsticks, in reference to Hermes' most iconic fashion piece, the collection is said to be just as iconic as the fashion house with its 24-shade initial release. The colour-blocked lippie case is also said to be refillable, making it as much as a keepsake as it is a vanity mainstay. It's definitely a beauty release to be anticipated by makeup lovers and fashionistas alike. Talk about a topsy-turvy of headlines to start the week, huh?
(Cover photo from: @hkdisneyland)
Missed last week's happenings? Catch 'em all right here.
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