This week is filled with exciting launches, from Clarks’ most sustainable sneaker to the new and improved Foreo UFO. But it’s not just products that were launched, works by notable up-and-coming designers from recently wrapped up Seoul Fashion Week were also showcased to a wider audience. Details on these and more below.
Clarks to launch their most sustainable sneakers yet
Meet Clarks’ most sustainable sneakers yet, the Origin collection. Each shoe is built with only five pieces, effectively reducing the consumption of raw materials. Aside from that, it uses no glue to further lessen waste and instead utilises 100 per cent recyclable nylon thread that’s “mono-material” which are recycled materials from production waste — yes, you read that right, recycled pieces that can be recycled again.
(Left) OriginWallabee in White Leather, Taupe Suede and Black. SGD249 each for each pair. (Right) Clarks Origin in Black and White, SGD249 for each pair.
If you want a more sporty-retro look, there’s also the sustainably made OriginWallabee in White Leather, Mint Green Suede and Taupe Suede. Aesthetically inspired by basketball sneaker trends of the ‘60s and ‘70s, as well as the sport itself, these sneakers have extra cushioning provided by a recycled OrthoLite® footbed — yes, perfect for a casual game of basketball. It also has breathable sustainably sourced leather sock linings to keep feet fresh. Fancy getting one? The Clarks Origin and OriginWallabee will be available in April 2021 in stores in Singapore and online.
Seoul Fashion Week has wrapped up
It’s a wrap for Seoul Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2021! In case you missed it, we’ll run you through the highlights of Seoul’s second digital fashion week. First on the recap list: the gorgeous remote runways. Several landmarks and tourist attractions in the city including the National Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Seoul were transformed into creative catwalks. Even the pretty streets of Seoul were utilised. One of our favourites is minimalist label Oct31’s cinematic K-drama-like presentation filmed along the Han River.
Aside from the mesmerising mini fashion films, what also caught our eye are the chic, very wearable designs from up-and-coming designers. Mill Studio makes a pretty compelling case for ruffles and millennial pink’s comeback albeit with a sleeker touch. Meanwhile, designer Hyun Joo Kwak embraces the influence of loungewear fashion on our working lives and sent cosy workwear looks down the runway. There are also some who went against the grain like PAINTERS, who unapologetically presented their avante garde designs — think beautiful ultra bulky pieces that can double as a museum artefact. All in all, it was an eventful week.
H&M faces boycott in China
H&M is no stranger to calls for boycotts. The Swedish clothing brand has weathered various “cancellations” for alleged greenwashing and other sustainability issues. But the latest boycotting is a little different: an almost year-old statement from H&M circulated in the Chinese social media app Weibo. In it, H&M commits that they will stop using cotton from Xinjiang — a region in China that’s recently spotlighted due to concerns about the treatment of Uighurs — because of “alleged force labour concerns”, according to The Business Of Fashion.
It’s not clear why the statement garnered controversy only now, months after it was released in support of The Better Cotton Initiative’s decision to cut ties with a cotton supplier in China for being “increasingly difficult to conduct credible due diligence in the region”. Soon after the statement became viral, H&M merchandise was allegedly taken down from popular shopping sites in the country.
The fast-fashion retailer is not alone. Nike, adidas, UNIQLO, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and Converse are also more or less on the same boat; local celebrity ambassadors decided to drop endorsement of these labels for the same reason. On the other hand, some brands have taken a neutral stance, like Muji, which expressed that they are “deeply concerned” and aware of the labour concerns but clarified that it doesn’t mean they agree with the “forced labour narrative” and will still use Xinjiang cotton because their own audit “found no significant issues”, Global Times reported.
Take a NARS Virtual Masterclass with BHG Singapore
We may not be able to showcase our full makeup prowess because of mask-wearing, but we can sure brush up on our skills in the meantime. NARS, in partnership with BHG Singapore, will be conducting a beauty virtual masterclass. For just SGD60, you can learn useful makeup techniques to achieve a natural-looking “radiant afterglow effect” from professionals. What’s more, the masterclass comes with a welcome gift set that’s worth SGD143 plus an additional SGD60 NARS voucher that you can redeem on BHG’s online store. The one-time hour-long session will be held on 8 April (Thursday), 8 PM, and 9 April (Friday), 12 PM and you’re free to choose which schedule you prefer to join. Interested? You can enrol here.
Foreo launches UFO™ 2 & UFO™ mini 2
Three years after it first introduced the original UFO, Foreo launches a new version and mini version — UFO™ 2 & UFO™ mini 2. The new UFO is definitely a “me but better” situation. It retains all the functionality we love from the original, like the user-friendly design, the LED function and the temperature options but now it’s more refined. Instead of just red, green and blue LED lights, the UFO 2 is equipped with full-spectrum LED Light Therapy which means it can address more skin concerns. The temperature control is also enhanced and now has faster heating for deep penetration. Through the app, the UFO 2 now allows users to customise their masking routine unlike before when there are only treatment templates to choose from. We can’t wait to try this!
Ayala Malls restaurants now offer hassle-free self-pickups via Foodpanda
Alabang Town Center DriveBuy Stations.
Strict quarantine measures are now in place again in the Metro Manila Plus Bubble (includes Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna), and that means no dine-in options. While cooking at home can be fun, sometimes we just miss comfort food from our favourite restos. Good thing there’s now the Tap & Pick Up option for Ayala Mall restaurants via the Foodpanda app. With this option, you can enjoy exclusive promos for pick-up transactions including PHP100 off when you use the promo code AYALAPICKUP with a minimum purchase of PHP399. DriveBuy stations are now available at Alabang Town Center, Market! Market!, Manila Bay, U.P. Town Center, Greenbelt, Harbor Point, The District Imus, Serin, Legazpi, Glorietta, Cloverleaf, TriNoma, Vertis North, Feliz, Solenad, MarQuee Mall, Pavillion Mall, and The District Dasmariñas.
Samsung unveils latest hi-res monitor lineup
Thinking of upgrading your work-from-home station? You’ll be delighted to know that Samsung is about to launch a new lineup of high-resolution monitors with “advanced ergonomic design”. Another notable feature is the Intelligent Eye Care function that’s designed to minimise eye strain. The launch in Singapore is still months away with the S6OUA (for simple setups) scheduled to roll out in May, and the S80UA (for creatives) and S65UA in July, however, there are still no official announcement for when it will be launched in Malaysia and the Philippines. Do stay tuned to Samsung’s Instagram for updates.
Missed last week’s updates? Catch up here.
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
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