Exquisite Magazine Jan 2018

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DesirablesWAtches 

ROLLS-ROYCE 

John Lennon’s Phantom V Saloon sets tone for the all-new, 

eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom – 

the greatest super-luxury product in the world 

www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com 

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desirablesCOGNAC 

THE GRAND7 COLLECTION - MOBILE ART 

Mobiado redefines mobile aesthetics by presenting a 

unique vision of what a phone can become. Endowed 

with Mobiado’s radical phone-making spirit and enduring 

design, the Grand7 is a remarkable transformation from 

phone to art. 

The copper body of the Grand7 is CNC machined and 

precision engraved with a distinctive decorative image. 

The body is then glass-bead blasted and plated with a 

precious metal. A single large sapphire crystal plate is 

precision inset into the center of the body, completing 

the work of art and creating a center point that 

immediately catches and holds one’s gaze. 

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desirablesCARS 

Unlimited in every sense, the new Lotus Exige Cup 430 is the wildest incarnation 

of its fire-breathing, point-to-point two-seater sports car 

New to the Exige, the Cup 430 sees the introduction of a savage, highperformance 

engine installation, mated to a new supercharger and chargecooler, 

designed specifically for the unique demands of this vehicle. A development of 

the powertrain recently used on the phenomenal Lotus Evora GT430, it’s perfectly 

paired with a newly-designed body, which delivers enhanced aerodynamic 

performance to reveal the model’s true potential. 

LOTUS 

The new Exige Cup 430: Unlimited Edition 

With 55 hp, or 13%, more power than the limited production Exige Cup 380 

model it succeeds, and 220 kg of downforce, it’s a monster of a car. Compared to 

the Exige Sport 350, it has 24% more power and generates the same downforce 

at 100 mph as the Exige Sport 350 does at its maximum speed of 170 mph. 

With 430 hp at 7,000 rpm and 440 Nm (325 lbft) of torque from 4,000 rpm, 

0-60mph is dispatched in 3.2 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.3 seconds) with a top 

speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). Helping to harness all that power, the Cup 430 

benefits from a comprehensive range of new aero elements. 

www.lotuscars.com 

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EXQUISITE | 5

The Year 

of the 

Dog 

We may have a long list of what we want for the New 

Year. But it’s the simple things that are the most special 

and precious. Happiness, good health, family, friends, 

peace, freedom, food on the table, a roof over our 

heads. 

Hopefully we don’t have to survive an earth-shattering event to 

put things into perspective for us – to wake us up to what’s really 

meaningful and important. No money in the world can buy us most 

of these things; and we should stop taking things for granted and 

just be grateful. 

The New Year is as special as it can be if we can just enjoy the most 

simple things in life, and be thankful for them. 

CAROL KRAAL 

Editor 

PUBLISHER 

Eren Zheng 

eren@euplus.com.sg 

EDITOR 

Carol Kraal 

carol@euplus.com.sg 

Make-up artist 

Michelle Gait 

ADVERTISING & 

MARKETING 

Elice Kwok (Sales Director) 

elice@euplus.com.sg 

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WRITERS 

Carissa Cheng 

Lim Hui Ling 

Rael Yip 

Celeste Cheng 

Wong Yen San 

Susanna Ping 

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS 

Anitha Reku 

Remus Kwok 

J. Song 

VIDEOGRAPHER 

Lim Jing Ri 

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Lim Wei Xiang 

Hongray Photography 

AllRock Studiors Pte Ltd 

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For Editorial matters, please direct 

your enquiries to 

enquiries@euplus.com.sg 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 

Neeta Sachdev 

PUBLISHED BI-MONTHLY BY 

EuPlus Pte Ltd 

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Singapore 367954 

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MICA (P) 001/09/2015 

ISSN: 1793-5604 

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All rights reserved. Opinions and advertisements produced in the publication 

are solely those of the contributors and advertisers. EuPlus Pte Ltd is not liable 

for any mistake, error, omission and misprint. 

Exquisite Life is high-end lifestyle magazines with a circulation of 20,000 

which is distributed to landed properties in Singapore.The bi-monthly 

publication has topics which include food, education, spas, personalities, 

travel, home décor and special features. Full page photography and graphics 

create an aesthetic and professional outlook. 

Contests with prizes enhance our relationship with readers while giving 

advertisers the chance to gather statistics and important data. 

Editorial Content by Carol Kraal is copyrighted to Carol Kraal. 

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CONTENTS 

FEATURE 

36 A Chat with Chen Xiuhuan/Sherry Tan 

on showbiz, her daughters and family life 

06 EDITOR’S NOTE 

STYLE 

14 ULYSSE NARDIN 

16 GIRARD-PERREGAUX 

18 Roger Dubuis 

20 HUBLOT 

22 U-BOAT 

24 FTV COSMETICS 

26 POH SENG 

NEW CERCA TROVA COLLECTIONS 

28 BMW 

30 MERCEDES-BENZ 

32 VOLKSWAGEN 

34 PORSCHE 

PERSONALITY 

42 Otherworldly Drawings 

46 Life and Death in the Serengeti 

48 Friends by Design 

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CONTENTS 

EVENTS 

50 Singapore Watch Club Special Edition 

STYLE 

52 BALLY SPRING SUMMER 2018 COLLECTION 

60 BALLY SPRING SUMMER 2018 – RELAXED 

FLUIDITY TO TAKE ONE PIECE AND WEAR IT IN 

YOUR OWN WAY 

62 VALENTINO Haute Couture Winter 2018 

64 XALF BESPOKE WOMAN’S FOOTWEAR 

CELEBRATES SUPERWOMAN COLLECTION 

66 MaxMara Sunglasses inspired by classic 

Scandinavian cinema 

68 Dior Homme Sunglasses 

WELLNESS 

72 Breakfast First 

74 LOVE YOUR LYMPH 

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travel 

78 Swiss Summer in the 

Jungfrau region 

DESIGN 

86 The Expat 

Interior Designers 

90 Cutting Edge 

Furniture Designers 

98 No. 24 Nassim Road 

CONTENTS 

FOOD & WINE 

104 Beyond the prime rib 

106 hotpot delights 

108 farm fresh delights 

108 bak kwa across 

Cultures 

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DESIRABLEStimepieces 

Ulysse Nardin 

The Year of the Dog timepiece is the latest addition to the Classico Collection 

Determined and hard-working, the brave canine 

can reach impressive heights of achievement. With 

his innate honesty, generosity and loyalty, he has 

real leadership qualities, and finds it easy to make 

and keep friends. Appropriately for his position 

on this beautiful Classico, the dog appreciates the 

finer things in life. Ulysse Nardin celebrates his 

intelligence with the “Year of the Dog” timepiece, 

the latest addition to the Classico Collection. 

In this lively depiction, the artist brings this 

affectionate creature to frolicsome life in the great 

outdoors. The image is further refined through 

centuries-old enameling methods. Grand Feu, so 

named for the incredible heat required to fuse the 

enamel, is combined with the Champlevé technique, 

involving the carving of cells with a chisel directly on 

the dial, which are then filled with different colored 

enamels. The final step, which is also the most 

delicate, consists of enriching the motif by chiseling 

all the metal parts on the surface. 

The Classico Collection numbers a series of original 

enameled pieces, beloved and collected by many. 

This Chinese New Year, beginning in February 2018, 

Ulysse Nardin presents the “Year of the Dog”. A 

limited edition of 88 pieces in 18-karat rose gold, it is 

powered by the self-winding UN-815 movement. It 

boasts a 42-hour power reserve along with a COSC 

certification. Set in a 40-mm case, the unique Grand 

Feu Champlevé enamel timepiece is water-resistant 

to 50 m and held in place with an alligator strap. The 

Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of Ulysse Nardin 

in Singapore. 

www.ulysse-nardin.com 

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Girard-Perregaux 

LAUREATO 42MM BLACK CERAMIC 

For the first time in its history, the 

Laureato is welcoming a new version 

entirely clothed in black ceramic, the 

Laureato 42 mm Ceramic. The iconic 

Girard-Perregaux casual chic watch 

takes a walk on the dark side, but only 

to further enhance its charisma and its 

strong presence. 

The Laureato 42 mm Ceramic in its 

black livery explores whole new fields 

of expression. More understated 

or technical depending on its 

interpretations, it draws upon the 

infinite possibilities afforded by black. 

The bracelet of this model is a natural 

extension of the case and as such 

represents an inherent design element 

in its own right. It is distinguished by 

its wide shaped satin-brushed links and 

by its domed and polished interlink 

elements, entirely made of black 

ceramic. 

The interplay of polished and satinbrushed 

surfaces creates fascinating 

depth effects and enlivens the watch 

even when it such a deep shade of black. 

The exceptionally supple bracelet makes 

the Laureato 42 mm Ceramic perfectly 

comfortable on any type of wrist. The 

Hour Glass is the exclusive retailer of 

Girard-Perregaux in Singapore. 

www.girard-perregaux.ch 

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Roger Dubuis 

lights up the 

world’s wrists 

www.rogerdubuis.com 

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Our Promise 

100% Australian Grain Fed Fresh Pork 

100% Free from Artificial Colours 

Premium Shoulder Cut 

No Added Preservatives 

kim joo guan traditional bbq sliced pork 

gourmet quality. handmade. 

Flagship Store: 257 South Bridge Road Singapore 058806. Tel: 6225 5257 

www.kimjooguan.com


HUBLOT 

The Art Of Style with versatility with 

The Big Bang One Click 

The iconic Big Bang 39mm now comes equipped with the patented One Click strap attachment system, adding 

interchangeability to its bounty. 

The now iconic Big Bang 39 mm – designed for women with a stone-set bezel and no chronograph – is 

celebrating its eighth anniversary with a new design. The case now boasts a diameter of 39 mm. It elegantly 

adopts the design codes of its male alter ego, the Big Bang Unico launched in 2013. The screws, crown, indices 

and numerals have all been restyled. Tauter lines, giving a more resolute character. As a testament to its 

versatility, it is paired with the One Click strap - the patented attachment system which allows the strap to be 

changed quickly and easily. The Big Bang One Click 39 mm has now added interchangeability to its bounty. 

Eight different faces for an infinite choice of styles. Its 39 mm case is available in Hublot gold – King Gold – or 

steel. To match the stone-set bezel, the pavé version of the case is also set with diamonds. For the classical 

version, a black or white dial, or orange, rose, purple, apple green in its Pop Art version, is adorned with 

appliqués and numerals which are illuminated by their Super Luminova® coating. Another new feature is the 

addition of the HUB1710 automatic manufacture movement with the date at 3 o’clock. At its heart, the movement 

beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, with a power reserve of 50 consecutive hours. The Hour Glass is the proud 

exclusive distributor of Hublot in Singapore. 

www.hublot.com 

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Be Stronger 

than Yesterday. 

The most successful people in the world visit a chiropractor 

regularly so they can experience a higher quality of life. 

WORK BETTER. PLAY BETTER. SLEEP BETTER. LIVE BETTER. 

#healthystronginspired #truechirosg 

CALL US: 

6816 8881 

www.truechiropractic.com.sg 

Ang Mo Kio Bukit Timah Marine Parade Orchard Tiong Bahru 

TRUE 

CHIROPRACTIC 

G R O U P


U-boat 

CHIMERA SIDEVIEW 

Take a peek at the movement without 

taking the watch out from your 

wrist – this year, Italo introduced 2 

Chimera Sideview watches to the 

U-Boat collection. The movement of 

this Chimera Sideview timepiece can 

be seen from a window at the side of 

the case. The steel version is limited 

to 300 pieces worldwide while only 

88 pieces of the steel with rose gold 

version will be produced. 

www.u- boatwatch.com 

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Stylewomen 

FTV COSMETICS 

WHERE FASHION MEETS BEAUTY 

Inspired by models’ daily routines and backstage beauty secrets, along with the glamour and glitz 

of the fashion world, FashionTV introduces its beauty line, FTV Cosmetics, to Singapore. With years 

of experience and know-how from working with industry experts, like renowned makeup artist, 

Felix Shtein, FTV Cosmetics combines state-of-the-art technology, nature’s best ingredients and 

revolutionary formulas to create products that deliver a gorgeous looking you, from top to toe. 

With over 140 products available here, such as the best-selling the 24Karat Golden Hero Mega Mask, 

Translucent Highlighter Powder and FTV Perfect Selfie Liquid Foundation, FTV Cosmetics is the 

ultimate beauty collection that every woman needs. 

FTV Cosmetics store at Wisma Atria and a flagship at 313 Somerset 

https://fashiontvcosmetics.com 

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PSALM 91 

DIAMOND 

CROSS 

If you’re looking for a charming pendant that 

not only functions as a jewellery piece but also 

holds a special meaning, then Poh Seng’s latest 

‘Psalm 91 Diamond Cross’ is the perfect piece. 

Patent Designs 

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BMW 

The new 520i – Unparalleled range of assistance systems and 

unique connectivity for today’s Business Athletes 

The seventh generation of the BMW 5 Series exceeds customer 

expectations to be the ultimate business automobile for today’s Business 

Athletes. 

The engine in the all-new BMW 520i belongs to the newly developed, 

modular BMW EfficientDynamics family of power units. BMW TwinPower 

Turbo technology imbues all the members of the family with outstanding 

performance combined with exceptional efficiency. 

The new two-litre four-cylinder in-line engine in the all-new BMW 520i 

develops peak torque of 290 Nm and maximum output of 184 hp. Its fuel 

consumption in the combined cycle comes in at 6.2 l/100 km, which means 

CO2 emissions of 141 g/km. Working in tandem with rear-wheel drive, the 

all-new BMW 520i accelerates from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds on its way 

to a top speed of 235 km/h. 

www.bmw-asia.com 

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From the world’s most demanding racetrack directly onto the road: Never before 

has Mercedes AMG packed so much motorsport technology into a production 

vehicle than into the new AMG GT R. 

Mercedes-Benz 

The new AMG GT R 

Featuring pioneering technologies, the AMG GT R was designed with racetrack use 

firmly in mind. Its development was largely based on vast motor- racing experience 

in AMG GT3 customer sport and the German Touring Car Masters. Figures such as 

3.6 seconds from zero to 100km/h and a top speed of 318km/h, combined with the 

outstanding driving dynamics, will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on 

the racetrack. The new exclusive colour “AMG green hell magno” alone establishes 

a visual link to the “Green Hell”, the nickname for the legendary “North Loop” of the 

Nurburgring, emphasising that the car’s roots are firmly embedded in the racetrack. 

www.mercedes-benz.com.sg 

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Volkswagen Group of America revealed today it will introduce an all-new electric 

compact sport-utility vehicle in 2020 based on the I.D. CROZZ concept vehicle, which 

made its North American debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-electric 

compact SUV is expected to precede the revival of the iconic Volkswagen Bus in 

2022, with a vehicle based on the I.D. BUZZ concept. 

VOLKSWAGEN STRIKING 

I.D. CROZZ CONCEPT 

“The I.D. CROZZ-based electric vehicle will be an affordable and stylish electric 

SUV—and there is more to come!” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and 

CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “The I.D. CROZZ and the I.D. BUZZ will help 

Volkswagen to kick off an EV revolution in the United States. All of our I.D. concept 

cars demonstrate the inherent flexibility, driving range and smart design that can 

serve the needs of 21st century drivers.” 

www.vw.com 

Vehicle previews Volkswagen’s new Compact Electric Suv, 

due to launch in the US in 2020 

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THE PORSCHE CAYENNE 

A success story against all odds 

When Porsche announced on 3 June 1998 that it would be 

building a sporty SUV, there were those who didn’t think the 

idea would work. However, the company believed strongly 

in the idea of a true sports car for the SUV segment. It was 

determined to make it a reality. 

Approximately 15 months later the company 

announced that it would build a new, state-of-theart 

plant in Leipzig to produce the vehicle. Then 

in September 2002, the first ever Porsche SUV – 

christened the Cayenne – finally rolled off the line in 

Leipzig, making the dream a reality. It not only proved 

its sceptics wrong, but went on to become a stellar 

success story that has bolstered Porsche’s popularity 

and economic strength. Today, the Cayenne is widely 

recognized as the sports car amongst SUVs and an 

essential member of the Porsche model family. With 

the typical Porsche design DNA. 

With the Cayenne, it is possible to commute to work 

on weekdays, drive on the racetrack on the weekend 

and go off-road on a holiday. It offers luxury, 

precision and driving pleasure and most importantly 

driving fun on every terrain. And with five seats, 

extensive high-quality equipment and features it 

has plenty of room for a whole lot of fun behind the 

wheel. 

Thanks to its balanced overall package the Porsche Cayenne 

continues to excite the customers around the world and 

exceeded all sales expectations over the years. More than 

276,000 first generation vehicles rolled off the production line, 

and more than 303,000 units of the subsequent generation 

Porsche Cayenne that was introduced in May 2010, have 

been sold till 2014. The current generation Cayenne, which 

made its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show 2014, 

set new standards both in technology and fuel economy. 

Another milestone was the Cayenne S Hybrid in 2010: the first 

production hybrid model from Porsche. 

www.porsche.com 

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COVERFEATURE 

Showbiz 

is in the 

Blood 

Actress Chen Xiuhuan (or Sherry Tan) was reluctant 

to let her daughters enter showbiz at first, but now the 

family has learned to make it a part of life 

Photographer: Wee Khim 

Hair: David Gan / Passion Hair Salon 

Makeup: Andy Lee using YSL Cosmetics 

Stylist: Martin Wong clothes from - 

1. Khaki trench coat, Karen Millen 

2. Sequin Dress, SiJay @ Tyan 

3. Sequin Romper , BCBG 

4. Turtleneck & Skirt, Karen Millen 

5. White dress, Tyan 


EXQUISITE | 37

COVERFEATURE 

Chen Xiuhuan (or Sherry Tan) 

started showbiz when she 

was only 15, giving up a life 

that normal teenagers have 

and sacrificing studies and university. 

Showbiz was tough and demanding. It 

is no wonder then that Sherry hesitated 

in letting her daughters Shanisse, 19, 

Shalynn, 17, and Shavinne, 13 have 

anything to do with it; even when 

Shalynn, expressed an interest in 

performing, and wanted to attend a 

training programme with Hong Hui Fang, 

Guo Liang, and Lin Meijiao’s kids in 

Shanghai last year. 

Her colleagues and friends tried to convince Xiuhuan that Shanghai was a good 

learning experience for Shalynn since the event was during the December school 

holidays. Plus her husband advised to let their daughters have a chance at their 

dreams, or there may be regret and guilt later. Xiuhuan finally consented. 

When she watched a video of her daughter dancing after the training programme 

she was dumbfounded that her “reserved, serious” daughter could really dance 

and perform and enjoy herself in the limelight. The programme instilled confidence, 

expression and belief in Shalynn. 

Today Xiuhuan and her daughters make showbiz a part of life if there is compromise. 

Studies are a priority so the girls accept smaller roles; and explain the situation with 

directors and producers before signing on. 

As for Xiuhuan, 2018 is a promising start to her own career as actress with roles in 

Gifted where she plays a tai tai; Lucky Boy movie, a 24-part series from December to 

March 2018; plus a movie in January (cannot reveal yet). 

So things are looking bright on both personal and family life – and in showbiz life. 


EXQUISITE | 39

COVERFEATURE 

A CHAT WITH 

Chen Xiuhuan/Sherry Tan on showbiz, 

her daughters and family life 

As an actress in showbiz it is understandable 

that you were hesitant in letting your 

daughter Shalynn enter the industry. What 

made you change your mind? 

I hesitated because of my own experiences when I was young. 

I was 14 years-old when I was talent spotted and entered 

showbiz. I was still in school, and did not know anything about 

acting and facing society. It wasn’t easy, acting wasn’t easy. It 

was hard work reading the script, trying hard to act well – all 

this while a young student. 

I changed my mind when my daughter told my husband about 

wanting to go to Shanghai with my colleagues’ children for 

training. I wanted her to concentrate on her studies. But my 

husband advised to let our daughter pursue her dream. We 

may regret and feel guilty if we did not give her that chance. So 

we compromised with our daughter. She can go to Shanghai 

and follow her dreams if she makes studies her priority. 

Your daughters are gifted musicians. Do 

these extra qualities such as music and 

dance enhance your career as an actor in 

showbusiness? 

My daughter plays violin, and wanted to go to London to 

study music but decided to focus on academic studies. Yes, an 

actress with musical talent has an advantage and may get more 

roles. She has been practising the violin hard for a solo concert 

in January next year at the Esplanade. 

Juggling full time education and 

showbusiness may be very difficult. What 

do you advise young people who want to be 

in show business before completing their 

studies? 

It is not easy juggling school and acting. It is important to 

support and compromise with the showbiz people. Explain to 

the director that studies come first; act in smaller roles instead 

of time consuming ones. 

Is it important for both parents to be 

supportive? 

Support from both parents is very important. Our kids have to 

understand that acting is hard work, and they can also enjoy 

other things like dance, commercial advertisements. Now that 

my daughter is in showbiz she can see for herself how tough it 

is. Scenes require a whole day to shoot; even commercials – a 

few minutes in the Sunsilk ad took a whole day to shoot. She 

can see her mum’s work is not easy. But I teach them and guide 

them: be polite, be willing to learn, appreciate the people you 

work with, say thank you; be punctual – your appearance and 

character is important. Instil these values from young. 

most parents send kids make up but sherr makes dotter do 

own, independent, see how mum did stiff on own withoiut 

anyones help. independent. 

How do you balance your role as an actress 

and a mother? 

When the children were young I turned down many roles and 

jobs in showbusiness for smaller parts so I can be with them. I 

helped them in studies, brought them for lessons and activities. 

Now the kids are grown up and independent I can explore 

more things and roles of my own. The project Gifted requires 

a challenging role from the usual types I’ve been doing such 

as sporty, young student types. In Gifted I play a tai tai which 

requires me to challenge myself as the acting is different from 

my past roles. I’ve also done Lucky Boy movie, and have a 

24-part series from December to March 2018; plus a movie in 

January – so things are looking bright on the personal career 

side. 

What advice do you have for a mother who is 

too protective of their children? 

As a mum with young kids, we must teach and guide them in 

all aspects of life. When the kids are older parents must let go 

slowly – give them independence, let them choose things on 

their own. It’s important to let kids learn from mistakes and 

from failure. Take the downs with the ups. These are life lessons 

that make them stronger and wiser. Of course us parents must 

always listen to them, advise and help when needed. 

How do you and your family relax after a 

hard day at work? 

Weekends are for bonding. Saturday evening is family day, and 

dinner together is compulsory and everyone must be there. We 

talk about life, activities, problems. On sunday we go cycling, 

to the movies, have meals. This time together as a family is 

important: there is communication, we get to know each other 

more. My husband and I treat the kids as friends so it’s easy for 

them to talk with us. We go on holiday twice a year, which is a 

must. It’s fantastic to travel and bond together. 

BY Carol Kraal 


EXQUISITE | 41

people 

Otherworldly 

Drawings 

Amsterdam 

She has a masters degree in architecture but ROS LIN 

follows her heart into the world of illustration to create 

beautiful handdrawn products under her own label 

BY Carol Kraal 

Nudging architecture aside into freelance mode, doing 

design, graphics and renderings for a few firms, Ros 

Lin can now focus on Otherworldly, her own design 

enterprise. 

Doodling and drawing imaginary worlds and nature – hence 

the name ‘Otherworldly’ – she then transfers these illustrations 

onto products such as coasters, postcards, bags, pouches and 

scarves. She sells these at pop-up stores and via social media. 

Matt ceramic coaster pics 

From drawing to textile 

The 33-year-old Singaporean has always had a passion for 

drawing since childhood – doodling on her school textbooks, 

leaning over to doodle on her bemused classmates’ 

worksheets. Her parents didn’t scold her – instead they 

supported her and encouraged her passion, buying her art 

supplies and things to doodle with. Her father, who draws well, 

gave her lessons. Nevermind if she went on to get a masters in 

architecture, but stuck to her passion of doodling. Her mother 

helps Ros and Otherworldly by handsewing the bags and 

scarves and labels. 

Ros often hangs out in cafes and at parks, plugging in her 

earphones and letting the world around her disappear as 

she starts her doodling. “I remember sitting at different cafes 

doodling that snail drawing. It probably took about two days 

in total. I don’t remember much about taking breaks. When I 

start drawing, nothing else exists except for the pen, and the 

surface; the world in my head comes to life in fine, black lines.” 

Ros: “This snail illustration 

took about two days while 

hanging out in various cafes. 

I don’t remember much 

about taking breaks.” 

The Littlepieceofpeace 

coaster series in matt 

ceramic 

Using a 0.1mm black marker, Ros sticks to a single line weight 

per illustration and builds up the shades and tones by hatching. 

There is something so soothing and satisfying about the 

process, she says. 

“Sometimes I look at nature 

and imagine little cities 

everywhere – colonies in 

the bird’s nest ferns high 

up in the trees, little towns 

growing in clusters of 

mushrooms.” 


EXQUISITE | 43

people 

Tell us about your products. Are they 

all handdrawn and handmade? 

The Otherworldly products, fondly known as 

Otherworldly Things, include prints, postcards, bags, 

scarves and coasters, featuring my illustrations. After 

much sourcing and trials I finally found a fabric printer 

in Thailand who has a good selection of fabrics. There 

is a series printed on linen, which is then sewn to 

make bags and pouches, each lovingly handsewn by 

my mum and me. I handwrite all my labels because 

I love the thought of adding the personal touch to 

every piece of product. The scarves feature the Infinite 

Wonderscape series – an intricate landscape drawn 

as a repeat motif such that it becomes an infinite 

wonderland. These are available in a thin linen cotton 

and polyester with a handmade pouch so that its 

easy to carry around. The Littlepieceofpeace coaster 

series came about from my love of doodling on 

coasters. The coaster doodles capture my moments 

of escapades into other worlds, and I print them on 

matt ceramic coasters to share the joy. 

Ros Lin doodles imaginary worlds on coasters for her Otherworldly label 

A CHAT WITH Ros Lin, 

illustrator and owner of Otherworldly 

What inspires your drawings? 

Nature and cities. I’m always looking for ways to integrate cities and 

landscape harmoniously with each other. I enjoy doodling imaginary worlds. 

Sometimes I look at nature and imagine little cities everywhere – colonies in 

the bird’s nest ferns high up in the trees, little towns growing in clusters of 

mushrooms, cities blending into cliffsides. It makes me smile, and the process 

of doodling them takes me on adventures to far away lands so wonderful. 

It’s a form of stress relief. I have an imaginary friend, Lily, who came about 

during my architecture masters year . She goes on fun escapades for me 

when I’m stuck with work in the studio. She remains a friend who is always 

there, and continues to go on fun adventures such as chilling in a mojito 

under a cocktail umbrella on a hot day. 

How do you sketch ideas that pop up 

into your head? 

I doodle on coasters with pen, and try to keep to just 

one line weight per drawing. I started doodling on 

coasters because they are a good-sized mini canvas, 

and are easy to bring around. I have also started 

experimenting with brush and grey tones. 

What’s always in your bag? 

Coasters, pens, brushes, earphones and phone for 

music, and a hand towel. 

What local food do you crave after a 

hard day at work? 

Sambal. Anything sambal and curry. I love spicy food! 

Instagram: @otherworldlyhello 

Facebook: Facebook.com/otherworldlyhello 

Photographs and illustrations courtesy of Ros Lin and 

Otherworldly. 

Each item with her 

drawings, like this 

linen scarf and bag, is 

handsewn by Ros and 

her mother 


EXQUISITE | 45

People 

Life and 

Death 

in the 

Serengeti 

Restaureuter, chef and photographer 

ELSA VAN DER NEST spends 6 years 

travelling through the Serengeti in 

Tanzania capturing its fascinating life 

stories on film and in words 

By Carol Kraal 

Renowned chef Elsa van der Nest and her camera have 

no fear. She skilfully navigates the bush and grasslands 

in search of subjects. Animals appear to be posing for 

Elsa exclusively, looking her deep in the eye and willing 

her to follow them on their journeys. 

Life, death, survival, exhaustion, sadness and love are all 

portrayed in Elsa’s photographs, taken with the keen eye of 

someone who deeply cherishes the Serengeti and everything 

that it represents. Her works were recently exhibited at Vanilla 

Home, a furnishing and art studio in Singapore. 

Elsa’s close proximity to the animals makes the onlooker feel 

as though she has befriended these wild nomads, and they are 

inviting her to observe and partake in their daily rituals. 

Recalls Elsa: “On one of my visits we tracked a cheetah and her 

two cubs over two days as she was planning a kill. This takes 

great patience. During this time I learnt so much about the 

relationship between this cheetah and her two cubs. 

The silence of the great expanse has an overwhelming effect on 

one. Seeing the animals in the wild in their natural habitat is an 

experience difficult to describe.” 

Elsa van der Nest was born in South Africa where her culinary 

career began. Today she is an award-winning restaurateur, 

consultant and author. She has also been appointed to cater 

or privately cook for individuals, charitable organisations and 

corporations around the world including Nelson Mandela, The 

Queen Mother, golfing legend Ernie Els, and the recent film set 

of Crazy Rich Asians. 

A CHAT WITH 

Elsa van der 

Nest, on her 

travels in the 

Serengeti 

As a photographer what time of day gifts 

the most captivating light and colour in the 

Serengeti? 

Early morning round 6.45am. 

How do you get animals to look you in the 

eye? 

My travels to the Serengeti have always taken me to Singita 

Grumeti Reserve, a private reserve of almost one million 

acres of land. Our highly professional trained guides are able 

to position the open Land Rover in proximity to the animals. 

You need to be quiet and patient when tracking the animals – 

spending up to 9 hours a day in the bush. 

What did you learn about the cheetah and her 

cubs? Is motherhood a powerful force? 

The mother cheetah always ensures that her cubs were in close 

proximity to her, often stopping so that the cubs could catch up 

with her. The cubs were by her side until she planned to run for 

the kill. Yes, even in the Animal Kingdom motherhood is very 

powerful. 

As a chef what are some of the memorable 

food experiences in the Serengeti and in 

Tanzania? 

The cuisine in Tanzania and Zanzibar is influenced by Middle 

Eastern spices and methods of cooking; Middle Eastern curry 

based flavours. Typical dishes include: fried bananas – Ndizi 

Kaanga; spinach curry vegetables; barbecued chicken kebabs 

– Kuku Choma – served with rice; Vitumbua – Tanzanian rice 

flour coconut doughnuts; flaky crispy potato and pea samosa; 

light biryani rice; Samaki – fried fish with coconut curry sauce; 

a variety of fish dishes – flavourful spices; the fruits are tropical 

fruits as Tanzania, like Singapore, is situated on the equator. 

What camera do you use? 

Canon EOS 5 D Mark III 


EXQUISITE | 47

People 

Friends by 

Design 

A CHAT WITH good friends on design, 

jobs and life: 

SARA GRAAV 

From Drøbak, Norway 

Currently works and lives in Singapore 

SAMHITA SRINIVASAN 

From New Delhi, India. 

Currently lives and works in Mumbai, 

India 

Sara Graav and Samhita Srinivasan 

left their home countries in their 20s 

and ventured to Singapore to study – 

eventually forging their own futures as 

design professionals. By Carol Kraal 

Starting life as freshman students at LaSalle College 

of the Arts in a foreign land and in a new school 

surrounded by strangers, their days soon achieved a 

settled rhythm. 

Classmates Samhita from India and Sara from Norway became 

good friends – going through the four years of college life with 

its usual subplots of lectures, projects, boyfriends, roommates, 

emotional tirades, parties and hangovers. 

After graduating with BA Honours in Interior Design the girls 

found respective jobs in interior design and architectural 

design consultancy. Employers have always agreed that an 

overseas education or work attachment abroad gives you better 

marketability because of your independence, communication 

skills, streetwise creative edge, and resourcefulness. 

They had to say sad goodbyes as Sara remained in Singapore 

while Samhita returned to India. A degree, design education, 

and new job may be precious – but their friendship remains 

priceless. 

Whether they meet again to start their own design studio some 

new place in the world, remains to be seen. 

Why are we seeing so much 

Nordic design in Singapore 

residential interiors these 

days? 

Nordic design is very clean and minimal, which makes it easy 

keeping a space tidy at all times even when life gets hectic. This 

has its advantage especially in Singapore as apartments are 

usually relatively small. 

What Singapore food do you like? What 

Norwegian food do you miss? 

In Singapore chicken rice is my favourite. There are lots 

of Norwegian foods that I miss like Norwegian cheese and 

sausages, and especially something called stick meat, which 

we call ‘pinne kjøtt’. We have it for Christmas and it tastes 

delicious. 

What’s the first thing you’ll buy or do with 

your first pay cheque? 

A special dinner is always nice. 

As her good friend, what advice would you 

give Samhita on life and work? 

Just be yourself and follow your heart, Sam. Do not worry 

about making mistakes. Just use them to become bigger and 

stronger. 

If you and Samhita set up your own design 

studio one day what would you call it? 

Samandsara Interiors. 

What kind of homes and 

interior designs are young, 

savvy locals looking for 

in India these days? Do they appreciate 

traditional artisan products that are 

locally crafted? 

Many of the younger generation now appreciate different 

architectural design elements to express their own identity 

and personalise the spaces around them. This Transitional 

style combines traditional local architecture in a modern way 

with all the luxuries available today. Many people realise the 

importance of the older traditional artisan products so we see a 

revival of these in design nowadays. 

What food do you crave for after a hard day 

at work? And what food do you miss? 

I miss my mother’s homecooked North Indian meals most. With 

local Mumbai cuisine, I normally crave some Bun Maska with 

Chai (buttery buns with roadside tea) after a long day at work. 

What’s the first thing you’ll buy or do with 

your first pay cheque? 

With my first salary I took my entire family out to one of the 

oldest joints called Nirula’s back in New Delhi. It has been a 

tradition in our family since my cousins and I were very young 

to celebrate all our achievements there with simple snacks and 

great ice cream. So it was a very special moment for me to take 

everyone back there and treat them to a good meal. 

As her good friend, what advice would you 

give Sara on life and work? 

In a work context, no matter what you’re doing, Sara, always 

remember that all problems and stress remain temporary. The 

tough moments will pass! You have always been someone 

who works really hard, and I know that this quality will really 

take you far. In life, I would want you to be able to make tough 

decisions as long as you are happy, and to remember to have 

faith and good vibes like we always talk about. 

Photographs courtesy of Sara graav, Samhita 

Srinivasan, Lasalle School of the Arts Singapore, 

visitnorway, reacho.in 

If you and Sara start your own design studio 

one day what would you call it? 

We would definitely have to think about that. I think ‘Three 

Dots’ is a good name for the company, because that’s an inside 

secret we both know well! 


EXQUISITE | 49

Events 

Dr Julian Ong 

Mr Tom Chng, President of Singapore Watch Club and Mr Andreas Boesch, 

Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin Asia Pacific with the Ulysse Nardin 

Singapore Watch Club Special Edition 

Proud owners of the Ulysse Nardin Singapore Watch Club (SWC) 

Special Edition 

(From left to right) Mr William Suryoputro and Mr Lim Wee Yong 

admiring their new timepiece 

Mr Andreas Boesch presenting 

the watch to Mr Adel Al Rahmani 

Singapore Watch Club 

Special Edition 

The Ulysse Nardin Classico Manufacture ‘Grand Feu’ Singapore Watch 

Club (SWC) Special Edition was presented in conjunction with the club’s 

second anniversary 

Mr Lim Wee Yong and 

Ms Pamela Ardana 

Ms Jamie Chua and Mr Terence Koh 

The Hour Glass recently hosted more than 70 members 

of the Singapore Watch Club at the Presidential Suite 

of The Fullerton Hotel to present the Ulysse Nardin 

Classico Manufacture ‘Grand Feu’ Singapore Watch Club 

(SWC) Special Edition in conjunction with the club’s second 

anniversary. To commemorate the club’s anniversary, The Hour 

Glass – the exclusive retailer for Ulysse Nardin in Singapore – 

worked with SWC to create a unique timepiece exclusively for 

its members, limited to only 20 pieces worldwide. 

Mr Andreas Boesch, Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin Asia 

Pacific graced the event and presented the watch to Mr Tom 

Chng, President of the Singapore Watch Club as well as the 

other proud owners of the special edition timepiece. Mr Boesch 

also shared with the members about Ulysse Nardin’s patented 

watchmaking technologies and unrivalled expertise in the art of 

enamelling, which gave rise to the one of a kind SWC Classico 

Manufacture. The merriment continued through the evening 

with live music, canapes and whiskey. 

Based on the Classico Manufacture announced in 2015, the 

SWC Special Edition features the same in-house calibre UN-320, 

but modified to exclude the date complication. The automatic 

movement boasts a silicon hairspring and Ulysse Nardin’s 

hallmark anchor escapement, with a power reserve of 48 hours. 

The dial is produced by Donzé Cadrans, the renowned producer 

of grand feu enamel dials, a company’s member of Ulysse 

Nardin after being acquired in 2011. It is made by applying 

enamel powder over a silver base and firing in a kiln to 800- 

1200°C, resulting in a deep black effect which never fades. The 

small seconds subdial features a subtle signature where the 

date window used to be, identifying the timepiece as the SWC 

Special Edition. 

The timepiece features a set of spade and whip hands, unique 

to the leaf hands found on the existing variants. Spade and whip 

hands are deeply intertwined with traditional watchmaking, 

especially synonymous with antique marine chronometers, 

a tribute to Ulysse Nardin’s historical expertise in such 

instruments. 

Mr Andreas Boesch, Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin Asia Pacific, 

addressing SWC members 

(From left to right) Mr Lim Wee Yong, Ms Clara Tan, Mr Jarod Lee 

The Hour Glass hosted more than 70 SWC members at the Presidential 

Suite of The Fullerton Hotel 

(From left to right) Mr Kwok Kin Fei, Mr Tan Kee Hwee, Mr Simon Göckeritz 


EXQUISITE | 51

StyleWomen 

Bally 

Spring Summer 2018 

collection – 

A contrasting mood 

of sophistication 

and sport features 

varied proportions of 

juxtaposed fabrics 

The Bally woman evolved from the backdrop of a male 

dominated, urban landscape and she expresses herself 

with a laidback elegance and poise. She is quietly 

confident – captured in inconsequential moments 

through an all-encompassing lens. 

Retro sportswear is reinterpreted. A contrasting mood of 

sophistication and sport features varied proportions of 

juxtaposed fabrics. Chains feature on ladies large leather 

accessories and shoes, discreetly playing on the idea 

of overstated 80s style gold jewellery. Repetition of the 

1980s Bally logs, revived from archival typography and 

graphics take prominence throughout, taking us back to 

an era of confident self-expression. 

http://www.bally.eu/en/woman/ 


EXQUISITE | 53

StyleWomen 


EXQUISITE | 55

StyleWomen 


EXQUISITE | 57

StyleWomen 


EXQUISITE | 59

Stylemen 

Bally 

Spring 

Summer 2018 

– Relaxed 

fluidity to 

take one 

piece and 

wear it in 

your own 

way 

The vibe of B-boys and B-girls; 

and artists from Slick Rick, Doug E. 

Fresh, Eric B. and Rakim to DJs Afrika 

Bambaataa capture the energy of a 

culture shifting from disco to hip-hop. 

Urban sportswear shown through 

retro sneakers, lightweight cagoules, 

trousers tucked into socks, zipped tops 

amd canvas tote bags. A relaxed view 

to pairing creates a collection with the 

fluidity to take one piece and wear it in 

your own way. 

www.bally.com 


EXQUISITE | 61

StyleWomen 

VALENTINO 

Haute Couture Winter 2018 

The authentic value of Haute Couture 

cannot be visible. The most precious 

of the creations will never be able to 

enclose the frame of time employed in 

the Atelier where the value itself came 

to life. In this drive to push oneself 

beyond the conspicuous, Haute Couture 

expresses a sacred notion, meant to be 

perceived as something that oversteps 

reality. 

Rituals that repeat. Gestures that exalt. 

Iconographies that mutate. 

Dressing for the day, of ciating a liturgy 

made of colors and density, a research of 

harmony in the dissonance that reaches 

its climax in the absolute black. Forms 

simplify, reaching a hieratic simplicity. 

They add up and overlap, following a 

new idea of dressing. Immediate, but 

thought after, it reveals its identity with 

each layer. 

Signs that dress and communicate: the 

solemn cape that embraces, the modest 

hood that veils, sensual openings that 

reveal. The tactile lushness of the inlays 

and the renunciation full of grace of the 

denied embellishment. 

Sacred love, profane love. Quivering 

delicacies and composed re nements. 

Vices that adorn and decorate, virtues 

that uplift and purify. 

A Haute Couture that elevates itself, 

nding its reason of being in today, 

beyond the apparent. 

#ValentinoHauteCouture 


EXQUISITE | 63

Styleshoes 

Five years after the first Xpression collection that brought 

Malaysian homegrown brand XALF to the forefront of 

bespoke women’s footwear in Kuala Lumpur, the label 

has come full circle with a collection that celebrates 

womanhood – the Superwoman collection. 

XALF 

Bespoke 

woman’s 

footwear 

celebrates 

Superwoman 

collection 

The collection celebrates true grit in womenfolk who 

have overcome obstacles by conquering their fears, and 

setbacks that have crippled those less mentally resilient. 

Inspired by the feminist movement that was birthed 

in the 1960s; the diversity of the range reflects the 

different identities of superwomen who take on many 

roles in their everyday lives. From the edgy to the stylish 

and practical the eight pairs take on bold designs with 

assertive prints that embody the spirit of today’s modern 

women. 

About XALF – Driven by their passion for cosmopolitan 

fashion and intricate design, young entrepreneur 

Xavier Mah joined forces with designer Alfred Hor 

to create XALF, a bespoke luxury footwear label for 

the metropolitan woman of today. The combination 

of traditional craftsmanship and meticulousness with 

vintage looks and high-society aesthetics distinguishes 

XALF’s unique style and makes the brand well known far 

beyond Malaysia. 

Prices for the Superwoman collection range from 

US$550 to $750. 

www.xalfdesign.com 


EXQUISITE | 65

Styleeyewear 

MaxMara 

Sunglasses inspired by classic Scandinavian cinema 

Max Mara presents the new Fall/Winter 2017/2018 eyewear collection. Drawing inspiration from 

classic Scandinavian cinema, the new sunglasses and optical frames are a perfect blend of Northern 

European design and Italian femininity. 

MM OVERLAP 

A sophisticated construction with overlapping layers, as the 

name suggests, makes the Overlap sunglasses the ultimate 

must-have accessory. A fine interplay of overlapping Optyl 

masks in transparent and solid hues gives shape to the front, 

creating an elegant and refined multilayer effect. The metal 

temples are adorned with the Max Mara engraved logo. 

MM ANITA 

These cat-eye acetate sunglasses are a tribute to the icy and timeless femininity of La Dolce Vita star Anita Ekberg. 

The eyewear model is embellished with a fine metal detail on both sides of the front and on the temple tips which 

adds sparkle and subtly nods to the iconic Prism element, an undisputable symbol of the Max Mara woman. 

MM 1318 

This optical frame stays true to the stylistic concepts of the Anita sunglasses, yet features a more discreet but still 

extremely feminine shape. The colour palette is enlivened by bright nuances of red, blue, Havana brown and black. 

www.maxmara.com 


EXQUISITE | 67

Styleeyewear 

Dior Homme 

Sunglasses 

Collections include: 

Diorgenese 

Diormaster 

Diortensity 

Hardior 

www.dior.com/dior-homme 


EXQUISITE | 69

Doctors 

Dr Chung Kong Mun 

Dr Chng Hui Kheng 

Dr Johanna Choo 

Dr Lewis Lee Kim Chuan 

Our Services 

General Dentistry 

Fillings, Bleaching, Tooth Whitening, Veneers, etc. 

Orthodontics 

Braces 

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 

Wisdom Teeth Removal, Dental Implants, Jaw & Reconstructive 

Surgery 

Endodontics 

Root Canal and Pulpa Therapy, Management of Dental Pain 

and Dental Trauma 

Periodontics 

Gum Conditions & Disease, Dental Implants 

Prosthodontics 

Crowns, Fixed Bridges, Dentures, Dental Implant 

A multi-dental specialist group 

at your service 

T: (65) 6737 3833 l W: www.rcolldentist.com.sg l E: rcolldentist@pachealthholdings.com

JANUARY 2018

Wellnessmealtime 

Breakfast 

First 

The first meal of the day gives you a power boost so try not to skip it 

A 

good breakfast starts off your chapter on the right 

foot. Work is more productive when you have energy 

and verve which you can get from your breakfast 

meal. It does not have to be heavy and rich. Just a 

simple bowl of fruit and yoghurt does wonders for a positive 

start. 

You should create time for breakfast and make it a habit. 

Breakfast consisting of eggs is even more beneficial. Eggs are 

nature’s source of health benefits, and pairs well with bread, 

fruit, meat such as bacon, tomato and coffee. 

Breakfast should be leisurely. Wolfing down breakfast and 

rushing about just adds to your stress. Manage your time so 

that you can have an unhurried meal to get your energy flowing 

in a positive, healthy way. It does not matter how early or 

late you have breakfast. What is important is the food that is 

consumed, and the leisurely, unhurried manner you consume it. 

Being the first meal of the day, people often have breakfast any 

time between 5 and 11am. Beyond this breakfast becomes 

brunch, which is a very popular meal these days and consists 

of similar foods you would consume at breakfast. 

Many cafes, restaurants and hotels serve breakfast, and are 

noticing the rise in popularity of the working breakfast for the 

working person. Many cater to on-the-go breakfast meals that 

are easy to hold, and are quite mobile. But as mentioned earlier, 

managing your time to include breakfast in a leisurely manner 

does wonders to your day, both as a person and worker. 

Healthy energy always inspires a positive outlook that creates 

productivity. 

By Jane Tanh 

Breakfast runs the gamut of foods from eggs, toast and kaya, 

fruit, cereals, yoghurt, sandwiches and pancakes to vegetarian 

dosai and other local favourites. Listen to your stomach, and 

you will find a breakfast meal that suits your liestyle. If you 

notice that fresh fruit juice injects more vitality remember the 

combination and add that to your breakfast routine. If eggs and 

toast give you more stamina and energy, then make that part of 

your regimen as well. 

Eggs 

Unless you’re allergic to them, eggs do wonders for your 

system. That’s why they are so popular as the first meal of the 

day. 

Benefits 

1. Studies have shown that regular consumption of eggs may 

help prevent blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks. 

2. Eggs are good for the eyes. An egg a day may prevent 

macular degeneraton due to the carotenoid content, 

specifically lutein and zeaxanthin. Both nutrients are more 

readily available to our bodies from eggs than from other 

sources. 

3. Researchers found that people who eat eggs every day 

lower their risk of developing cataracts, also because of the 

lutein and zeaxanthin in eggs. 

4. One egg contains 6 grams of high-quality protein and all 9 

essential amino acids. 

5. They are a good source of choline. One egg yolk has about 

300 micrograms of choline. Choline is an important 

nutrient that helps regulate the brain, nervous system, and 

cardiovascular system. 

6. They contain the right kind of fat. One egg contains just 5 

grams of fat and only 1.5 grams of that is saturated fat. 

7. New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, 

moderate consumption of eggs does not have a negative 

impact on cholesterol. Recent studies have shown that 

regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a 

person’s lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it. 

8. Eggs are one of the only foods that contain naturally 

occurring vitamin D. 

9. Eggs may prevent breast cancer. In one study, women who 

consumed at least 6 eggs per week lowered their risk of 

breast cancer by 44 percent. 

10. Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high 

sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. 

Many people find their hair growing faster after adding eggs 

to their diet, especially if they were previously deficient in 

foods containing sulphur or B12. 

Yoghurt 

For many breakfast consists of yoghurt, cereal and fruit which is 

a very healthy option of boosting your day. 

Yoghurt comes from milk. So yoghurt eaters will get a dose 

of animal protein of about 9 grams per 6-ounce serving, plus 

several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, 

vitamin B2, vitamin B12, potassium and magnesium. 

Yoghurt is rich in probiotics. Probiotics are “friendly bacteria” 

that are naturally present in the digestive system. Live strains of 

these “good bacteria” are also found in many yoghurt products. 

Some evidence show that certain strains of probiotics can help 

boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive 

tract. 

Fruit and banana 

One of the most popular breakfast fruit is banana, either 

eaten on its own or in drink boosters or with cereal and 

pancakes. 

Benefits 

The banana consists mainly of glucose, fructose and sucrose 

sugars and fibre, which makes it ideal for an immediate and 

slightly prolonged source of energy. 

1. Reducing depression. Bananas contain tryptophan, an 

aminoacid that can be converted to serotonin, leading to 

improved mood. 

2. Constipation and diarrhea. Due to their content in fibre, 

they help restore a normal bowel function. They also 

contain pectin, a soluble fibre (hydrocolloid) that can help 

normalise movement through the digestive tract. 

3. Eyesight. Research published in the Archives of 

Ophthalmology has proven that adults consuming at 

least 3 servings of fruit per day have a reduced risk 

(by 36%) of developing age-related macular 

degeneration (ARMD), the primary cause of vision loss in 

older adults, compared to persons who consume less 

than 1.5 servings of fruit daily. 

4. Healthy kidney. Studies show that frequent consumption 

of fruits and vegetables, especially bananas, may reduce 

risk of kidney cancer. This is because bananas and 

many root vegetables contain especially high amounts of 

antioxidant phenolic compounds. 

5. Stress relief. Bananas are high in potassium, which 

helps normalise the hearthbeat and regulate the body’s 

water balance. During periods of high stress, our body’s 

potassium levels tend to be rapidly depleted: eating 

bananas is a healthy way to rebalance them without 

using drugs. 


EXQUISITE | 73

WELLNESSBody 

Love your 

Lymph 

If 

you’re feeling sluggish, tired and 

bloated it could be your lymphatic 

system needs a boost. By Fiona Ji 

4 Avoid sweet drinks - these horrible beverages add to the 

already overburdened workload your lymph system 

handles every day. Give it a break and drink water or real 

fruit juices. 

5 Eat more raw fruit on an empty stomach - the enzymes 

and acids in fruit are powerful lymph cleansers. Eat them 

on an empty stomach for best digestion and maximum 

lymph-cleansing benefits. Most fruits are digested within 30 

minutes or so and quickly help you feel better. 

6 Eat plenty of green vegetables - to get adequate chlorophyll 

to help purify your blood and lymph. 

The lymphatic system is a network of organs and tissues 

that consists mainly of lymph vessels, nodes and 

lymph. Its primary function is to transport lymph, a 

colourless fluid that contains white blood vessels that 

rids the body of waste and toxins. 

The tonsils, spleen, thymus and adenoids are all part of the 

lymphatic system. While blood flows throughout the body in a 

continuous loop, lymph flows in only one direction — upward 

toward the neck — within its own system. It flows into the 

venous blood stream through the subclavien veins, which are 

located on either sides of the neck near the collarbones. 

Diseases and ailments of the lymphatic 

system 

These include glandular fever, Hodgkin’s disease, oedema 

(swelling) and tonsillitis. 

7 Eat raw, unsalted nuts and seeds - power up your 

lymph with these fatty acids. Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, 

macadamias, Brazil nuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and 

pumpkin seeds are all ideal. 

8 Lymph-boosting herbal teas - these include astragalus, 

echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot or wild indigo root tea. 

Consult a doctor or nutritionist before combining two or 

more herbs or if you’re taking any medications or suffer 

from any serious health conditions. 

9 Dry skin brush before showering - brush your dry skin in 

circular motions upward from the feet to the torso and 

from the fingers to the chest. You want to work in the same 

direction as your lymph flows—toward the heart. 

10 Alternate hot and cold showers for several minutes - the 

heat dilates the blood vessels and the cold causes them to 

contract. Avoid this type of therapy if you have a heart or 

blood pressure condition or if you are pregnant. 

Symptoms 

Key indications that your lymphatic system is sluggish and 

stagnated include bloating, swelling, rashes, cellulite, fatigue, 

pain in the hands and feet, lethargy and breast swelling during 

menstruation, allergies and food sensitivities. 

Ways to boost and revitalise you lymphatic 

system 

1 Breathe deeply - our bodies have three times more lymph 

fluid than blood, yet no organ to pump it. Your lymph 

system relies on the pumping action of deep breathing 

to help it transport toxins into the blood before they are 

detoxified by your liver. So breathe in. And breathe out 

those toxins. 

2 Move - exercise ensures the lymph system flows properly. 

The best kind is rebounding on a mini trampoline, which 

can dramatically improve lymph flow. You can also do 

skipping rope, stretching and aerobic exercise which also 

work well. 

11 Gentle massage - can push up to 78 percent of stagnant 

lymph back into circulation. Massage frees trapped toxins. 

You can also try a lymph drainage massage. It is a special 

form of massage that specifically targets lymph flow in the 

body. Whatever type of massage you choose, make sure 

it is gentle. Too much pressure may feel good on the 

muscles, but it doesn’t have the same lymph-stimulating 

effects. 

12 Encourage sweating - don’t block sweat glands by using 

antiperspirant that contains aluminum. Try to make 

sweating part of your daily routine through exercise, 

saunas, steam rooms or Epsom salt or fresh ginger baths. 

13 Destress - stress-fighting hormones, called cortisol, are 

extremely acidic and lymph doesn’t drain well in an acidic 

environment, so you need to find ways to relax. 

TCM and alternatives 

Traditional Chinese Medicine such as acupressure, as well as 

ayurvedic treatments and massage are good ways to clease 

and boost your lymphatic system. Qigong is also good. 

3 Water - to help ensure the water is readily absorbed by your 

cells, you can also add some fresh lemon juice or oxygen 

or pH drops. 


EXQUISITE | 75

Jan 2016.pdf 1 4/1/16 3:35 PM


TravelSwitzerland 

Swiss Summer 

in the 

Jungfrau region 

A place full of adventure 

By Rael Yip 

High-altitude valleys and three of the highest 

peaks in the Alps: the Eiger, Jungfrau and 

Mönch. These are all in the Jungfrau region 

where the heavens and earth meet. In 

summer, this region becomes a beautiful network of 

hiking circuits set against a backdrop of rolling green 

mountains speckled with wild flowers, and overlaid with 

glistening lakes. 

Interlaken is a good place from which to explore the 

Jungfrau region. Straddling the two lakes of Lake Thun 

and Lake Brienz, it lies at the doorstep of the triple 

peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch. Bike, hike or 

take a train or cable car to one of many vantage points 

that offer spectacular views of the surroundings. 

Grindelwald-First offers many hiking trails and 

adventure rides for visitors. 


EXQUISITE | 79


From top: Harder Kulm Panorama 

Restaurant; panoramic view from 

Harder Kulm. 

INTERLAKEN 

Brunch at mountain top 

From Interlaken town centre, ride the funicular up to Harder Kulm for lunch at the Harder Kulm Panorama 

Restaurant. At an elevation of 1322 metres, indulge in comfort food such as grilled meat, burgers, pizzas 

and cheese fondue, and an astounding view of the entire Jungfrau region. Savour the view of the Lütschine 

Valley, the lakes of Thun and Brienz, and the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. For a workout, you can 

hike 2.5 hours up the mountain which takes you through the woods that opens up at intervals to stunning 

views of the valley and surrounding mountains. 

www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/harder-kulm 

Dairy hike 

Hike to Heubühlen Alp, located above the Habkern valley, to watch the cheesemakers at work and taste 

cheese freshly made on the spot. Enjoy farmhouse cuisine like assorted cheeses, rosti with fried eggs, 

homemade bread and sausages, with a side of breathtaking mountain views. In good weather, sit outside 

on the sun-drenched terrace to watch dairy cows grazing in the meadows. 

www.interlaken.ch/en/explore-alp-heubuehlen-habkern.html 

Water adventure 

JUNGFRAU 

Adventure at the top 

Go on a round-trip from the port of Bönigen to the famous Giessbach Falls on a speedy boat ride which 

goes through thrilling 180 and 360 degrees spins. At the most heart thumping moments, Dan, the Jetboat 

Interlaken skipper will rally everyone enthusiastically for smiles for the camera set up at the bow. Riders 

will be dressed in ponchos and goggles, but getting wet is inescapable. Not to worry though, the water is 

crystal clear. “I’ve been drinking the water from the lake since I was a kid, and I haven’t been sick since,” 

Dan proclaimed as he scooped a mug of water from chilly Lake Brienz and drank it. 

www.jetboat.ch 

Catch the gondola up Grindelwald-First (elevation at 

over 2,000 metres) and start off with the high-altitude 

First Cliff Walk, a 40-metre long trek on a one-rope 

suspension bridge. More adrenaline comes in the 

form of the speedy First Flyer, a 800-metre zip line that 

brings you down the mountain at a maximum speed of 

84 kilometres per hour. You can also zip down the hill 

in the Mountain Cart, a sport vehicle that you can steer 

along the rough track down to mid-mountain at Bort, 

with the scenery flying before your eyes. 

www.jungfrau.ch/en-gb/grindelwaldfirst 

Clockwise from top left: First Flyer; First Mountain Cart; 

First Cliff Walk; gondola at Grindelwald-First. 


EXQUISITE | 81


Clockwise from top right: (Scenes from 

Unspunnen) Alphorn players at the parade; 

stone throwing; participants dancing in 

high spirits despite the rain; inside a food 

tent; traditional folk dance at the parade; a 

display of traditional costumes and cultures 

at the parade. 

From top: The two-level street in Thun; 

Thun city; Thun Castle. 

Unspunnen 

Every twelve years Interlaken hosts a celebration of Swiss rural 

culture that showcases rural sports, traditional costumes and 

cultures. The Unspunnen festival is touted as the world’s largest 

traditional gathering, and attracted about 90,000 spectators 

in the latest festival held in 2017 between 26 August to 3 

September. The first Unspunnen was held in 1805, during a 

time of political turmoil in Switzerland, which had been ruled 

by the French from 1798 to 1803. Strained relations between 

the cities and rural communities in the Bern area led to the 

launch of a folk festival to foster good relations between the 

city and countryside residents. The festival triggered a tourism 

boom in the area due to its popularity though they failed to ease 

political tensions. From the 1981 festival onwards, Unspunnen 

became a major national event. What is most associated with 

Unspunnen is stone throwing, where participants compete to 

throw a hefty 83.5kg stone as far as possible. One of the oldest 

Swiss sports, stone throwing was originally the method used 

by hunters during hunting. Other rural sports on display include 

alpine wrestling, alphorn playing, target shooting and Hornussen 

(a 17th century indigenous sport akin to golf). On the last day, a 

highlight of the festival was a three-hour parade of a stunning 

display of traditional clothing and customs from all 26 cantons. 

unspunnenfest.ch 

Photo credit: Andy Mettler (Unspunnen) 

Castle culture 

HIke up to Schlossberg hotel and restaurant, 

which is nestled in a 700-year-old castle on top 

of a hill. Dine on scrumptious gourmet meals or 

have a cocktail at the al fresco cocktail terrace. 

with a view overlooking the town and Lake Thun 

against a backdrop of the Alps. The castle also 

offer refurbished, well-appointed rooms if you 

want to live out a fairy tale night within medieval 

walls but with modern amenities. 

THUN 

Walk and eat 

Thun, a medieval Swiss town sitting along Lake 

Thun often takes a backseat for visitors heading 

to Bern, Jungfrau and Interlaken. It’s an charming 

stopover for its historic restaurants, picturesque 

castle and an idyllic retreat for those who are 

looking for a restful rejuvenation. Sign up for 

a culinary tour, where a guide brings you on a 

walk-and-taste tour of Thun. Participants enjoy 

a five-course menu where different courses are 

served in different restaurants, while the guide 

brings you around the town sharing stories 

about the town’s history. If you pass by Obere 

Hauptgasse, spot the fascinating architecture 

of the two-level construction that is a relic of a 

fascinating history. The elevated sidewalks are 

lined with shops, while the lower street-level is 

for vehicles, and pedestrians can cross through 

tunnels to the riverfront restaurants. 

www.thunersee.ch 

www.schlossberg-thun.com 

Rest and relax 

The Deltapark hotel and spa boasts a modern 

alpine feel with its modern glass windows and 

wooden floors. Situated on the shores of Lake 

Thun, guests can take comfort in the serene view 

of the glacial range as the backdrop. Give your 

tired feet and aching body some reprieve with a 

body massage at the spa, where they also offer 

evening fitness classes, pools, and steam rooms. 

www.deltapark.ch 


EXQUISITE | 83


DesignPeople 

PATRICK WARING 

Partner 

Silverfox Studios Pte Ltd Interior Architectural Design 

From the UK 

Years residing in Singapore: 25 

The Expat 

Interior Designers 

On Singapore Style and favourite local foods. By Carol Kraal 

How would you create Singapore Style 

in a residential project? 

I see Singapore Style as Urban Resort. Modern and 

layered, as if you are looking through the canopy of a 

rain tree. 

What is your favourite Singapore 

neighbourhood and why? 

Chinatown. This is where my office is, and where my 

favourite restaurants are. This area has modernity and 

history, idiosyncrasy and culture. 

What Singapore foods do you like? 

Hock Lam Beef noodles at China Street – dry with kway 

teow. 

EMMA MAXWELL 

Founder and interior design director 

Emma Maxwell Design 

From Australia 


How would you create Singapore 

Style in a residential project? 

I would make really subtle references to 

Peranakan culture. Addressing use of pattern 

and form and articulating it with sharper more 

contemporary lines. I would play on light and 

dark contrasts and colour accent with colour that 

I would draw down from Peranakan tiles and 

plates and so forth. 



Tiong Bahru. I love the art deco building and 

great dining options there. 


I love Peranakan food. I’m fascinated by the 

process involved in cooking it. It’s a lot more 

lyrical and lighter on the palate than a lot of 

heavier Singaporean dishes. 

RIO SIASAR 

Senior designer, with special focus on tasks involving design 

concepts and FFE, as well as operations and client management 

Miaja Design Group Pte Ltd 

From: Philippines 

Years residing in Singapore: Nearly 10 years 

How would you create Singapore Style in a residential project? 

Singapore Style in a residential project would definitely call for a Global Eclectic 

approach, where you are not bound by any cultural or aesthetic boundaries. Much like 

the country itself, you must simply find ways for the global elements you are inspired 

with everywhere you turn, and for these to be conveyed in the interior design. Combine 

that with a disciplined approach of classic restraint and sensible styling, not easy but 

definitely possible with the right team to work with, and you have got yourself an 

exceptional interior that will prove truly unique. 

What is your favourite Singapore neighbourhood and why? 

I find myself most drawn to the Bras Basah area, for its hole in the wall food finds, and 

the museums, gift shops, and bookstores within walking distance of each other. 


Chilli crab is a definite must have by anyone stopping by in Singapore; as well as Indo 

Malay fusion dishes which I find myself ordering time and again. 


EXQUISITE | 87

DesignPeople 

MICHAEL FIEBRICH 

Founder and interior architect 

Michael Fiebrich Design 

From: Austin, Texas, USA 


How would you create Singapore Style in a residential project? 

Singapore is as urban and cosmopolitan as they come, but the gracious scale and tropical sensibility of the 

colonial Black & White bungalows have always appealed to me personally. I find that the blending of modern 

living with the added touch of history and the experience of tropical elegance is truly unique to Singapore. 

What is your favourite Singapore neighbourhood and why? 

We’ve lived and worked in Sembawang, at the northern tip of the island, for many years and, although it’s 

becoming more developed, it’s still very quiet, green and removed from the hustle of other areas. There’s 

something really special about feeling like your’e living in your own private jungle just 20 minutes from the CBD. 


The best thing about dining out in Singapore is the full gamut of international cuisines and experiences available. 

You can dine on everything from Chinese, Indian or Malay to Mediterranean cuisine and you can enjoy it in any 

atmosphere from fine dining venues to Michelin rated hawker stalls. Of the three pillars of Singaporean cuisine – 

rice, noodles and seafood – I’ve always gravitated towards the wide array of seafood, with chilli crab and prawns 

prepared in every conceivable style. 

EVGENIYA LAZAREVA 

Founder and interior designer 

Hot.Design.Folks Interior Design Studio 

From Almaty, Kazakhstan 


How would you create Singapore Style in a 

residential project? 

Singapore is a cultural melting pot. I see a lot of contemporary 

local interiors being inspired by mid-century modern design 

with quaint vernacular touches. For a unique Straits flavour 

try Peranakan bright textural accents paired with subtle 

minimalistic backdrops. 



Many neighbourhoods in Singapore bear their own special 

charm. I can single out Tanjong Pagar with its flamboyant 

mixture of shophouse, modernist and art deco architectural 

styles. I love to wander through its meandering streets filled 

with local eateries and latest fine dining outlets. 


My all times favourite local treat, whenever we have visitors, is 

chilli crab from New Ubin Seafood. Raw foodcourt style of this 

place offers authentic Singaporean dining experience. Always 

the winner! 


EXQUISITE | 89

designFurniture 

Cutting Edge 

Furniture Designers 

Singapore has a community of creative, savvy furniture designers who 

recognise the demand for high-quality, eco-friendly products that relate to 

the popularity of smaller interior spaces 

By Carol Kraal 

“I travel frequently 

around the world to 

gain inspiration from 

design shows.” 

JULIAN KOH OF COMMUNE 

What is your signature selling point in 

your creations, and where do you get your 

inspirations? 

I travel frequently around the world to gain inspiration from 

design shows. I also get inspiration from travel itself. I believe 

there is a universal standard for good design, and this can 

be made affordable. We have always been about crafting 

high-quality artisanal works for design-savvy individuals. 

Our designs are informed by international design trends 

and movements such as modern industrial, mid-century 

modern, Art Deco and Scandinavian. We focus on understated 

modernity and which unifies function, effortless form and 

intelligent craftsmanship. 

Black powdercoat metal meets seamlessly 

with oak in the Tusk Dining Collection 

Trained in industrial design in Melbourne, Julian 

founded contemporary furniture and accessories 

store Commune in 2012, and has been busy raising 

his brand’s international presence. Recognising the 

role of technology and the popularity of small homes, many 

of Commune’s products include space-saving, smart furniture 

designed to engage and enrich today’s lifestyle. 

Your products are mainly made of wood. Why 

do you like this material to work with in your 

furniture? 

Commune was founded with the idea that sustainability has to 

underpin everything we do – from careful sourcing, production, 

our business practices and even in the communities we work. 

I understand the furniture industry’s large-scale impact on 

the environment in terms of materials wastage and usage of 

chemicals, so as part of a new generation of designers, we 

wanted to make sure environmentally sustainable practices are 

driven through our business activities. 

All our furniture is designed with the intention of 

minimising wastage, with wood sourced ethically from 

sustainably-managed forests in the US, Europe and Asia and 

lacquers and coatings with low lead content. Commune also 

works closely with craftsmen who specialise in woodcraft to 

realise our designs, which are inspired by mid-century modern 

or modern vintage trends and styles that emphasise the beauty 

of wood. 

What are young modern home buyers in 

Singapore looking for in furniture design? 

As homes get smaller, young modern home buyers are looking 

for pieces that fit comfortably within the small living spaces 

typical of city life, without compromising on function, good 

design and reasonable price. With distinctive and form-fitting 

designs, our furniture – which encompasses the living, dining, 

bedroom, study room ranges – provides smart solutions for 

trendy working professionals, urbanites and apartment living. 

Our furniture is thoughtfully and reasonably priced to be 

accessible to a wide range of customers. 

How do you sketch your ideas? 

I use a sketchpad and pencil before transferring these ideas 

onto an iPad Pro. 

What local food do you crave after a hard 

day at work? 

Beef noodles and prawn noodles. 

Geormani Sofa - Soft touch leather and 

tropical wood pyramid legs create simple 

lines for this solid furniture item 


EXQUISITE | 91


“My first real 

experience of 

international design 

was in the studio of 

Patricia Urquiola in 

Milan.” 

JARROD LIM OF JARROD LIM DESIGN 



I think they’re looking for furniture that reflects their personality. 

Previously people didn’t pay much attention to the interior 

design of their homes as it was simply a place to sleep. 

Everything else happened outside the house. Now having a 

nice interior, even in a small apartment, is a must. But as the 

apartments get smaller and smaller the furniture needs to be 

designed to fit, and to often perform more than one duty. 


I sketch a lot on my iPad but mainly because it’s an excellent 

way to keep track and organise all the sketches. In the office I 

still end up using a sketchbook or any old piece of paper that’s 

sitting next to me. But so often these get misplaced. So I try to 

use the iPad more and more. I don’t have a particular type of 

sketchbook that I prefer. I just use whatever. 


day at work? 

I crave wonton noodles. In Joo Chiat there are several famous 

wonton noodle stores within walking distance of my office. So 

it’s simply a matter of choosing one I want to visit. 

Century Table - A beauty of Form and 

Function as you can hang your umbrella 

or bag on the clean-lined table as you 

enjoy a cup of coffee 

Born in Australia and now calls Singapore home, Jarrod 

appreciates artisanal products of quality with unique 

graphic elements. Jarrod Lim Design develops highly 

regarded concepts for furniture and lifestyle products as 

well as award-winning spatial designs for interiors, exhibitions 

and public locations. Jarrod has previously worked with brands 

as Herman Miller, Royal Selangor, Oasia Hotels and Bonaldo, 

Alessi and B&B Italia under Patricia Urquiola in Italy. 

What materials do you like to work with for 

your furniture and why? 

I’m happy to work with any materials. I approach each material 

differently looking at the various charactersitics and how I 

can enhance those qualities. I’ve been working a lot in wood 

over the past few years but much of that is due to the fact that 

it is so common in this region. There are so many factories 

in Southeast Asia that are set up to work with wood so I just 

ended up working with companies who specialise in that 

material. 

I like designing in different materials as each one provides me 

with new inspiration and a new direction. In 2016 I completed 

one collection with Royal Selangor in their signature pewter 

which was very satisfying. It was nice to work with their artisans 

and understand the qualities of the material and what it is 

capable of. 



inspirations? 

I believe the signature style in many of my creations at is 

that I subtly blend a fusion of East-West styles. It’s neither 

totally Asian or totally European. I think this comes from my 

background of growing up in Australia with a Singaporean 

father and Australian mother. And then my first real experience 

of International design was in the studio of Patricia Urquiola in 

Milan. Finally my move to Singapore cemented this fusion of 

cultures that I feel is becoming my defining style. 

Winner of the 

Singapore Furniture 

Design Merit Award 

the Koi chair inspires 

a visually tranquil, 

delicate form that 

incorporates a 

traditional Asian fish 

scale pattern into the 

welded structure 

The Hinika Collection created a buzz 

at the International Furniture Fair with 

its sleek combination of American oak, 

stainless steel and leather 


EXQUISITE | 93


“I strongly believe 

that we have to 

put good thoughts 

into creation as a 

respect to the world 

and the people we 

live in.” 

Line Wine Bar 

NATHAN YONG OF NATHAN YONG DESIGN 

An industrial design graduate from Temasek 

Polytechnic, Yong started his career as a buyer where 

he learnt about the processes in production, craft 

and marketing. He founded furniture retail store Air 

Division that carried his designs made by Asian craftsmen. He 

received his master’s degree in design and won a couple of 

awards including Red Dot Concept Design, and the President’s 

Design Award 2008 Designer of the Year. Today, Yong runs 

Nathan Yong Design, his multidisciplinary design consultancy 

firm, and is also the co-founder of furniture retail store Grafunkt. 



Originality with good values. 


Pen and sketchbook. I am computer illiterate. 

Flak Stools have a distinctly 

Nordic look, so fits harmoniously 

into any interior style 



Wood, metal, upholstery, stones, weaving – because every 

material has its strength and beauty. 



inspirations? 

I strive to make beautiful objects that have meaning and 

purpose, and make production sense so that it can be enjoyed 

by as many people as possible to make life better. I strongly 

believe that we have to put good thoughts into creation as a 

respect to the world and the people we live in. 


day at work? 

Bak chor mee with tomato sauce. 

Pringles Chair, celebrates the 

purity of wood while paying tribute 

to local carpentry traditions 

Elizabeth is an organic approach 

to the traditional wing chair 

evoking fluid lines of teak 


EXQUISITE | 95


“Many of my 

creations for 

Tizumuka are 

centred around 

interesting detailing 

and finishes, things 

that evoke a pleasant 

surprise.” 

IVAN HO OF TIZUMUKA 

While working as an interior designer, Ivan 

came to love furniture design and started his 

multidisciplinary design studio tizumuka in 2012. 

His Yodeesa stool, received an Honourable 

Mention from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept in 2014. Ivan 

collaborates with furniture manufacturers such as Scanmark, 

and attends trade shows around the world to promote his 

designs. 



I don’t particularly set constraints or parameters when it 

comes to working with materials. I strongly believe a sound 

designer should have all the necessary skill sets to handle and 

understand a variety of materials. The key is always attention to 

detail, and how us designers can solve design and construction 

issues masterfully with well resolved detailing. 



inspirations? 

Inspiration comes from a variety of sources; it could simply 

be an experience, a ritual or something visual. There is no 

‘instruction manual’ per se but it is largely intuitive. Many of my 

creations for Tizumuka are centred around interesting detailing 

and finishes, things that evoke a ‘pleasant surprise’. 



Contextual design – since the vast majority of the population 

live in ‘shoebox’ apartments. We tend to favour designs that 

are aesthetically cleaner, with a lighter colour palate. Hence 

Nordic designs are relatively well received by young modern 

Singapore homebuyers. 

How do you sketch your ideas ? 

A clutch pencil on recycled photocopy paper – which I end up 

misplacing eventually. 

Yodeesa Stool is an element in 

a four-part, flat-packed piece of 

furniture that plays on aesthetic 

and construction simplicity 


day at work? 

Chicken rice. 

The clean yet playful form of 

Kin Armchair uses colour with 

intelligence 

Yodeesa Coffee Table 

Photographs courtesy of Commune, Nathan Yong Design, Jarrod Lim Design, and Tizumuka 


EXQUISITE | 97

designBungalow 

No. 24 

Nassim 

Road 

The designers of Michael Fiebrich 

Design created a modern, elegant 

home for entertaining in a 1920s 

Victorian-style bungalow while 

respecting the original architectural 

features 

Story compiled by Carol Kraal 

Bungalows were first introduced into Singapore by the British 

in the 1830s. 

No. 24 Nassim Road is a beautiful two-storey Victorianstyled 

bungalow built in the 1920s. The main building was 

restored and the interior space was reimagined to cater for 

comfortable, modern living. The building was gazetted in 1991 

for conservation status while the restoration project received 

the URA Architectural Heritage Award in 2001. 

The challenge for the designers of Michael Fiebrich Design was 

creating a modern, elegant home for entertaining as well as a 

comfortable retreat for a small family. All this while respecting 

the original historic details and architectural features. 

Formal and informal lounging areas and a grand dining room 

flow together to cater beautifully for small groups or large 

parties. Murano chandeliers, Oriental rugs, antique artefacts 

and the client’s extensive collection of art all provide an 

unmistakable provenance to the spaces befitting of the stately 

architecture. 

The challenge for Michael Fiebrich Design for this 

conservation-status bungalow was creating a modern, 

elegant home while respecting the original historic details 


EXQUISITE | 99

designBungalow 

Master Bedroom – Taking the cue 

from the Black and White bungalow, 

a contrasting light and dark scheme 

was chosen for the finish materials 

and furnishings 

Entry Hall – White walls, 

and ivory with black 

accented marble floors 

were the backdrop to the 

furnishings collection 

Formal and informal lounging areas and a 

grand dining room flow together to cater 

for small groups or large parties 

Master Bedroom – The clients are avid 

art collectors and the wife is a prolific 

artist and painter. Many of the layouts 

and colour schemes of the interiors 

were built around their many art pieces 

Living Room – Furnishings 

include Thomas Pheasant 

chairs covered in ivory 

leather, ebonized rattan 

chairs, sofas in creamy 

textured fabrics, and 

Jacques Garcia black 

lacquer coffee table 

A Chat with MICHAEL FIEBRICH DESIGN 

ON THEIR 

NO. 24 NASSIM ROAD PROJECT 

What is the colour scheme and why did you 

choose it? 

How did you fuse the modern and the 

historical so seamlessly? 

Taking the cue from the Black and White bungalow, a 

contrasting light and dark scheme was chosen for the finish 

materials and furnishings. White walls, and ivory with black 

accented marble floors were the backdrop to the furnishings 

collection of Thomas Pheasant chairs covered in ivory leather, 

ebonized rattan chairs, sofas in creamy textured fabrics, and 

Jacques Garcia black lacquer coffee table. 

Clean lines and simple silhouettes work well in any interior, and 

was especially so with this historic bungalow. The beautiful 

architecture was allowed to be the hero. 

Photographs courtesy of Michael Fiebrich Design 

Living Room – Clean lines 

and simple silhouettes 

work well in any interior, 

and was especially so with 

this historic bungalow; the 

beautiful architecture was 

allowed to be the hero 

There are many beautiful art pieces. How did 

you make the interior design work with the 

art? 

The clients are avid art collectors and the wife is a prolific artist 

and painter. Many of the layouts and colour schemes are built 

around their art pieces. This proved to be a challenge as during 

the renovation and design process, they continued to create 

paintings to be placed! 


EXQUISITE | 101

SCOTTS • SERANGOON CENTRAL 

Available at Isetan, Metro, Robinsons, Takashimaya Department Store and TANGS 

Scanpan Classic ad_210x280.indd 1 07/01/15 13.21


FoodHotpot 

China 

We all could not believe it when we saw 

Durian Chicken Hotpot in Guangzhou. It 

is so popular with the locals that snaking 

queues form outside the eateries. The 

closest description to Durian Chicken 

Hotpot would be a cheesy fondue with 

the added sweetness and pungency. 

If you’re a durian fan you have to try it 

at least once. Chicken and durian meat 

are simmered in broth to form a rich 

stock that you either love or hate. Durian 

Chicken Hotpot is making its way to 

durian crazy countries such as Malaysia, 

the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia. 

In Singapore you can try it at Charcoal 

Thai in NEX, Serangoon Central. Other 

ingredients are added such as fishball, 

vegetables, tofu and noodles. Cool 

off with coconut water or Chinese tea 

if it gets too heaty. Photo courtesy of 

Charcoal Thai. 

Hotpot Delights 

When the season gets cold it’s time to get together with family and 

friends for some steaming and satisfying hotpot. By Susanna Ping 

Japan 

What is the cold rainy, snowy season in 

Japan without shabu shabu? You can 

be assured of fresh, regional produce 

that makes it so delicious and of high 

quality. The konbu (seaweed) based 

broth is clear and gentle without spice so 

that the fresh ingredients are the star of 

the show. Paper thin wagyu beef, belly 

pork, mushrooms, tofu, leeks, seafood 

and noodles, are all stirred around for 

a few seconds while still gripped with 

your chopsticks – hence the sound 

shabushabu it makes with the broth, and 

so its name as a dish. Dipping sauces 

include ponzu, soy, and sesame. Enjoy 

the dish with sake, or Japanese lager. 

Thailand 

If you love tom yam, then Thai hotpot is 

just the thing. The broth has a sweetness 

made with spicy tom yam stock, to which 

coconut milk may be added for richness. 

Fresh seafood is excellent with tom yam 

hotpot, adding to the flavour of the broth 

along the way. Prawns, squid, fish, crab, 

clams must be cooked speedily to retain 

their freshness, flavour and tenderness. 

Other ingredients include vegetables, 

tofu, mushrooms and meat. Sauces 

include nam pla with chilli padi and 

sweet Thai chilli sauce. Thai hotpot is 

best enjoyed with rice and a lager. 

China is also home to the mouth 

numbing spicy Sichuan and Chongqing 

Hotpot made of mala ingredients that 

include spices, tons of dried chilli, ginger, 

bean paste and garlic. It is oily, rich and 

a little sweet. Ingredients to dunk in 

include lotus root, vegetables, seafood, 

meat, tofu, dumplings and mushroom. In 

Singapore try it at Mala Hotpot, People’s 

Park Food Centre. Be prepared to sweat! 

Singapore 

Lok Lok is a must. This steamboat 

consists of bubbling satay peanut gravy 

in which you dunk bamboo skewers of 

otak, meat, fishballs, vegetables, and 

seafood. The pot can be divided into 

2 sections if you want to enjoy basic 

chicken stock as well. I like the lok lok at 

Hock Leng Satay Beehoon & Lok Lok stall 

at Old Airport Road Food Centre as the 

ingredients are fresh and the broth has a 

homestyle flavour to it. 

Spicy or savoury, people from 

all over the world are getting 

together to enjoy all kinds of food 

that can be dunked and cooked 

in broth, and dipped in sauces and 

condiments. 

Hotpot is a dish that consists of a 

simmering broth made of various 

stocks such as chicken, beef, seafood or 

vegetable. The broth sits in an electric or 

charcoal serving pot in which small-sized 

food items are cooked. 

These are some of my favourite hotpot 

and steamboat dishes on my travels that 

are popular: 

Hongkong 

In Hongkong hotpot is popular this time 

of the year. As long as the ingredients 

are fresh and the broth is tasty, and the 

atmosphere is fun, then this is for you. 

Popular broth includes both spicy and 

beef. Get both in one pot for choice. Him 

Kee Hotpot at Workingfield is good. They 

use local beef and seafood is fresh. 

Korea 

The Koreans’ version of hotpot is their 

famous Budae Jjigae, also known as 

Army Stew, so called because the broth 

base is made of spam, sausages, instant 

noodles, baked beans and cheese – 

items that a soldier carries in his or her 

backpack. It is also packed with kimchi 

so be prepared for spicy kick. Items 

you can add to Budae Jjigae include 

mushrooms, Korean rice cake, leeks, tofu 

and vegetables. If you’re in Seoul, drop 

by Mukshidonna Myeongdong in Junggu 

for authentic and delicious Budae 

Jjigae. Don’t forget to order beer with 

it. In Singapore try it at Seoul Jjimdak at 

City Square Mall, Kitchener Road. 

Photographs courtesy of: ingredients 

by Razlan, Padel Pamiz; army stew by 

mcolleague, lok lok by Des, mala hotpot 

by Frances Lorraine, shabu shabu by 

crumpylicious, and durian Hotpot, 

charcoal Thai 


EXQUISITE | 107

Foodproduce 

Farm Fresh 

Delights 

The Kranji Farmers Market is a unique experience in Singapore, with 

home grown produce and artisan food on sale – even Kenwood lends 

support, bottling their Yili Spinach Mint Pesto, which sells out fast 

The thought of routinely rushing 

through and lugging supermarket 

plastic bags at the end of the 

workday is no fun, even though 

I am not the one doing it. Thus I have 

decided, to take my parents to the Kranji 

Farmers Market during the weekend and 

turn that boring supermarket rush into 

an enjoyable and enriching outing. The 

Kranji Farmers Market is a marketplace 

like no other, and is something we don’t 

get to see often in Singapore. It has truly 

local, home-grown, “made in Singapore’ 

produce and artisanal products. Unlike 

the modern-day supermarket, walking 

through a local farmer’s market brings 

you back to the good old days where 

produce are arranged in makeshift stalls, 

with hand-drawn signs and coin purse in 

hand – a refreshing change. 

Neither the heat nor the distance from 

my home was a deterrence as we made 

our way to D’Kranji Farm resort for the 

11th Kranji Farmers Market, which is 

held quarterly. Shoppers were already 

streaming out carrying plastics bags 

of purchases even before the market 

officially opened at 12 pm on the first 

day of the 2-day event. These are the 

experienced aunties who know that the 

produce here is freshly harvested. Road 

marshals were present to direct and 

assist the cars to appropriate parking 

spaces. It is advisable not to be late or 

you’ll end up parking very much further 

down the road. 

Kranji Farmers Market is different 

because everything on sale has been 

grown, reared, cooked, baked or made 

by the vendor. More than 50 stalls were 

selling a variety of produce from fish and 

eggs to a huge range of leafy greens. 

Artisanal products include jams, tarts, 

honey and food and beverages. The 

food is top-notch and can be seen by the 

length of the queues at the stalls – the 

wait is definitely worth the while! 

For the rest of the family, there are other 

activities to keep everyone occupied. 

Uncle William was passionately doing 

his bit to raise awareness about locally 

reared quails and eggs to the group 

of children and youngsters at regular 

intervals. Archery, playdough and games 

add to the lively atmosphere. Even 

Kenwood came in to support, bottling 

Spinach Mint Pesto for shoppers, and in 

less than 2 hours the Spinach from Yili 

was completely sold out. 

It’s a great shopping experience. If you 

are curious about crops, take your time 

and talk to the farmers and producers. 

The beauty of farmers markets is being 

able to talk directly with those who plant, 

grow and harvest the foods sold. If you 

are keen on new recipes and cooking 

tips used by farmers, or better ways 

to keep the produce fresh, they will be 

more than happy to oblige. Speaking and 

exchanging conversations is a great way 

to get to know the farmers too! I learned 

about new vegetables and herbs that I 

had no knowledge about until now. 

Do make some preparation 

for your visit to the Farmers 

Market 

Shop Early – Fresh produce changes 

hands fast. The best selection is usually 

early in the morning. It’s less crowded 

then and you can take a look around and 

check out the selection available before 

deciding on your purchases. 

Buy more – Often, farmers will offer bulk 

deals at the market. Take advantage and 

stock up, or share them with friends and 

family. 

Bring Cash – This is a 2-day event and as 

most vendors do not have a retail outlet, 

they will not be able to accept your card 

for payment. Prepare small bills to pay 

for your goods. 

Try Something New – Experiment with 

new flavours and tastes. 

Respect the Produce – The amount of 

effort and care needed for produce to 

reach this stage is long and arduous. 

Please allow the next person to 

appreciate its value. 

Bookmark the Kranji Farmers Market 

Facebook for the next date! 

https://www.facebook.com/ 

farmersmarketsg/ 


EXQUISITE | 109

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Food 

Bak Kwa 

Across Cultures 

Gone are the days when bak kwa is only 

purchased during Chinese New Year 

by old aunties and by only the Chinese 

population. Today bak kwa is loved by 

many cultures and tourists that visit 

Singapore. 

T 

he delicious barbecued meat is loved by both young and 

old, traditional and trendy, professionals and geeks. It is 

also loved across many cultures. 

Japanese, Koreans, Australians, Europeans, Americans, Indians 

and Indonesians visiting Singapore love bak kwa. In Singapore 

homes, you’ll see bak kwa being enjoyed by Indians and 

Eurasians and expats. With seafood and beef halal versions of 

bak kwa even Malays can now buy the product. 

There are many new versions of bak kwa to cater to the 

country’s various ethnic cultures including halal chicken, turkey, 

beef or vegetarian varieties. You’ll also find chilli bak kwa, 

bacon strips bak kwa, pineapple bak kwa, and seafood bak kwa. 

What is important is to choose bak kwa that is natural and 

healthy – without additives and artificial colours. If you detect 

a bitter after-taste and if the colour is too bright and artificial 

then you know substances have been added. You can also tell if 

there are additives such as tenderisers if the texture of meat is 

mushy and squishy – in other words it is a little too tender and 

unnaturally soft. 

Here are some of the ways different cultures enjoy their bak 

kwa: 

Korea 

Pa Jun – Korean 

pancake with spring 

onion, kimchi and 

pork bak kwa 

Recipe: Mix together 

in a bowl: 2 cups 

flour, 2 eggs, 1 

1/2 cups water, 

cut spring onions, 

2 tablespoons 

chopped kimchi, 2 tablespoons minced pork bak kwa and salt. 

Stir and mix well. Set aside for 10 minutes. Heat a frying pan 

with oil and pour in the batter in a thin layer. Cook on both sides 

about 3-4 minutes each. Serve with soy sauce and spicy Korean 

dipping sauce. 

Hawaii 

Grilled sandwich of 

pineapple pork bak 

kwa with cheese and 

pineapple 

Recipe: Make a 

sandwich – spread 

mustard and butter 

on the bread slices; 

cut pineapple bak 

kwa into strips and 

lay on bread; add mozarella cheese, and one canned pineapple 

ring; and a sprinkle of salt; close the sandwich and drizzle a 

little oil on both outer sides of the sandwich, and grill on frying 

pan – keep turning and grilling both sides of the sandwich until 

the cheese melts. Serve with chilli sauce. 

Japan 

Miso nikomi udon with bacon bak kwa 

Recipe: In a saucepan mix 2 cups dashi stock with a little 

miso paste and bring to boil; add sliced leeks, dried tofu and 

cut bacon bak kwa. In a separate saucepan bring water to 

boil and cook frozen udon for 2 minutes. Add the udon to the 

other saucepan with the stock, and season to taste. Add inoki 

mushrooms, cut spring onions and a dask of sake (optional), 

and serve. 

US 

Caesar salad with seafood bak 

kwa 

Recipe: Mix together 

mayonnaise, dijon mustard, 

lemon juice, a little salt and 

sugar, parmesan cheese and 

minced garlic. In a serving dish, 

lay out some torn romaine 

lettuce and cut-up seafood bak 

kwa. Pour dressing over and top with crunchy croutons. 

EXQUISITE | 111

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Exquisite Magazine Jan 2018

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