Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Her World Singapore

“Singlish! It’s not just a way of speaking but an integral part of our identity. An amalgamation of English, Malay, Hokkien, Tamil and more, Singlish is the soundtrack of our kopi breaks, MRT rides, and late-night prata runs. It’s how we say everything without saying too much.” – LETTY SEAH, BEAUTY EDITOR “I grumble about the heat, the crowds, and the rising costs, like every true-blue Singaporean does. But beneath all that noise is a quiet love for this city I call home, one I wouldn’t trade for the world.” – SHAZRINA SHAMSUDIN, SENIOR DIGITAL WRITER “My Singaporean dream: strike Toto and retire early.” – CHELSIA TAN, SENIOR FEATURES EDITOR “My love for efficiency! We take for granted how streamlined and accessible a lot of things are in Singapore (like literally…

It doesn’t matter if you’re Gen Z or a millennial – friendships are put to the test when one ventures into uncharted territory, whether as unwilling recipients of an impromptu trauma dump, or a makeshift laundromat for rinsing off the aftermath of an unbridled night of passion. So when a friend graciously let me do laundry at her place, I found myself sheepishly explaining to her live-in boyfriend why I’d travelled halfway across Singapore to wash my sexy delicates at their apartment: “I don’t think my parents would take kindly to the idea of their non-virginal daughter airing her barely there laundry in the kitchen.” At that moment, I wondered if true independence simply meant having my own place to wash said laundry, garter belts and all. ADULTING AS A…

Sandra Josephine, 78, carrying the Dior Grand Tour bag, at Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory in Balestier “Can you believe that I have been buying coffee from the same shop since I was a young adult in the 1970s? My family used to stay at Jalan Bahagia in Whampoa, and the uncle who sold us coffee beans is still here. It’s nice knowing that it has been passed on to the younger generation, and his granddaughter is actively helping out in the business.” Josephine is wearing a cotton striped shirt from Beyond the Vines. Amir Bee Mohamad Khan, 73, carrying the Loewe Large Flamenco purse, and Kamarudin Idris, 71, at the Dragon Playground in Toa Payoh “We have been married for 48 years, and our first house was at Princess…

KEEPING THE KAMPUNG SPIRIT ALIVE It is a charming, community-led street library nestled in the heart of Holland Village, lovingly built and maintained by residents. More than just a book exchange, it fosters neighbourliness and connection, offering a quiet antidote to the growing loneliness epidemic. One dark and stormy night, 70-year-old Wong Kae Chee was jolted out of bed by the sound of rain lashing against her windows. Together with her neighbour, Amrys Wang, she rushed to the void deck of Block 2 Holland Avenue to cover bookshelves and tables with trash bags and blankets, protecting some 10,000 books from the storm. The scene was all too familiar to the pair. “Whenever we hear the thunder crack, we’ll run down with blankets and trash bags, and clip them onto the…

1. Goldfield & Banks Pacific Rock Flower Eau de Parfum, from $52 Evoking the breezy charm of the Australian coast, this perfume is a clean, refreshing aquatic scent with a delicate floral twist. It opens with a burst of native Australian coastal tea plant and crisp Italian lemon, setting a bright, invigorating tone. Sea salt, coral flower, tuberose and cocowax add a creamy, sun-soaked depth, while patchouli and Australian sandalwood ground the fragrance with a warm dry down. 2. Nars Light Reflecting Luminizing Powder, $65 You can always count on Nars for finely milled, high-impact highlighters. Available in five shades (from bronze and champagne to peachy tones), these powders deliver a dewy, ethereal sheen with up to 10 hours of water- and sweat-resistant wear. 3. Laneige Perfect Renew 3X Signature…

When was the last time you heard someone say something nasty about foreigners? Just a few weeks ago, I had coffee with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. The conversation drifted to her travels, and she grew visibly irritated recalling how both locals and tourists had mistaken her for someone from China. “I don’t want to be known as that kind of Chinese person,” she said, alluding to the misguided stereotype of certain groups of women who worked at questionable massage parlours. Her disdain was unmistakable. This jarring interaction brought back an old memory of math tuition at a secondary school friend’s home. When her helper had gently reminded her to tidy up, she scoffed and said, “Aiyah, who cares. She’s just a maid.” Twenty years on, that…

The flamenco skirt is usually associated with a more romanticised and feminine style, but you can always trust Anthony Vaccarello to add a cool girl spin to it. While Saint Laurent’s creative director drew inspiration from the bata de cola (a long traditional skirt with a ruffled train popular with flamenco dancers) for his Pre-Fall 2025 collection, he decided to lean into masculine influences when it came to pairing the skirt. We’re talking badass leather jackets, plaid oversized blazers and everyday sweatshirts. Elsewhere, the focus on dramatic asymmetrical silhouettes echoed a similar nonchalance. We particularly love the pairing of the frayed asymmetrical hem midi skirt and leather denim corset top at Monse, and the body glove maxi dress cut with a sexy slit at Coperni. Need a cute work outfit?…

YES TO LEATHER Wear your tank top with a leather bomber jacket for a rebellious but still very put together look. Match it with a midi skirt or a pair of tailored wide-legged trousers. THE RIGHT FABRIC MATTERS A cotton tank top can transform effortlessly from casual to chic by pairing it with a luxurious fabric – think silk, jacquard or a textured material like faux fur or fringe. WORK WITH NEUTRALS For a more sophisticated vibe, neutrals in varying shades add layering interest. This combination works best with a loose tank top in sumptuous fabrics such as silk, cashmere or wool. A SHARP SUIT IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA When faced with a wardrobe conundrum for that important board meeting, styling your tank top with a matching tailored skirt…

“Writers are observers. If you want to write, you must read a lot, and you must observe all things very carefully.” If you picture a literary author as someone cloistered in a study typing feverishly behind a desk, fuelled solely by the power of imagination, Kamaladevi Aravindan has news for you: It’s not. A typical day for the award-winning writer, essayist and playwright, who writes in Tamil and Malayalam, might involve traipsing through a tropical jungle in Malaysia to research her latest novel-in-progress. Or combing the streets of Geylang to get to know sex workers to write a short story authentic to their experiences. If she’s writing, she writes at night, in the quiet of the home she shares with her husband, her notebooks and mind overflowing with what she’s…

We don’t get to choose our desk neighbours, but we do feel the effects of working beside someone who treats the office like their personal confessional. What starts as idle chatter can quickly become a daily disruption to your focus. In today’s open offices and hybrid set-ups, boundaries can blur. And in a culture where we’re taught to “be nice”, many people – especially women – feel guilty about speaking up. But over time, these small acts of overstepping chip away at your well-being, and you may not even realise how drained you’ve become. THE COST OF BEING TOO POLITE Singaporeans are no strangers to “paiseh” culture. We’re brought up to be agreeable, to avoid conflict, and to say yes even when we don’t really mean it. In the workplace,…

REGINA SONG ONCE SHY ABOUT STEPPING OUT OF HER COMFORT ZONE, THE CUTEST PAIR HITMAKER NOW EMBRACES BEAUTY AS A WAY TO GROW, EXPRESS HERSELF AND CONNECT WITH FANS. While touring Southeast Asia in January, singer-songwriter Regina Song embraced a more experimental beauty style. “It felt like I could be a different character every day,” she says of pairing bold makeup with playful outfits. Previously drawn to soft, girly looks, she credits performing abroad for pushing her out of her comfort zone. Working with local artists also changed her perspective. “Be daring enough to try something new,” she says. “We all grow in and out of styles, and that’s what makes beauty fun.” LUCAS WANG THE CHUANG ASIA ALUM REFLECTS ON HOW HIS TIME IN CHINA AND THAILAND INFLUENCED HIS LOOK,…

Inspired by the grace and resilience of Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim, Risis’ Vanda Whispers collection is a crowning expression of unfading elegance and opulence. The lavish set features a necklace, bracelet, ring and earrings, with each piece delicately cradling a natural orchid in 18K or 24K gold, and adorned with a lustrous white freshwater pearl. The collection is designed to accompany life’s many moments, beyond your wedding day, with versatile pieces that are perfect companions for celebrations and weekend jaunts, or even an uplifting addition to an ordinary workday. Our top pick? The Vanda Whispers ring encased in 24K Swiss gold, and centred around a gleaming freshwater pearl that’s guaranteed to make heads turn. Available at all Risis boutiques and online stores.…

SIMONE HENG Finding love and connection Human connection specialist and award-winning author Simone Heng opens up to Amelia Chia about complex familial ties, and how being her mother’s caregiver after a stroke has resulted in forgiveness and affection. Simone Heng is a pocket rocket. She is petite at about 1.52m, but is one of those people you meet and never forget. Her pixie face is often expressive, whether lit up in conversation or shimmying to music with people she’s just met. Peeling open a box of Turkish Delights – she had just returned from a vacation in Turkiye – for the crew on set, Simone scurries around the photo studio and offers it to everyone in her line of sight. “Please take some. If not, the box will just sit…

1. Boy loafers, Dior Everyone is eager to get their hands on newly minted creative director Jonathan Anderson’s creations for Dior, so here’s our pick of a worthy wardrobe classic and fashion girl staple. Infused with a retro spirit and meticulously crafted by the house’s artisans, these gorgeous boy loafers are available in two versions. There’s the pump – with a 5cm heel – in brushed black or plum leather, or the mule – mounted on a thick, ultra-light sole – in black calf leather or suede, with a lined interior and an embossed signature. 2. Casetify x Takashi Murakami Kaikai and Kiki carry-on suitcase, from $999, Casetify.com Casetify teams up with Takashi Murakami for the second time, spotlighting the Japanese artist’s beloved twin characters Kaikai and Kiki. The adorable…

1. ON YOUR WEDDING DAY The Nyonyabelle collection’s pastel pink tones add just the right amount of softness and femininity without overpowering the wedding dress. Fashion editor’s tip: A white bridal gown calls for a touch of romance, and the delicate and timeless pink quartz from the Nyonyabelle collection fits the bill perfectly. 2. WITH A CHINESE BRIDAL KWA For something bold and gold, the Scarlet Veil set, beautifully designed with Vanda Miss Joaquim floral motifs, brings out the intricate details of a traditional wedding outfit. Fashion editor’s tip: The Scarlet Veil set is an excellent choice for the bride who honours long-standing customs, as it pairs beautifully with the ornateness of the bridal kwa. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, it’s also a nod to Singapore’s national flower. 3. WORK MODE…

What does it take to become a self-made property investor and educator with a loyal following and a multimillion-dollar portfolio? For Germaine Chow, it started with asking hard questions about return on investment, personal responsibility, and who she really wanted to be. After leaving her arts education behind and enduring early financial setbacks – including losing her savings in a failed investment – she turned her attention to learning the ropes of personal finance and property investing. Today, the 36-year-old is the co-founder of iQuadrant, a community-based investing platform that has helped many navigate the complex world of real estate. Juggling business with motherhood, Germaine remains grounded in her mission: to empower others with financial literacy while staying true to her values. Her journey is proof that you don’t need…

Beauty is anything but uniform, and nowhere is this more apparent than in Asia, where diverse cultures, climates and consumer habits give rise to distinct beauty movements. We speak to beauty founders and enthusiasts across the continent – from Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan and, of course, Singapore – to get the inside scoop on the trends, looks and products shaping their local scenes. “Having skin that reflects light has always been a goal.” SINGAPORE Nicolas Travis, founder of Allies of Skin Efficiency is a national ethos and in Singapore’s beauty culture, that shows. According to Nicolas Travis, founder of Allies of Skin, local consumers are “sticklers for sun protection, and we celebrate skin luminosity”. He shares how science-led formulations, a climate that demands balance, and a blend of East-meets-West philosophies…

“Maintaining healthy, gorgeous-looking tresses in Singapore’s heat and humidity takes dedication and proper technique. I always tell my clients that you can’t fake shine on damaged hair. Haircare is like skincare. It’s about layering the right ingredients over time to build strength, hydration and protection. I recommend using products with proteins or ceramides to repair and strengthen the hair shaft. UV-protective formulas are also a must, especially if you spend time outdoors or colour your hair. To help your style last longer in this climate, a light perm can add natural texture, structure and bounce, while a hair-fixing spray locks in your look. When blow-drying, I suggest using the cool air setting because it regulates your scalp temperature, prevents pores from opening, and reduces hair fall. Daily habits are just…