The Oriental Journey of Silk Road

I really love the depth of Chinese roots that can be trace thousands and thousands years back which the eventful history that we are studying in modern days. It fascinates me so much when oriental culture met with Western's and something new were created back then, be it education, cultural shock or even marriage that forms new bloodline. 

It was my pleasure to be invited to the new journey of Silk Road Malaysia that has just begun and it got all of us hyped up to see what kind of exotic journey will Silk Road Malaysia lead us to.

Invitation came in exquisite form with a little sneak peak of what I wore on event night.

Such a fine day

This kinda reminds me of gates and passes of oriental city with these ribbons decorations
I'm starting to feel the silk road vibe here.

Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, this event by Silk Road arrived just in time to let us all warm up in our traditional outfit as well as auspicious greetings when we see each other. The whole atmosphere were in warm colours with white clothes hanging from roof to the floor, aesthetically resembles the movie scenes from Hero, directed by Zhang YiMou. Gives me goosebumps as in I was send back to the land of Oriental thousand years ago.

The origin and definition of Silk Road, well explained. 

I'm like the walking mascot of Silk Road.
Thanks Melson Kuala Lumpur for the awesome outfit.

Choosing Jade Green and gold embroidery, I immediately became the focus of attention right after I got out from my car. Like aforementioned, I looked like the walking mascot of Silk Road with the colour green and gold on me, but it's totally fine for me as I felt I'm deeply in touch with my roots, the roots of oriental cultural experience with a touch of modernity as an urban female. The cultural impact that happens inside me that night is kinda complicated but I really like it as it is very inspiring. 

Not only we were greeted well with the oriental decorations, sight and sound, there are also activities for us to take part in. The first one will be the Chinese Rainbow Calligraphy. I've saw videos of how China people uses this technique as street art and made money, finally have to chance to witness its magic with my own eyes. You know it is difficult to write in Chinese calligraphy, each strokes have to be measure accurately, I can't wait for my name to be painted in both calligraphy and rainbow!

Thank you so much Ancient Chinese Rainbow Calligraphy Malaysian Chinese calligrapher - Jacky Chow
He's been very hardworking the whole night, writing names nonstop till the end of the event!

Another interesting activity will be the Tea Ceremony:

The deep knowledge of Tea Ceremony can't be explain in just a few words or few days
It has to be learn for such a long duration in order to appreciate the tea ceremony

While getting in touch with these activities, I feel so proud that I'm actually descent of these cultured hobby/activity that's been flowing among the people of China and now Malaysia for so many years. These broad and profound culture has been connecting us in some way that lead us back to the roots of who we really are. 

We were given ample amount of time to discover the activities while sipping our cocktails, little did we know that our dinner is being prepare behind the door. All of us were lead to another room with long tables, crystal clear chairs, elegant table decoration and we're in awed by the sincerity of Silk Road organizing this event to let us enjoy the night. 

Menu of the night - 4 course meal

Taste is not the sole part of deciding the food whether it is delicious or not, the ambience, sight and sound also play important part to one who is savouring his/her food. Collaborating both organizer and our chef of the night - Mr. James Won from Enfin, our senses were lead to that mysterious Silk Road located  far far away from home. We were entertained by Jazz songstress Ms. Diana Liu, as well as Chinese Quartet orchestra band, not forgetting that we were surrounded by Chinese calligraphy drawing images while we were savouring each course.

Partially how it looked like that night
Seriously my photos doesn't do the whole atmosphere and experience justice!

3 different ambience in theme of Blue, Green and Yellow were arranged accordingly together with the dishes has set us into a gastronomical experience. First and foremost, our first entrée of the night is: 

Scallop, Calamari, Citrus, Mints and Petals

In fact, to make this entrée more exquisite, the calamari has been replaced by freshly flown in Hokkaido Scallop and garnished by crispy artisan bread that the Chef took pride in. Alongside with refreshing citrus, mints and greens, one serving of this isn't enough! 

2nd Entrée of the night is my favourite!
Green Tea Salmon 40°, Smoked Cucumber, Texture of Potato and Green Beurre Blanc

This piece of Salmon gotta be the best Salmon I've had in recent as it is cooked ala sous vide at 40° and it's crispy on its skin with right amount of green tea seasoning on it, soft and juicy on the inside you can taste its freshness at the tip of your tongue. Various texture of potato added another layer of texture to the salmon and of course, the green beurre blanc finishes each spoonful smooth, creamy and velvety.

Main Course of the night - Cordyceps Chicken on Chlorophyll Carpet with Porcini Mushrooms and Pâtes de Riz

Cordyceps fed free range chicken soak in cordyceps broth while consuming is just pure genius! The tender chicken breast meat, nutritious broth, 3 types greens that made the Chlorophyll carpet, nutty flavour porcini mushroom and risotto rice, this dish represents perfectly the depiction of both Oriental and Western culture blend of Silk Road, which what the night is all about.



Last but not least:

Dessert - Plum, Cheese, Chocolate (White and Dark) with Basil Reduction

Meals can't end without dessert and we were served premium dark chocolate and white chocolate parfait stuffed with cheese, along with sweet and sourish stewed plum with a dash of basil reduction, perfect balance of a good dessert. I love especially the dark chocolates, so yummy!

How can we not take a group photo?
This is such an epic one lol!

Chef James Won has dazzled us with him and his team's culinery skill by preparing these wonderful dishes for all of us that night, leaving us craving for more. Each dish are well designed alongside with colour theme and taste, the whole atmosphere were unite into one as we all are enjoying the night with good food, good company, great atmosphere. Such an enjoyable and unforgettable night, definitely a great boost to kick start the new year!

Thank you so much Silk Road and Manoah for having us that night, letting our contemporary perspective soaked with both Eastern and Western culture that somehow still making me missing that fine night. Looking forward to a great year ahead, and definitely, more fine events such as this one.

When East Meet West

The Eastern culture is no longer unattainable to Western countries as we have access of all the resources of our Eastern history online that can easily attain by anyone. Although the internet has closer the gap between two different cultures, it is not hard to see how fascinated are the Westerns towards Eastern's thousands year of culture, especially in the world of fashion.

Fashion is one of the main portal of culture and idea exchange, you can see that Eastern culture has established its important role at modern fashion trend which can be trace from all sorts of fashion-media platform, from magazines to exhibitions, fashion weeks to celebrity style, there are Eastern-culture influence everywhere. Western had their eye on Eastern influence and have drawn "inspiration" from exotic Eastern culture since the 17th century, projecting to the world how Eastern culture blend in so well with modern Western design, created something modern and yet exotic, something new and yet has its traditional touch. 

Sun Fei Fei shot for Vogue
China: Through The Looking Glass
MET Exhibition

It fascinates me so much to see how European designers manage to blend in two different cultures into one dress. A Chinese myself, it gives me goosebumps to see how pretty it is the traditional Chinese motifs make its way to high fashion labels of Europe, looking so fantasy and yet classy at the same time. 

Katy Perry's Geisha Look during concert

Rihanna's traveling style with Asian-motif handbag by Ralph Lauren

Look at these glorious cultural hybrids style by celebrities. When Katy Perry held her concert at Japan, she had this Geisha look while performing, and that look suits her so well! On the other side, Rihanna's carrying an Asian-motif embroidery handbag by Saint Lauren, which the motif - an eagle on the branch in vivid colours, a distinctive accent immediately added into Rihanna's streetwear look. 

Chanel Cruise Collection 2016 at Seoul

Everybody loves Chanel, and Chanel love Seoul because Chanel chose Seoul to held their Cruise Collection 2016 show. The Korean traditions offered Karl Lagerfeld inspiration this time round and also, the K-Pop phenomenon that nobody can neglect had filled the show with colours and sugar-rush that the designer could possibly crave for. Eastern culture influencing fashion industry has created a whirlwind when Chanel Cruise Collection 2016 chose an Eastern country to held its show, and also created a new trend for fashion-goers to follow. 

Like aforementioned, Eastern influenced on Western culture has started since seventeenth century, and can be traced all the way back to the silk trade between Asia and the Roman Empire. The Silk Road/Silk Route, is an ancient network of trade routes that connected the cultural connections between Asian regions and Western regions. The main traders during antiquity were Chinese, Persians, Somalis, Greeks, Romans, Syrians, Armenians, Indians, Arabs and Bactrians. 

The Silk Road served as a means of carrying cultural trade among the civilizations, which I believe created the whole idea of "East meet West" and form the cross-culture in fashion industry in modern days. In June 2014, Chang'an-Tianshan corridor of Silk Road is declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, establishing its special cultural significance in modern day culture. 

Kiss Me by Isehan 10th Anniversary Celebration

Being a big fan of Japanese makeup stuff, it hits me when I realised that Kiss Me is going to celebrate their 10th anniversary this year! How time flies! We've been prettified by all those wonderful Kiss Me products for all these years, so a celebration is a must!!!

To celebrate Kiss Me 10th Anniversary, there was a roadshow held at Publika last week and a lot of exciting activities been going on that day, one of the highlight was the live makeup demonstration by a renowned Japanese makeup artist who has 25 years of makeup experience in Japan - Ms. Sayuri Igarashi, creating looks with Kiss Me products. 

Once step into this area, confirm go crazy with all the awesome deals that was on during the roadshow!

Pretty Freda and Cute Jean
They are the best companions to go events with!
Had so much fun at the Kiss Me Roadshow with these two crazy beauties lol.

Japanese makeup style is always one of my favourite because they always have their unique makeup style and trend that I will not hesitate to try on my face. I can still remember when Kiss Me first brought into Malaysia, I literally went crazy and went to Watsons and buy their famous mascara and eyeliner. Still can't believe they are 10 years established and still going strong, so many Japanese celebrities and artists are using their products everyday!

Timeline of Kiss Me products over these 10 years.

Customization booth

make-over station for those who never tried Kiss Me products before or newly launched Kiss Me products

So many of my friends are users of Kiss Me products, they've been asking me about the awesome deals at the roadshow, up to 15% discount of selected products and there are some money-can't-buy complimentary gifts from Kiss Me if the purchase hits certain amount. Me myself can't stop searching for good stuff and finally bought the heavy rotation eyebrow palette.

Makeup demonstration gonna start soon!
Can't wait to see Sayuri-san show us the latest Japanese makeup trend. 

Sayuri Igarashi-san!
She's so cute, cheerful and bubbly! Love her to bits!

It's been a wonderful makeup demonstration session where Sayuri-san would smile and joke with the model and audiences, making it a very enjoying atmosphere when doing the makeup, unlike some of us will frown and complaint how hard it is to apply makeup. I guess using Kiss Me makeup products will definitely lighten up the mood and because of its easy application and also pretty packaging!

Smiling face when apply makeup, have to remind myself about that in the future!

Face Color Palette

I'm a big fan of blusher! Definitely fell in love with this face color palette the first glance I saw Sayuri-san held it in her hand and apply it on the model's face. It combines blusher, highlight and shading in one palette, perfect for either beginner in makeup or professional use. The peachy pink colour is so nice when apply on asian skin tones, kinda made me feel like wanna own one too! Girls will never complaint for having too much makeup items in their stash. lol.

Perfect daily makeup look created in just short 15 minutes!

Right after the makeup demonstration ended, another two models were asked to be presented on stage to show the difference of makeup style that Japanese and Kiss Me's been creating these 10 years. From a very cute, kawaii look to big eyes red lips dolly look until year 2015, the natural makeup look that everyone's been trying so hard to achieve, are all achievable easily using Kiss Me makeup products.

You can see the difference easily, the different makeup trend in Japan throughout these 10 years, explained by Sayuri-san.

After seeing Sayuri-san create the natural makeup look, I feel like drawing makeup on face too but my makeup was a bit on the heavy side that day, so I decided to try Kiss Me products on my two friends who will never say no to me hahahahahahaha!

Happily posing with Kiss Me products, but didn't see what's coming after!
Test all the makeup on their faces!!!! MUAHAHAHAHA!

They have very light makeup that day, so I tried apply some colours like darker eyeshadows, blusher, shading onto their makeup and it instantly light-up their face! Feels like they are ready to go out and conquer the world with their beauty! (Buay paiseh-ly praising oneself makeup skill hahahahaha). 

#macamyes
#tapibukan
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA 

It was a really fun roadshow to be at, I've discovered so many new makeup items from Kiss Me that I would include in my next purchase, and also makeup tips given by Sayuri-san who is so kind answering all the makeup questions as well as input her own views in creating the perfect daily makeup look by using simple steps and Kiss Me products. Definitely have to give thanks to my friends who trust me enough that I won't be ruining their face that day with all the makeup stuff I tried on their face! Maybe this is what we call true friends HAHAHAHA!

Last but not least, thank you Kiss Me who gave me such a fun time at the roadshow!

Although the roadshow had ended on Sunday, but their awesome deals are still going strong! There's still 15-30% discounts for selected items of Kiss Me products when you purchase them at Watsons stores. Promotion period ends on November 2nd! Head over to Watsons now and stock up your favourite Kiss Me items!


For more information, do visit Kiss Me by Isehan Official Facebook Page.

GUINNESS x Malaysia = Celebrating 50 Years Together

In order to celebrate the milestone of 50 years of brewing GUINNESS in Malaysia, three limited-edition designs for the Foreign Extra Stout bottles and cans has been launched at Intermark Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysians favourite black brew - GUINNESS has involved 5 creative individuals of Malaysians to create this Malaysia's Limited-Editions GUINNESS bottles and cans designs, which expresses the concept of history, identity and culture of Malaysians and GUINNESS's relationship throughout these 50 years. The designs are formed by musician Edwin Raj (frontman of local band They Will Kill Us All), artist Donal Abraham, film director James Lee, graphic artist Lefty (Julian Kam) and photographer Vincent Paul Yong

Am glad that I could be part of the launch event with all my friends to witness the birth of these limited-edition designs of GUINNESS bottles and cans and also celebrate the 50 years milestone and still remain as Malaysians favourite and best-selling stout in the country.

#GirlSquad Game Strong

Dresscode of the night was Stylishly Black, and what greeted us after the reception counter were these:

GUINNESS in different era
All the way back when the first locally-brewed GUINNESS was born till today.

Apparently my favourite era will be this!
Such a cool place to have GUINNESS with your friends

So let's start the night with GUINNESS black brew shall we?

Unlimited supply of GUINNESS black brew for all the guests that night

Look at the crowd, all chilling 

House Specialty - GUINNESS x Flavoured Ice Cream

Marketing Director of Guinness Anchor Berhad (GAB) - Bruce Dallas 

"For the first time, we've created brand new limited-edition designs specifically for one country, drawing inspiration from its culture and its people. GUINNESS has a long and storied relationship with Malaysia, so it's particularly please to be able to launch this world-first here." said Bruce Dallas. 

3 Limited-Editions Designs unveiled!
Feeling proud to be Malaysian 

These 3 collectable limited-edition designs will be available on all bottles (325ml and 640ml) and cans (320ml) of GUINNESS Foreign Extra Stout sold in Malaysia from now till November 2015, while stock last.

After a few cups, more selfie!

For more information, visit GUINNESS Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/guinnessmalaysia or search for the #GUINNESSMY50.

How To Achieve Modelesque Skin

Since high school, my combination oily skin have been giving me all the confusion I don't need when it comes to skin care and cleansing routine. In order to control my oily skin and yet doesn't dry out other skin areas, I tried so many skin care products to date. Some made my face oily like a frying pan smeared with oil some dries out my skin and prompt to more breakouts. T_T

As time goes by, I get to attend more events and got more modeling jobs, and skin care plays a vital part in model's clear skin which you have to be presentable anytime, anywhere. Yes, walking on runways may seem easy for some, but behind-the-scene is where all the hard works are. With all the makeups covering my face almost everyday of the week, it is super hard to get clear skin at some days (especially before menstrual cycle!)

These are my makeup essentials on days when I did makeup on my own

Here are some looks I did whenever I go for my fittings, events, interviews etc. Nowadays, interviewers prefer light makeup, means light smokey eyes without any fake lashes or heavy coverage foundation.

Makeup for fitting

Makeup for outings

Makeup for shoots

Day makeup

Night makeup or special occasions

On some days, I feel lazy when I reach home late at night. Lazy to bath, lazy to remove layers and layers of makeup. I wanna just head to my bed and sleep. Complicated skincare routines does make me feel more exhausted sometimes I just can't!!! I just want something simple like 1-2-3 and that's it, fresh clean skin for the night!

Is there skin care products that goes 1-2-3 and gaodim!!!

3 steps skincare routine? Of course!

Clean & Clear 1-2-3 skincare!

I bet most of Malaysian girls who born from the 80s used this! I really love how easy the skincare routine is for lazy girls like me. There's this saying: No ugly girls in this world but lazy girls. True that! No matter how lazy you are, you just have to clean your face day and night, and with Clean & Clear's easy 3 steps skincare routine, lazy girls like me can still achieve modelesque skin! 

First step- Essential Foaming Facial Wash

Wet your palm and lather the foaming facial wash till bubbles all over your hand

Cover your face with all the bubbles and slowly rub in upwards circular motion, then rinse it off

2nd Step - Essentials Oil Control Toner

There said apply on facial cotton then pat on your face but I'm lazy I directly pour into my palm and gently pat on face.

pat gently over your face till fully absorb

One thing I like about this toner is its refreshing scent and lightweight water that let my skin absorbs so fast and feels supple at the same time. It works deep in pores, control oil and also prevent pimples and formation of blackheads. 

Last step - Essentials Moisturizer

My pea size is bigger than yours hahaha because I have bigger face

Apply the moisturizer all over your face

don't forget to moisturized your neck area as well!

This lightweight moisturizer moisturizes my face without leaving any greasiness on skin and same as the toner, it absorbs quickly into my skin and after these 3 simple steps of skin care, my skin feels refreshed, clean and moisturized! Super easy to get modelesque skin right? You just have to do it everyday, simple 3 steps, and you'll have clean and clear skin in no time!

Thank you so much Clean & Clear for creating products as simple as 1-2-3 for girls like me!

Get your Clean & Clear regime kit (easy to travel anywhere with!) with RM5 discount off when you play Clean & Clear's Facebook game and get a discount voucher from it! Great way to start caring your skin and look modelesque anytime anywhere!


Play Clean&Clear Facebook Game HERE!