Eye Candy: Asia's Next Top Model Kicks Out Another Ethnic Asian

One would think when a reality competition gets closer to the finale, the blood starts to boil, the heart pumps faster and the sweat goes from beads to oil slicks.

Goodbye Gorgeous

Sadly, from 5 to 4 girls, the last episode was not so.  Which is why it has taken this long for me to even say anything.

On one hand, one could say that the show is a pleasant watch. After all, what else is on TV that is in the same category that, in the very least, is competent in production standards?

On the other hand, the show is also so 'sweet' that it does not really motivate appointment viewing.

And yet, then again, the 'sweetness' is an unintended by-product that may become the calling card of the program.

From the car / moving visual challenge (just call it for what it is, a TVC / Promo paid for by the car company), to the jump around like a loon challenge, the tension in the episode was predictably absent.

The odd thing was Star World showed a repeat of a past season's America's Next Top Model right after tonight's telecast of the Asian version.  And in that show, while the contestants were trying to be nice, you knew they just wanted the other to jump into a lake. Good TV right?

So So Beautiful

So just a few thoughts:

• Whoever is styling the show deserves an award. Visual, textured, themed. All winners for TV.
• Loved it when Daniel Boey said: "She looks like a harassed housewife." Hilarious.
• Todd gave directions like a 'Director'.  That is confusing. Isn't the challenge supposed to show what the girls can bring to the table with minimal guidance?
• Todd's comment during judging, how one girl was boring. Hallo. I think you are talented but don't you think on TV you are just the same. The monotonous James Earl Jones wannabe voice is not as richly toned as you think.
• Nadya is as usual, beautiful from any angle, especially the hair style in the latest episode.
• Nadya really has come into her own. I am so happy for her. And this episode, when she announced the saved contestant, she didn't say anything.  Maybe she did, and it was edited out. But not saying anything spoke volumes. That was priceless.

Really not her best.

I love Miss Nepal. And I didn't think her last shoot was as bad as all that. When you look at best photo winner Jessica's picture (above), is it really that strong?  Does it not remind you of a Panadol ad? AIYOH MAAA, I GOTS HEADACHES!  TAKE PANADOL.

Ms Nepal's departure...sweet and quiet, like the show.

But the fact that I can't remember Miss Nepal's name is an issue. She is beautiful but doesn't stick.  Which is a shame. The show has been slammed for featuring too many Pan Asians. And with her departure, there is only one left.

No prizes for guessing that the last one will somehow be bye bye-ed soon too.

So here is my prediction.  Premature as it may be.

The winner will be Jessica from Thailand.

Talking Labels: Zang Toi Fall 2013 Sneak Peek!

Zang Toi's work lets us travel through fashion.

Last season, he gave us a glimpse into his holiday in the South of France.  Since I am his eighth cousin twice removed, I am wondering where my invitation to the vacation went! Must have gotten lost in the mail...

I jest...

For Fall 2013, the buzz is that he is sticking to Europe, to the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, the Kremlin and Naomi Campbell's paramour (hmm are they still together??).

Yup.

Russia.

One guesses, and on February 13, all shall be revealed!

February 13 people.  Expect GORG to the MAX!

Here is a sneak peek of what to expect....

Tasty Teaser! IMPERIAL.

Emerald Beauty

Fur Goodness Sake!

All pictures © Zang Toi

House Of Toi

News: Vogue Thailand is a Roaring Success

Ya know, I could have sworn Singapore had its own Vogue edition.

Huffington Post now says that Vogue Thailand is the first Vogue for South East Asia, and I am not so sure that is true.

In any case, the consumers are lapping it up.  Vogue Thailand is scoring all the way to the bank.

Is it because the launch issue features a Thai model in a traditional chada designed by Philip Treacy?
It is because 70% of the content is already promised to be done in Thailand?
Is it because this is the first Vogue to have a male Editor in Chief Kullawit Laosuksri?

Khun K

Whatever it is Khun Kullawit promises that the future issues will have even more customized content, something that will set it apart from its Western counterpart.

Now that is something to rejoice about!

IQ 101: The Stuff in Your Stuff | Formaldehyde

This is part 3 in our little class about Chemicals of Interest. 

You have probably heard about this one in TV shows and movies. It is a potent chemical that knocks you out. But did you know that you can also find formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasing preservatives in shampoos and liquid soaps?

The purpose of this chemical is to prevent bacteria growth in water based products but they have also been linked to skin sensitivity and cancer.

What it does to you:

Cancer

• A known human carcinogen by many expert and government bodies, including the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.  

• A recent review of the literature on occupational exposures and formaldehyde shows a link between formaldehyde and leukemia.

• When formaldehyde is present in personal care products, people can be exposed by inhaling the formaldehyde that is off-gassed from the product, by ingesting it or by absorbing it through the skin. 

• Animal studies indicate that formaldehyde can be absorbed through the skin when formaldehyde-containing personal care products, including formaldehyde releasing preservatives, are applied.

Where it is found in your home:

• Nail polishes
• Nail glues
• Eyelash glues
• Hair gels
• Hair Smoothing Products
• Baby Shampoo
• Baby Soap
• Body Wash

The European Union restricts the use of formaldehyde in personal care products, and requires that products with formaldehyde or formaldehyde-release ingredients carry the label “contains formaldehyde.” Canada also restricts the concentration of formaldehyde, and it is banned from use in cosmetics and toiletries in both Japan and Sweden.

Check the following names to see if they are in your stuff:

• Quaternium-15
• Dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM) hydantoin
• Imidazolidinyl urea
• Diazolidinyl urea
• Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
• 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bronopol)
• Formalin
• Methylaldehyde
• Oxymethyline
• Methylene Oxude
• Formic Aldehyde
• Phenol Formaldehyde

Since low levels of formaldehyde can cause health concerns – at levels as low as 250 parts per million, and even lower levels in sensitized individuals – the slow release of small amounts of formaldehyde are cause for concern.

The concern is so real that Johnson and Johnson pledged to remove formaldehyde from all their products last year. While this is good news and a signal to others to move in the right direction, consumers must know that FMCG companies tend to play the name game when it comes to ingredients. While it may be true they have left out formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasing preservatives are a different story. The truth only comes out in lab tests.

Talking Labels: Louis Vuitton Fall WInter 2013-2014 Men's Ready to Wear

Here are a few fashion facts.

• Unless you are into a designer like Rick Owens or a label like Theater, chances are your fashion options are permutations of the pant, shirt, vest, blazer, suit, tux, t-shirt, jeans, belt and so on. Sure the cut may change a little, and the fabrics will change with the season, but overall menswear doesn't sell well when it gets too fashion forward.  

• Luxury brands don't necessarily mean better design or quality.

So here we are with LV, that appears to be trying to be different, while keeping to what the market will buy.

The recent showing of FW 2013/2014 Men's RTW had its followers flying to distant mountains in the Himalayas.  LV's men's style director Kim Jones apparently went there to get some inspiration and came back with ponchos and parkas and mountain climbing accessories and details, all stamped with the LV logo for good measure (and price point).

Comparing the last collection from the same season, the pattern is similar.  Muted tones. Oversized proportions. Jackets and coats belted at the waist.

Looking at the positives:

The collection has sharp contrasts between faux ruggedness and full on luxe.  On one hand you get a sense of function in the clothes, and on the other hand, there are pieces which seem to belong in a gentleman's club.

Function

Gentleman's Club

This season has LV incorporating animal prints into its menswear, though not in a Cavalli sort of way. It is more subtle and subdued. (+) The collection also features an Asian-esque print, that either got its inspiration from a Buddhist temple, or some Chinese New Year greeting card. (-)

Meow.

Louis Vuitton really wants to remind everyone that the season of exchanging oranges is upon us. I suppose in the West, it is acceptable to wear something that borders on costume. Indeed, even customers of Hong Kong luxury brand Shanghai Tang tend to be foreigners. Asians would not dream of wearing something that screams old ethnic heritage.

Still, this may be LV's self-justified nod to Asian consumers. Or it may be a move to give Westerners this feeling of empowerment that they can pick up a piece of Asia in a bag or a housecoat. Or perhaps it is meant to strengthen the message that LV is all about voyage voyage.

Chinoiserie Chic in Small Doses

Whatever it may be, in small doses the look may still be somewhat acceptable. But even a non-fashion insider who watches Project Runway will know, 'matchy matchy' is just SO Cannot Cannot.

Too Much Lah.

And when 'matchy matchy' goes over the top...to toe, it becomes an eyesore than not even the LV logo can save. (Where is the logo anyway? Can you find it in the print?) Someone in the design room did not tell the powers that be that too much of a good thing is just Gong Xi Fa Cai on steroids.

Really?

Don't get me wrong. I respect Louis Vuitton's history and power position in the industry. I just think that if I wanted to rough it out in the mountains in the Himalayas, I would get a real poncho for a fraction of the cost and I wouldn't mind if it rips during the journey. And if I wanted a belt made of cord and a utility toggle, I would go get the latter from Japanese discount store Daiso for SG$2 and the former from an army supply store. Ta da! A belt like LV's. And if I really wanted to carry a bag that looks like it's made from a carpet with a Chinoi print (AND) wear a matching coat with that, well....mmmm I wouldn't really want to. Moot point.

Maybe LV's loyalists will see this collection as novel and rush out to buy the seriously expensive pieces. I will however venture to guess that once the season is over, they wouldn't be caught dead carrying these key looks. Then again, if they can afford to buy them to begin with, they wouldn't care!

Talking Labels: Zang Toi for Harper's Bazaar Malaysia

I have great respect for this talent.

He is a kampung boy made good in the Big Apple. In a world where people become rich and famous because they are famous and/or rich, his success is well deserved for his gift for glamour and staying power. Over twenty years of hard work, the dream is still alive.

I believe in the Law of Attraction so I am putting it out there that it would be an honor to interview him, and perhaps on my return to New York, visit his atelier and who knows, his gorgeous Upper East Side home.  I will bring Satay and my own Thai Green Curry!

In the meantime, he will be featured in Harper's Bazaar Malaysia's 10th Anniversary Edition. It is incredibly nice that he still supports home town media. And if the initial pictures popping up on twitter are anything to go by, that anniversary issue will be da bomb! 

Look out for it!

For more on House of Toi, click here.

On a break from the shoot

All pictures © Zang Toi

Opinion: What Not To Wear If You Are An Anti-Gay Pastor

OK.

I am not going to politicize my Style Journal.

I have always said: I want my blog to be a positive thing. Even if on the surface, it doesn't look like it. I believe you can always learn through every experience. You know, don't judge a coat by its lapels, look at the label and it could be Burberry.

So, Anti-Gay Pastor Lawrence Khong from Faith Community Baptist Church in Singapore is dressing up for his crusade. Anyone who has kept with the news knows that he raised a ruckus by involving a senior Singaporean politician in his tirades against gay people.

Basically, he wants the Government not to repeal an ancient  law inherited from British colonial times that criminalizes sex between men. This law was raised during the Human Rights Commission inquiry into Singapore's human rights ranking.  Singapore has denied enforcing it, but has also refused to repeal it.

Thanks to haters like the Pastor.

I do not want to publicize his words of hate, but it is important to place things in their proper context. You can read his statements here:
WTF

Well, he is of course entitled to his opinions. Even though, as a man of God, it is love he should be expressing, and not encourage his flock to hate.  That is my opinion.

It is also my opinion that I think he is offensive on another level. His fashion sense totally hurts my eyes. He needs a makeover and I am sure I can help him out with that.

Tolong Lah Mister. Leather? Bondage? Really? You sure you are not 'family'?

What he looks like. But without the muscles and the good looks.

Seriously, Mr Khong. The Mad Max look is not only unbecoming for a pastor, it is also SOOOOOO 80's.

Why don't you learn from the ex-CEO of the SMRT who was carried into a party by a few hunks, dressed as Cleopatra? Aiyoh mister, pictures online live FOREVER laaaaaahhhhh. Roll eyeballs.

Stuff Envy: Prabal Gurung for Target!

FEBRUARY 10 PEOPLE!

Mark that date down because fashion is about to get another dose of democracy. High fashion is reaching the masses once again with a collaboration so exciting it is making me salivate. The last time this sort of thing really got me going was Missoni's deal with Target, and Versace's collection for H&M.

Frankly, those collaborations seemed a tad mmmmm compromised. When you look at the products, you get a sense that they were licensed versions rather than conceptualized by the in house team. Of course this is probably furthest from the truth, and their respective design teams had to work on strict price points and budgets. Still, some of the products looked like they were Made In China bags with the brand just slapped on for good measure (think Givenchy for Singapore Airlines and you will get the drift).

Prabal Gurung's collection however, is divine. At least in pictures. It is not the first time he has worked with Target. This time though, he is headlining the marquee.

80+ pieces.  The most expensive item is a very pocketbook friendly US$199. Most items are below US$50.  I am already scheming to have the products shipped over. This is one of those many times fashion forward guys would look at their female friends and envy at how lucky they are to be able to buy treasures such as these.

Take a look!

I am a shoes and bags person.

Guilty. Proud of it. Eyeball my shoe closet and please wipe your mouth liquids on the floor as you leave.

PG's collection for Target makes you want to do a Shatzie from the classic New York movie, 'How to Marry a Millionaire'.

"I'll take that and that, and that and that and that, and that and that. And charge it please."

Take a look:

Life can be so unfair for guys, fashion wise. Especially if you look at the BAGS!

PG is hot hot hot in fashion right now. And it helps that he is so easy on the eyes.  Woof!

Globally, he has been lauded as 'Singapore Born', which makes me proud, but we all know his design genius is not the result of being born or even being in this little red dot (pun intended). Still, international media has tied his name to this country of millionaires, and I hope to be one of the first few to welcome him when he opens his first standalone luxe shop in Singapore, hopefully in ION Orchard. Location lah. Very important.

The thing that is so great is that Target has again partnered with an Asian designer (just as they did with Jason Wu), and when a giant retailer does that, it sends a message that design is truly universal and Asian design makes commercial sense.

The next step is for Asian designers who've made it big in the West to get the investment to move East, where serious money can be made, and not just through licensing their lines.

We are waiting Prabal Gurung! Let Asia experience you in a real way and not just via seeing Ellen Degeneres' cousin, Kate Middleton wear your creations!

Click on the Dot to go to the Official Site: