In a small and relatively young country like Singapore, the art scene has often struggled to gain widespread recognition. Frequently dismissed as a path with "no future" or "too difficult to pursue", many individuals particularly from more traditional households can relate to the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts. However, thanks to the efforts of progressive advocates or "woke folks", we are witnessing a shift in attitudes—where the arts are beginning to receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve. As this support continues to grow, we're excited to dedicate an entire weekend to celebrating Singapore's vibrant and evolving art scene.
Discover the themes of human existence and self-awareness at this immersive exhibition by local artists Amanda Tan @em.pyreal and Irsyad Ishak @sssssssyad.
"ST8TES OF BEING" explores our relationship with time, perception and self amid uncertainty and chaos. The exhibition offers artistic reflections on existence and connection to the human experience, fostering self-expression enhanced by multiscreen displays, interactive cinema, and immersive audio.
When: Till 15 September, open everyday except for Mondays
Where: UltraSuperNew Gallery, 169 Tyrwhitt Road S207572
Ever buy random things just because they're cute? Don't worry, you're not alone. I like to think I'm making a big contribution to the art scene by supporting local artists (that's how you girl-math your purchases). This weekend, Super Freak's Art Market is bringing together some incredibly talented artists. Here are few of the creators who will have booths at the event.
Embracing the spirit of tennis, where "Love" represents a fresh start and endless potential, @loveisnothing_official is a collaboration between multidisciplinary artist @kiat_sg and textile design studio @yabaiyabi__. Together, they've designed a tennis-inspired apparel line that works both on and off the court. Their shared goal is to craft pieces that celebrate tennis while sharing a positive message about life's endless possibilities. The result is a fresh, everyday wardrobe staple.
For vibrant and, might I add, absolutely adorable tattoos, @almostasthma's flash collection is a must-get at the market.
On stage, @laddieoscarwild dazzles as the sword-wielding drag prince with a flawless winged eyeliner and fierce eye for visuals. Off stage, they transform into the talented court painter, @mad_hatter_micycle. From quirky stickers and vibrant prints to original art, fan creations and even live commissions, make sure to check-out "That Drag Artist."
When: 7 September, 7-11PM
Where: 61 Stamford Road, #01-02 Singapore 178892
Off the Wall, a sustainable art exhibition by Art Outreach returns with its second edition, "Nourish", showcasing live mural paintings by local artists Charmaine Chen, Lee Wan Xiang and Wu Yanrong. Transforming the walls into vibrant canvases, exploring the theme of food and nourishment through diverse, imaginative murals. From shared meals to culinary traditions, each mural tells a unique story, highlighting the cultural and personal significance of food. The murals will later be converted into fine art prints available for purchase, with the proceeds benefitting both the artists and Art Outreach's non-profit programmes.
When: Till 22 September
Where: Art Outreach, 5 Lock Road, #01-06, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108933
To start things off, music is an art form, and that includes DJing. It's all about inclusivity, right? Known for their signature 5 to ("2") 10PM Sunday Messes, 5210PM MUSIC is throwing an epic birthday bash with tunes that match their unique, swaggy vibes. This time, they're switching it up with a Saturday event, collaborating with local DJs @bongomann_ and @kevinsygroove. Let's remember, the 5210PM crew started their journey in their bedrooms and have grown tremendously since. Cheers to self-made DJs!
When: 7 September
Where: The Southern Depot, 43 Malan Road, Singapore 109443
This is my take but I encourage you to see if you agree. Tucked away in Robertson Quay, Carnaby is the brainchild of The Goodburger and former Potato Head executive chef Adam Penney. It's a modern British gastropub—or what I like to call the 'atas' version of the classic pubs (think Wetherspoons—if you're familiar.) But rest assured, the food here is top-notch. Every component, from sauces to bread, is crafted in-house, guaranteeing an authentic and memorable dining experience.
Fish pie isn't something you often find in Singapore, but contrary to expectations, it's one of Carnaby's bestsellers. Reminiscent of Shephred's pie, its crust is broiled to golden, crispy perfection, while the inside is soft and creamy, filled with chunks of smoked herring, haddock and golden snapper mixed with seasonal vegetables. And just so you know, all the fish used in their dishes are imported daily from local farms—meaning the fish was likely swimming just hours before it landed on your plate.
When the chef is a former executive head chef of Potato Head and partners with The Goodburger, you know you're in for a good burger. Their menu is extensive, but here are some recommendations: for starters, try the Ox Tomato Salad, featuring Rockstar cheddar aged for 18 months. For mains, the Carnaby Burger (obviously), Steak & Guinness Pie, and to finish off, indulge in Eton Is A Mess where they hand-make the meringues.
When: August onwards
Where: 60 Robertson Quay, #01-01 Singapore 238252
Book your reservations here
Looking for a reason to indulge in some shopping? Discover Burberry's newly revamped store at Marina Bay Sands. This location is the first in Southeast Asia to feature the exclusive Rocking Horse Tote bag in leather. Introduced in Burberry's Winter 2023 collection, this bag has already been spotted on brand ambassador Bright in the Rocking Horse campaign. The store spans two stories, with walls drpated in plush carpets and hand-tufted rugs, all dyed in Burberry's signature knight blue by British textile artist Tom Atton Moore. The space is also adorned with wooden tables showcasing the organic, sculptural works of artist Casey McCafferty.
When: August onwards
Where: #B1-103 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Returning to Bras Basah.Bugis (BBB) this weekend, the Singapore Night Festival celebrates the theme Art of Play. The event will feature a range of experiences and exhibitions that pay homage to the district's history as the birthplace of some of Singapore's earliest schools. Iconic projection artworks and night light installations will return, enhanced with a touch of nostalgia cherished by many Singaporeans.
One of the standout installations is Delulu High by Pop Glitterfreak Collective, located at Bugis Street Art Lane. This piece reimagines school memories as a vibrant, safe and reflective haven. It transforms a lively gymnasium—often associated with intensity and competition—into a space that feels light, soft and feminine. Festival-goers can also explore the Disco Bus and Affirmation Steps, both designed to transform the dreaded aspects of school life into playful and healing experiences.
Here's the highlight act you can't miss whilst at the festival—Wonder World—The Machine of Nostalgia, organised by Sam Lo "SKL0", famous for his satirical street stickers. This experience captures the enchanting magic of Singapore's 1950s "Great World" amusement parks, encouraging visitors to ponder on the balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity, and the role of nostalgia in contemporary society. Wonder World offers an immersive experience with retro amusement park rides, game stalls, food and beverages that evoke childhood memories.
Throughout the precinct, Festival Villages will offer food, shopping and live performances, making it a lively and engaging event for all.
When: 23 August-7 September
Where: Bras Basah, Bugis
Expertly crafted from the rice farms in Niigata, Japan, NORMAT's 'AGAINST THE GRAIN' sake blends the region's celebrated brewing heritage with a modern Singaporean twist. Created with the goal of complementing the diverse palette of local and international dishes in Singapore, NORMAT brings tradition and innovation together.
The Junmai Daiginjo, made with 100 per cent Koshitanrei rice and pure mountain water, offers a perfect harmony of sweetness and a hint of mellow fruity aroma. Meanwhile, the Tokubetsu Junmai, featuring a rare blend of Gohyakumangoku and Tsukiakari rice, delivers a unique flavour profile with a velvety texture, light acidity, and a lingering finish.
The sake will be available for public tasting at The Coconut Club and ÁTIPICO, where you can savour local delights all while discovering new dimensions of what sake can be.
When: 24, 25 and 31 August and 1 September
Where: The Coconut Club at New Bahru and ÁTIPICO
Purchase NORMAT 'AGAINST THE GRAIN' sake here
Get ready to have your mind blown this Friday at MDLR as the iconic Nicole Moudaber takes over the decks. A true powerhouse, Nicole wears many hats—producer, label head, radio host and of course, a world-class DJ. With 16 years of experience, she's a master at her craft.
Don't miss her latest banger, 'Slap Back', a collaboration with London's rising duo, House of Molly. This track is a perfect fusion of Nicole's signature dark, driving beats, and House of Molly's playful, hypnotic vocals. Moudaber is redefining techno, giving it a fresh, bold twist you won't want to miss.
When: 16 August
Where: 62 Cecil Street, Singapore 049710
Get your tickets here
Presented by 0rbit, the cutting-edge fusion of art, music, and rave culture. Imagine a cozy flea market with an open deck where you can unleash your inner DJ—whether you're a pro or just starting out. So grab your mates, hunt for hidden treasures, and vibe to some beats (or be the one serving the decks).
When: 18 August
Where: 195 Pearls Hill Terrace, #02-45 Lucky Hall
Looking for a wild night of non-stop dancing? We've got just the thing—dive into the underground beats of special guest DJ PGZ, a dynamic artist hailing from the Gunai/Kurnai and Yorta Yorta nations. As a DJ and producer, he's all about spotlighting the cutting-edge work of Black and Brown producers in the dance music scene, mixing hard-hitting techno with dark, bass-heavy rhythms that'll keep you hooked.
When: 17 August
Where: 138 Robinson Road #19-01, Singapore 068906
Get your tickets here
Start packing your day bag because Ember Beach Club at One&Only Desaru Coast will be getting the Thevar touch. Two-Michelin starred Chef Mano Thevar joins the third edition of EMBER CURATES alongside Chef-Owner Andrew Walsh of Cure, bringing his reinterpretations of South Asian cuisine to the fire-fuelled menu.
Prior editions of the collaborative series saw Chef Bjorn Shen of Artichoke and Chef Ryan Clift of Tippling Club, but this time it's gonna be heavy on the spice. Curry aioli and caviar? Cinnamon ice cream with saffron and cardamom? For one night only and just a two-hour drive away at One&Only Desaru Coast, the star-studded dinner (MYR650 nett) is now available for booking.
When: 17 August
Where: Ember Beach Club, One&Only Desaru Coast
Make reservations at guest.experience@oneandonlydesarucoast.com.
What are "good vibes" to you? For me, it's all about being wrapped in a cozy ambiance, surrounded by warm lights, with groovy tunes playing in the background, and holding a glass of wine. Sounds like a dream, right? Well great news—it's real, and it's happening at Uptown.! Known for their R&B and wine & ice cream nights, they will be celebrating their anniversary. Come on down to wish them happy birthday, or... just enjoy some free cake.
(UPTOWN.)
When: 11 August
Where: 55 Zion Road, Singapore 247780
Drop a message to their Instagram for reservations
Apologies for the loud title but knowing RIOT!, you won't be able to escape the noise... laughter, I mean. Their mission, "One people, one nation, one drink-apore!", might be my new favourite thing. This is a watch party of the National Day Parade and while Becca D’Bus, RIOT!'s hostess with the moistness will provide biting commentary, they will be accompanied by Daisy Mitchell, who was in the parade as a wee child; Gurmit Singh; the man who used to host the actual past parades and Lychee Bye, burlesque performer and Singh's real-life daughter. Get ready to sing or yell your hearts out, and DRINK! (for legal reasons, I am not encouraging drinking...)
When: 9 August
Where: The projector at Golden Mile Tower, Singapore 199589
Get your tickets here
If you've decided to be basic by watching the fireworks on National Day, you'll have to compensate by rocking the dance floor to sick beats by Tijana T. All the way from Serbia, Tijana T is known for her techno, house, and trance beats. From headlining at Panorama Bar to several Boiler Room sets all over the globe, she definitely knows how to read the crowd.
When: 9 August
Where: 66A Boat Quay Singapore, 049854
Get your tickets here
Any dark conspiracy fans? Well you're in luck. Fly Me to the Moon takes on the theory that NASA faked the moon landing (ooOOoO...). Themed to the 1960s NASA space race starring the beloved Scarlett Johansson as Kelly Jones the marketing specialist and Channing Tatum as NASA launch director Cole Davis.
As always, the gist of the movie? Sparks fly between marketing specialist Kelly Jones and the NASA launch director Cole Davis as they are tasked with contrasting directions for the Apollo 11 mission.
Sounds odd, but don't worry, you won't get bored to tears, this movie entails a love story, science thriller, and period comedy all at once.
When: Screening now
Where: All theatres near you
For those who are taking advantage of the long weekend for a quick getaway (so Singaporean, amirite?), if you're passing through Changi Airport Terminal 3, swing by a dram or two at Singleton's pop-up, "Gardens of Abundance".
Fruity and citrusy? That's the Radiant Spring Garden, whilst the Golden Autumn Orchard holds the same fruity notes, it's hinted with vanilla and butterscotch. Moving on to the Exotic Spice Grove for an (obviously...) exotic, and nutty taste. Lastly, savour the intensely flavoured Deep Forest Riches of raisins, dates, and dark chocolate.
With every bottle purchased at the pop-up, travellers have the opportunity to customised their personalised charm adorned in Singleton's signature teal and purple with hot-stamp embossing: ladybug, butterfly, dragonfly, and bee.
When: Now till 21 August
Where: Changi Airport Terminal 3 Departure Transit, Singapore
When you think of a luxurious bottle of whisky, The Glenrothes single malt whisky comes to mind. As a custodian of some of the world's oldest and finest single malts, the brand unveils their revamped core collection—The 18 and The 25.
Aromatic fruity taste with a finish of sweet, spicy, and peppery? That's the award-winning 18 Year Old single malt whisky.
Joining the collection is The 25, rich and sweet with silky nuttiness, it showcases what a few more years of patiently waiting can do.
Both presented in their new packaging that pays homage to the brands timeless artistry, symbolising progression and even 'saves the world' with its paper-based canister, created with recycled materials. Whilst serving its new look, the whisky itself remains timeless and elegant.
Oh, and did someone say discount? Be sure to not miss out on the 10 per cent discount: ESQUIRE10OFF and welcome cocktails that is included in the ticket (SGD$58)—a dram of The 18 and The 25 (20ml). That's basically free! Girl-math.
When: 2-4 August
Where: Mandala Club, 31 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
Get your tickets here
That's right, you heard me—Longlegs has been named The Best horror movie in 2024. Starring Maika Monroe as Lee Harker and Nicolas Cage as the titular Longlegs, it's currently rated at 85 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes—it's that scary. So unless you're up for the challenge then stay tuned for this.
Gist of the movie? FBI Agent Lee Harker discovers a personal connection to the murderer of an unsolved serial killer case she had been assigned to. Things took an unexpected turn and revealed evidence of the occult. With a mission to stop the killer before he strikes again, will Harker make it or not?
If you want to spoil the whole movie for yourself, check out our 10-Word Film Review about Longlegs, and beware: There. Are. Spoilers.
When: Screening now
Where: All theatres near you
Nominated for the Grammys and multiple DJ Mag awards—Sasha will be hitting the decks at MDLR this weekend. Renowned for his remixes for iconic artists such as Madonna and Moby, he is an influential figure in the electronic music scene and has carved out a legendary career spanning his decades.
When: 3 August
Where: 62 Cecil Street, Singapore 049710
Get your tickets here
Named one of the Best Comedy Nights in Singapore, East Coast Comedy brings to you the most popular standup comedy nights. Local comedian stars and household names such as Rishi Budhrani, Jinx Yeo, Jacky Ng (who did his best at Esquire's anniversary celebration) and many more. With a 100 per cent guarantee of laughters every show, prepare your diaphragms.
When: Every Friday and Saturday
Where: 285 Joo Chiat Road Level 2, Singapore 427535
Get your tickets here
Singapore's National Day is sweeping in and the crowds' sure to be there—so hurry on and grab your tickets in advance. Enjoy free-flow alcohol such as rosé, champagne, and spirits at the rooftop of Marriott Singapore Novena, Las Palmas—the perfect spot to celebrate Singapore's 59th birthday and to show-off your patriotic side.
Las Palmas is set to hold an American inspired—National Day Weekend Hot Dog Fiesta. Carting out a pop-up Hot Dog Bar by its poolside which guests can indulge in whilst overlooking the stunning view and fireworks later on in the evening.
When: 8-11 August
Where: Courtyard by Marriott Singapore
Make your reservations here
The Swiss watchmaker—Breitling will be celebrating its 140th anniversary with an exhibition—"Time Capsule: The Breitling Heritage Exhibition". Showcasing its revolutionary watches such as the world's first smartwatch—1942 Chronomat and the Cosmonaute, which has not only been to other countries, but to outer-space. Be sure to catch it before it returns to space (unless NASA has been lying to us... jokes!)
When: Till 4th August
Where: Raffles City Shopping Centre
With fond memories attached, we return to the place where we celebrated Esquire's Anniversary. Kicking this list off with an evening of Indie dance and melodic techno soundscapes starring two international heavyweights—Darlin Epsilon and Geminis.
Often hailed as a pioneer of Melodic House & Techno and Progressive House, Darin Epsilon will be taking the stage on level 61. Nominated for 'Best Progressive House Artist' in the annual Beatport Awards, Eplison is sure to deliver an unforgettable set.
Meanwhile, on level 62, you can catch the Geminis, an electronic music duo from Germany known for their strong techno grooves. With debut tracks 'Angel' and 'Shmetterling' reaching the Beatport Top 100 and number 11 on the Beatport Hype Chart, the Geminis have played in clubs worldwide.
To entice you even further, the first 100 guests arriving before midnight will receive a complimentary welcome drink.
When: 27 July, 10PM-4AM
Where: HighHouse, 1 Raffles Place
Get your tickets here
35A Market is back for round two, and this time it features its biggest line-up yet. Shop from independent creatives in the art, fashion, and design scenes. Treat yourself to clothes from @shrub.0128, while sipping wine from @glugglug.sg and finish it off by strutting the dance floor where Matty Judah and Sunat will be jamming out some tunes.
When: 28 July, 1PM-9PM
Where: 35A Kampong Bahru Road, Singapore 169366
Alright, I hear you. Not in the mood to doomzi doomzi (a Singaporean slang to say partying) this weekend? How about a movie instead? Check out "Deadpool & Wolverine", starring Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool and Hugh Jackman as Wolverine.
Promise there aren't any spoilers: "Deadpool & Wolverine" takes place set six years after the events of 2018's "Deadpool 2" and follows a retired Deadpool, now living a normal life as Wade Wilson. Until the Time Variance Authority, responsible for maintaining all timelines, pulls him into a new mission.
When: 26 July onwards
Where: All theatres near you
Here's another booth and tune you won't to want miss out on. Two highly anticipated Singapore-based techno collectives—Degenerave and Ministry of Hard Techno, are making their return, along with local partners setting up booths to explore and support.
Don't worry, there's something for everyone in this exciting booth lineup: tattoo artists @oh.rainy.day and @eightball.ttt, tarot readings by @tarotxavenue, vintage fashion from @shutdown_store, and leather goods by @kultbespoke
When: 27 July, 8PM-4AM
Where: 269 South Bridge Road 04-01, Singapore 058818
The iconic nightlife venue is launching a new happy hour offering and revamped music programming starting this month—GOOD TIMES. Every Wednesdays, you can enjoy a mix of drinks, bar bites, and groovy music featuring a mix of hip-hop and R&B by resident DJ FLAVA.
Additionally, Potato Head has introduced a new Friday night series-CANNED HEAT, showcasing afrobeats, baile funk and dancehall by resident DJs LI.A and Dee. Saturdays dedicated to NIGHT MOVES, with house and disco beats spun by Kevin Sy, Jamie Hall, and more.
When: Every Wednesday, Friday, and Weekend in July
Where: 36 Keong Saik Road
Experience Vacheron Constantin "From Geometry to Artistry" exhibition, featuring the latest novelties from Watches & Wonders 2024 alongside a stunning artistic installation in collaboration with Lanzavecchia + Wai.
Discover the Maison's newest innovations, demonstrating their dedication to excellence. This exhibition reveals the creation process, from initial sketches to the finishing touches, inspired by geometrical shapes and brought to life through the theme "From Geometry to Artistry".
When: 22-28 July, 2PM-9PM
Where: 48 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore, 089859
Book your sessions here
Starting off strong with some killer tunes, coming all the way to Pasir Panjang Power Station this Saturday, Boiler Room is back for another banger. With a lineup of international, regional and local talent—A/K/A, Natasha Hassan, Aya, Tashasan and Xiaolin.
When: 20th July
Where: Boiler Room
Get your tickets here
Rather than displaying Birkins, Kellys and Haut à Courroies bags, Hermès emphasises the art of craftsmanship in both fashion and beyond. For this outing, the French House opens the merging of cinema and performance art to the public, called On the Wing of Hermès it was the the most captivating thing that brought a smile to our ever-stoic EIC's face.
Belgian director Jaco Van Dormael and choreographer Michèle Anna De May, in collaboration with the Astragales dance company, crafted a unique art performance accompanied by a 35-minute film screening that the live performance is based on.
Where they blended dance, object theatre, cinema, and music to tell the story of the mythical winged horse Pegasus and his seven foals. Each feature has its own backdrop of Hermès objects and figurines with live dances performing choreography. And all were captured in real-time by image and lighting technicians, then projected onto a giant screen.
When: 19-28 July
Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre Level B2, 10 Bayfront Avenue
Book your sessions here
Familiar with the house music scene hit '(It Goes Like) Nanana'? This Friday, Berlin-based South Korean DJ and record producer Peggy Gou will spin her popular and catchy tunes at Marquee Singapore
Gou has performed at renowned events worldwide, including the iconic Coachella music festival. Besides being a musical sensation, she's also celebrated as a "fashion icon", known for her exquisite taste in clothing and her enviable handbag collection.
Don't miss the chance to hear her latest album, I Hear You live. The album includes popular tracks like "I Go" and "(It Goes Like) Nanana", both of which have garnered millions of streams. Be sure to be there.
When: 19 July
Where: Marquee Singapore
If you're in the mood for something more relaxed and laid-back, head to your nearest movie theatre and check out the new action film, Twisters. Featuring an exciting cast including Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Kiernan Shipka, it's sure to be a great watch.
Gist of the movie? Kate Cooper, played by Jones, is haunted by a past encounter with a tornado. Her friend Javi persuades her to return to the plains to test a new tracking system. There, she meets Tyler Owens, portrayed by Powell, a daring social media star known for his storm-chasing exploits. As storm season peaks, Kate, Tyler, and their rival teams must battle for survival as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
When: Released on 17 July
Where: All theatres near you
In addition to the Hermès exhibition, Dior is also in the spotlight, showcasing one of their most cherished bags. Dedicated to their iconic bag—the Lady Dior, they will be having a show titled Lady Dior House. A travelling exhibition featuring the past Dior Lady Art project, an initiative launched by the maison in 2016. Inviting artists from various backgrounds and disciplines to reinterpret the Lady Dior bags.
When: 18 July-11 August
Where: 5 Jiak Kim Street, Singapore 169425
Book your sessions here
I'm sure most of us were taught the "3Rs" when we were younger. To refresh your memory, it's Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (such a nerd, I know). With so many sustainable companies trying their best to be eco-friendly, or 'saving the world one step at a time,' they sometimes forget to get creative. Rarely do we have something innovative yet exciting, which brings me to Discarded Spirits Co.
Housed under the esteemed William Grant & Sons, the freshly launched spirits brand reimagines waste-products from the food and beverage industry by transforming them into alcohol. The result comes as three award-winning liquids; Discarded Sweet Cascara Vermouth, Discarded Banana Peel Rum, and Discarded Grape Skin Vodka.
"We live in an age where single use is increasingly untenable. What others have wasted we have welcomed and made the distinguishing feature in Discarded," says William Grant & Sons' Global Innovative Director Tom Stannard.
The great news for cocktail enthusiasts in Singapore is the brand will debut with a six-hands menu at sustainability-led bar Analogue Initiative. Accompanying dishes are designed by zero-waste restaurant SEM, all the way from Lisbon, while—we can't miss the most important part—cocktails are crafted by the bar's own stellar bartenders alongside Samuel Thornhill from experimental Melbourne bar BYRDI.
Ugly Tomatoes, Husk, Apricot & Mushroom respectively.
(DISCARDED SPIRITS CO.)
Let me give you a run-down on the cocktail menu. Inspired by the brand's philosophy of reusing creatively, Ugly Tomatoes is not as ugly as you think, promise. It uses Discarded Cascara Sweet Vermouth and home-made Distilled Tomato Honey, creating a sweet and savoury concoction.
Right onto the next is Discarded Grape Skin Vodka in Husk, featuring Victorian White Port, Wattyl Wine and Banana Nectar. Or if you're feeling experimental, try Apricot & Mushroom for a umami punch with Harcourt Apricot, fermented Mushroom Garum and Black Citric Koji.
If you're feeling peckish, accompanying dishes are designed in collaboration with zero-waste restaurant SEM, all the way from Lisbon.
The menu runs until 15 September at Analogue Initiative. Cocktails are priced from SGD26 and dishes from SGD9.
Here's another reason to (re)visit the hip new enclave the entire country is seemingly buzzing about. The space will play host to the largest event for all things eco over this entire weekend. Now on its third year, GREEN-HOUSE has over 80 participating local brands spanning, you know, the usual—fashion, beauty, home, food and crafts.
It's organised by Pass It On Studio (Singapore's first plantable candle, if that information was somehow vital to you), and some big brand newcomers for this year include Nespresso and Samsonite. Just so you don't get overwhelmed with the variety of workshops and activities, the event will be sectioned into three zones.
For every attendee that registers, one tree will be planted in support of Eden Reforestation Projects.
The first space will centre on art installations such as an exhibit transforming used car parts and a tapestry from fabric linings of reclaimed luggage from Samsonite's Trade-in campaign. You are welcome to bring unwanted fabric and adding it onto the existing weave with a traditional loom. (If you're wondering what happened to the hard-shell exteriors, some are upcycled into pet beds donated to the animal welfare organisations at the Reconnect zone!).
You can also catch free movie screenings of feature films co-curated by Singapore Nature Film Festival at the Helinox Cinematheque. Otherwise browse second-hand furniture from Objects.re, eco-friendly home designs from Ferticlay (alternative clay processed from mid-stream waste materials) or smaller knick-knacks like notebooks by OFFCUT that repurposes print production waste paper.
Besides being a pet-friendly picnic space, this is also where the dedicated pet societies are stationed. From Cat Welfare Society to Chained Dog Awareness, learn about the little companions and even make the lifelong commitment to bring them home.
No event is complete without grub. Have a cup on Nespresso's dime while you watch how each capsule is locally recycled so you can feel a little less guilty about your atas instant coffee. Participants can also learn how to make fertiliser from old coffee grounds and leave with an edible plant.
This special pop-up cafe has two lunch seatings featuring a plant-based three-course using local ingredients that's paired with three non-alcoholic drinks. It's the first in collaboration with FURA, which if you like the bar's style, you'd know what to expect.
All dinnerware for the session are made exclusively for Mercedes-Benz by Pass It On Studio, by the way. Even cups are constructed of FDA-certified upcycled bio-composite materials AKA agricultural waste like eggshells, coconut and rice husks. Should you have missed making reservations, limited portions of the menu's New Age Goreng Pisang will be available from 3pm onwards on both days.
GREEN-HOUSE 2024 happens 13 & 14 July, 10 am - 7 pm at New Bahru, 46 & 58 Kim Yam Road. Admission is free.
The flight between Singapore and Bali is close to three hours long and, already, I’m imagining scenarios of what happens if the plane starts to malfunction. Oxygen masks will drop like hanged men; the steel cabin that we are in may close in, turning into a collective metal coffin. One doesn’t usually start a travel piece with downed plane imagery but when you are travelling with a child who has never flown before, the mind tends to wander into dark territories.
That’s not to say that we didn’t plan ahead. We drafted out a checklist of possible outcomes that our child might end up in during the flight, and preventables: restlessness (a colouring book); blocked ears (a lollipop or sweet to suck on); loud engine noises (headphones that are hooked to a laptop with kid-friendly programmes); hunger (a packet of trail mix). But to paraphrase the Yiddish proverb: “Make plans. God laughs.” Our child, wee but shockingly inventive, found ways to stymie us. After an hour of colouring, he is now fidgety and reluctant to remain in his seat, let alone, be strapped into his seat.
The distractions have lost their powers and we’re left with nothing but hushed threats and calls to reason with this emotional terrorist. My mind wanders. I picture our plane making impact with the side of the mountain.
IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE a getaway. A slice of free time carved out from a busy schedule, a weekend that I can greedily indulge in. It will be spent at Desa Potato Head, a sprawling 226-guest room hotel that’s set on Petitenget Beach in Seminyak. Before we were married, the wife and I visited the site (then Potato Head Bali). I remember spending lazy hours on the daybed at the Beach Club. Now with a child added to the mix, we decided a sojourn at the resort would be an experience.
A lot has changed since the wife and I were last here. The hotel rebranded itself from Potato Head Bali to Desa Potato Head. “Desa”, which means “village” in Bahasa Indonesia is the throughline in which the place operates. This is a creative village where art, music, design, good food and wellness co-exist.
The place already stood out with its eye-catching aesthetics—Liina Klauss’ 5,000 Lost Soles (2016), an installation made out of flip-flops salvaged from the Bali beaches or the Beach Club’s exterior that’s built out of wooden window shutters. If you think the hotel’s Brutalist architecture set against the backdrop of the tropics looks off-kilter, the invasion of new artwork will enthral you. Take Nano Uhero’s “The Womb”, a bamboo sculpture that visitors coming in from the entrance would have to traverse through. There's Future2000’s iconic Pointman standing like a sentinel in the courtyard of Potato Head Studios. Fashioned out of repurposed waste materials collected from the waterways of Bali, the Pointman stands as a testament to the Balinese philosophy of duality—taking trash and turning it into a work of art.
Excited by the appearance of the Pointman, the kid scurries towards the legs, at first trying to scale it but eventually settling on hiding behind them. His voice in a higher register than usual, calls to us to look at the sculpture.
After registration, guests are brought to the Circle Store, where upcycled amenities and merch are sold. We were presented a zero-waste kit, which consisted of an RPET tote bag and a sustainable drinking bottle—you can ask any of Desa Potato Head staff to fill the bottle with water. No extra cost, no waste.
Throughout our stay, we are sequestered in the Oceanfront Studio at the Potato Head Studios wing. The room is larger than imagined. It faces the ocean and is filled with tasteful furnishings by Max Lamb—a recycled plastic desk chair; volcanic glassware and ceramics. The coffee table hides a drinks cabinet. There’s music coming in from the Beach Club. Even with the windows shut, you can still hear the cloth-wrapped notes. The kid is jumping on the bed before his feet make a resounding thud on the floor. The sky looks clear. Time to hit the Beachfront Pool.
THERE ARE LOADS TO DO at Desa Potato Head. There’s live music playing at Potato Head Beach Club or the Amphitheatre. But if you’re looking for a more intimate activity, there’s the Headphone Bar. There, you can sift through the site’s vinyl collection for a listening session.
On the second floor of Potato Head Studios, the Library (Studio Eksotika) is a quiet spot to peruse a variety of curated reading material. In a rare moment to myself, I polished off the entire photo collection of battle jackets by Peter Beste.
Next to it is the spa and gym. Above it, is Sunset Park, a rooftop bar that overlooks the Indian Ocean. Later that evening, we would eat at Tananam, a casual restaurant that serves plant-based cuisine. Taking ingredients that are locally sourced, chef Dom Hammond presents dishes that are creative without alienating omnivores like my family.
We started with a Roti (lightly salted with East Bali sea salt). Brokoli (broccoli that’s finished with coconut and chive oil sauce) dish is next as I carried the kid to peruse the rest of the restaurant. The space is suffused in a violet glow emanating from the lights of their indoor garden. It feels otherworldly, like we’re in a different clime, even though there’s nothing more natural and familiar than its dishes.
Later that evening, the child would fight against the sleep for an hour before succumbing to it. My poor wife thinks she’s down with something and pops two Panadols.
We have tickets to a Sbtrkt gig playing tonight at Beach Club. I’ve wanted to watch him ever since he stopped making music in 2014. But better judgment took over and we slept against the lullaby of electronic music.
DESA POTATO HEAD CATERS TO family, with programmes for the little ones called Sweet Potato Kids. At these sessions, children are kept busy with lessons on sustainability or with exercises like this morning’s workout. The child and I are at Desa Playground where a trainer starts with some light stretching before leading the group on a slow jog around the compound.
We climb the steps all the way to Sunset Park. It’s still early and the staff paid us no mind as they sweep up the place. The sky is overcast and already the sheen of sweat on our skin feels cool against the sea breeze. The trainer tells us that it’s time to head back and my kid gives an audible, oh man. We bound our way down the steps, my child’s energy shows no signs of abating.
With my wife still recuperating, I took the kid to Ijen for lunch. Serving primarily fresh seafood that is caught responsibly in these local waters, we dug into Sardines (crumbed sardines that are served on desa croissant loaf and drizzled with tartar and fermented hot sauce) and Roasted Cauliflower (smothered in keluwek tahini). We have a chocolate desert and, of course, he makes a mess but that’s what children do. He does not have the fine motor skills an adult have. His spills look like atolls and I wiped them up. A small annoyance but one that quickly disappears when he bared his chocolate-stained teeth. See daddy. Look at me, he says.
I take a spoonful of desert and showed him my browned chompers and we both laugh.
RONALD AKILI JUST WANTED A better future for his children.
In 2016, the founder of Desa Potato Head went surfing on the Bali coast with his eldest son. They found themselves surrounded by ocean plastics. In an interview, Akili says that moment pushed him to ensure Desa Potato Head does minimal damage to the environment. “I want to pass on to future generations a better world—something that I think is innate in all of us.”
Under the guidance of Eco Mantra, a Bali-based environmental engineering consultancy, Desa Potato Head’s commitment to a zero waste-to-landfill goal has reached five per cent. It takes a tremendous amount of legwork to get to that level of sustainability according to Simon Pestridge, CXO of Desa Potato Head. As the former VP of Nike, Pestridge has a “never settle” approach. “With this many people producing this much waste, the tourism industry needs to take a serious look,” he says. “One of the keys to making sure that you can get as close to zero waste as possible is to make sure that the waste is separated at the source. When the team separate the different types of organics that would go to the pig farms or compost, it becomes easier the further down the cycle you get. The management team hold ourselves accountable every week. Sometimes we’re at three per cent... sometimes it’ll be at five per cent and we go back to check why that happened.”
Desa Potato Head has 950 staff, at the time of writing, and every day, they adhere to a regimented process where they will weigh the waste, know what to do with it and track it. Suppliers aren’t allowed to deliver their wares in plastic. Cling wrap is banned in the kitchens. Glasses at Desa Potato Head are made out of cut beer bottles.
Dewa Legawa, Desa Potato Head’s assistant sustainability manager heads a tour for guests curious about the site’s sustainability programme. We are privy to the back of the house, where we witness how they manage the waste up until the production line. Legawa scoops out a pile of shredded HDPE plastics. These will be turned into chairs, toiletries and the like. He points out that the caps on the water bottles that we were given are made from them. At the Waste Lab, we see used plastics moulded into planks before they are fabricated into shape.
This is the “do good” portion in Desa Potato Head’s creed, “Good Times, Do Good”. Fostering a sustainability community in the hospitality sector is a long view of giving back to a planet that we’ve all been greedy to take from. But given that hospitality is still the resort’s primary objective, how does one maintain the good times even when the world is on fire?
“I think everybody still wants to have a good time,” Pestridge says. “Even though the world is on fire, I think there’s even more desire for people to have good times. We just want to do so by leaving as few footprints as possible. That’s why we feel good about coming to work every day.“What we’re doing with the waste facility and the waste centre, that’s an open blueprint. Anyone that wants to learn from us—or we can go to them—we can teach them what we’ve learnt. Zero waste isn’t a competitive advantage. It’s a journey that all of us should be on to make sure that Bali or wherever tourists are heading to is thriving.”
Eschewing the whole “do this or else” approach, this scrappy resort put its money where its mouth is and decided to lead by example. “If we can inspire change through our actions, then we’ve moved the world along on a better trajectory,” Pestridge adds, knowing that what they do is a drop in an ocean. But small changes repeated by many over time... that makes a difference.
I IMAGINE THE OBSTACLE BUILDING inside their heads; just the foolhardy notion of reaching that level of waste reduction. I imagine the manhours, the steep learning curves and the mistakes made along the way. But they have managed to do what all these larger hospitality institutions have struggled to do.
It’s the same with raising another human person. While my parents did what they could do in raising me, when it comes to my kid, I wanted to see if I can do it better. Fact of the matter is that it was sometimes exhausting but there were so many moments that were joyful. I hope he remembers the vacation, the good parts of it. Or, at least, be broadened by the experience that will shape him in the future.
One last memory. On our final day, I lay in the hammock outside of the balcony as tropic-laden tunes from Irama Pantai Selatan washed over me. The Indonesian band is performing at the Beach Club’s Live Sunset Sundays session, where a crowd is gathered around them. Inside the room, my wife rests, while my kid has given in to fatigue and is passed out on his bed.
I have a front-row seat to a sky on fire; the brilliant blaze brought about by the sun lazily descending into the ocean. If I didn’t know any better, it’s a picture-perfect apocalypse. My mind wanders.
At the end of the world, there’s no better place I’d rather be than with family.
Levi's, the denim giant, has maintained its position at the forefront of fashion's ever-evolving landscape. Just like its utilitarian purpose of being exceptionally sturdy, it has withstood the test of time by staying relevant. As the brand reaches its momentous 150th milestone, it now takes another bold step on a different journey; one marked by renewed commitment to sustainability. And its doing so with a launch of eco-conscious materials that are seamlessly incorporated into its iconic blue denim.
The release pays homage to the brand's illustrious history since its pioneering patent for the groundbreaking design of the iconic 501 model. Founded by the duo, Levi Strauss and Jacob W Davis, the two men had one goal in mind: to create pants that were tougher than nails for everyday wear. That humble endeavour would spark a fashion firestorm, turning denim workwear into an absolute wardrobe essential.
In keeping with today's issues and environmental changes, Levi’s came up with the plant-based 501 jeans that are made up of at least 97% plant-based materials. Slated for release in July, it is proof that it is possible for that a fashion brand can be socially-responsible.
“As a company that has been making 501® jeans for 150 years now, we have an opportunity –and a responsibility – to continually interrogate the process by which these jeans are made”
Paul Dillinger, VP of Design Innovation at Levi Strauss & Co
Levi's, being no stranger to collaborations, partnered with sustainable businesses to take their sustainability efforts a step further for their iconic 501® jeans. But it's not just about the look, it extends beyond the surface, with thoughtful details that evoke a sense of sentimentality. The colour of the jeans is a nod to the revered Levi's X80 archival shade, reinforcing the brand's deep-rooted connection to its origins.
Minute details like having patches made from a material that is 100% bio-based and free from plastic, to the pocket bags that are crafted from 100% cotton and adorned with BioBlack TX, a plant-based black pigment derived from wood waste, developed by Nature Coatings.
We are all for corporations to pick up the slack on sustainability. For Levi's, this is a tiny step towards sustainability and we can't wait to see what other eco-initiatives they will adopt in future.
The Plant-Based 501 jeans will be available in-store at Levi’s ION Orchard and online from 25 July 2023.
