This is Part 2 of my trip to Seoul for Kiehl’s Asia Symposium. For blogpost of Part 1, click *here*!
The first day of the symposium ended with an elegant dinner at The Elbon Table, GangNam. Wine, champagne and amazing food was served; along with great conversations with the dermatologists and members of the media from around Asia.
I had some time to spend by myself after the symposium as Joy (PR representative of Malaysia) was so nice to ensure our schedule wasn’t too hectic so we wouldn’t be too tired to explore Seoul!
I’ve watched and liked some Korean dramas but i’m not an obsessive fan of K-Pop culture. The dramas themselves are pretty good and I love looking at beautiful people.
Here are some pictures of my adventures in Seoul.
I wasn’t particularly interested in the shopping malls cos I didn’t wanna overspend seeing I had 8 more days to go in the country, and a few other cities to visit. So I happily browsed my phone for places of interest using their high speed internet. Guys, the internet speed here was seriously no joke!
Buk Chon Hanok Village intrigued me the most. It’s easily accessible via public transport and quoted as the most beautiful historical district in the city; filled with traditional Korean houses (named Hanok), artsy cafes, and cool boutiques. I love its old-meets-new vibe.
The hanok are occupied by locals, so it’s advised to keep your voice low to avoid disturbing the neighbourhood.
The stools were so cute and colourful. *tearsinmyeyes*
Thank you very much to Chua Sue-Ann and Jo-Ann Tan from The Edge for interviewing me recently.
I’ve always got featured as a fashion or internet personality, so it’s a refreshing change to be interviewed as an entrepreneur and running KBF as a business.
“A what?” people retort when i tell them i am going to be away for 10 days.
“A hoop retreat,” I repeat, “Hula hoop…?”
“Oh… it’s a thing? That’s so cute!”
Hey it’s some serious business okay… I’ll blog about it entirely but right now, i’m freaking exhausted, it’s past midnight and i need to wake up at 7:30am.
After being obsessed with my hoop for 10 years, and actually hooping (though rather sporadically) for a year; i was introduced to Jaguar Mary by Michelle (creator of The Hula Hoop Institute). JM has been running Sacred Circularities in Bali and Sedona, which consists of a series of 7-day hoop retreats that is described as “an immersion experience in movement and meditation, and healing hoop dance.”
I was hooked up to update their social media here in Bali for Week 3 of their 2015 retreat, and initially, i had a few moments where i wasn’t sure i was even going to come. Overwhelming thoughts of work flooded my mind – client’s event coming up, never ending blogposts to write, managing the team, bla bla bla. Then i thought, “WHAT AM I DOING.”
This is one of the main reasons i LIVE for. To travel and dance and play and hoop and… this is why i work… so i can do THIS. And to turn it down? No way! Everyone will just have to manage without me. Bye people. And off i went.
It’s been amayzinggg so far and i have no doubt i am meant to be here. Have met some of the most talented hoopers in the world, and… gosh i don’t even know where to start. I need to sleep cos there’s gonna be a huge bazaar and performance tomorrow where (i heard) some of the craziest circus performers, hoopers, jugglers, etc are all here in Ubud to play!
For now, you can see what Sacred Circularities is all about on >
Last week i RAN out of the office to the unveiling of Diane von Furstenberg‘s newly refurbished boutique in Pavilion. The Spring 2015 collection was also exhibited via a curated fashion show of specially-flown in runway pieces (which i unfortunately completely missed because… of work). Still, i managed to skip in to show my face,d snap some pictures, and sip a glass of bubbly.
“Themed ‘Riviera’ the latest collection is a crescendo of print and colour, and encapsulates a women’s joie de vivre air; with bold displays of structured silk in vibrant pinks, greens and blues, gingham wraps with flirty chiffon skirts, and painterly florals collaged to evoke Picasso and Matisse.
The 1,300 sq. ft. shop features the latest adaptations of the new DVF store concept. Playful sophistication and modern femininity is evoked through iconic graphic patterns that contrast with white, gallery-like interiors. The shop also features luscious drapery in DVF pink that celebrates and empowers the DVF woman; and THE WRAP SHOP, which offers the Heritage Collection of wrap dresses, gowns & jumpers in DVF’s most iconic prints.”
Lynn on the right wearing DVF. You should check out the way she names her IG account. You’d think she didn’t want you to find her on IG! Well too bad Lynn. I’m outing you here.
Me with Serena and Claudia; and me with Sunitha. Mah shoes were a present from Love Bonito the first time i dropped by their office in Singapore for a meeting!
If i got a pair of shoes for every time i had a work meeting…. #dreamson
The only reason i’m posting about the new Versace Residences is purely because of Donatella and the respect i have for her as a creative human being after watching her speak at Vogue Festival in London in 2013.
The upcoming project in Chengdu was recently announced, and its design concept will be created by artistic director Donatella Versace.
Versace Residences in Chengdu will be bringing together tradition and newness, craftsmanship and innovation that define Versace today. The project marks for both Versace and Mind Group a new transnational, multicultural and cross-industrial journey.
It will be the latest example of Versace Home’s global expertise in the field of interior design; following the Milano Residences in Manila, the Damac Tower in Beirut and the Damac Residences in Jeddah, each pushing the boundaries of global luxury living.
Damac Tower, Beirut.
Damac Residences, Jeddah.
The Versace Residences will be located in the heart of Chengdu, where business and culture meet near the Jin River and opposite Wangjiang Park. It will reflect the essence of modern China, standing at 68 floors high. The Versace Residences will accommodate units varying from 150 sq. m. to 400 sq. m., with its design bringing together the iconic elements of Versace and the richness of Chinese heritage, to create the ultimate in modern luxury.
“It is an honor to bring the Versace Residences to Chengdu in this unique partnership with Mind Group. Versace Residences are the ultimate in luxury living, and Chengdu is the perfect location for this ambitious and unprecedented project. The Residences will set a new global standard, bringing together the traditions and innovations of Versace with the culture and spirit of China. It will be our pleasure to share the Versace Residences in Chengdu with the world.” says Mr. Gian Giacomo Ferraris, CEO of Versace.
“Essence of Versace Residences comes not only from the world-leading design of Donatella Versace and innovation in luxury real estate, but also from the combination of the culture of two countries. I would also take the project a valuable exploration and model in the trend of Chinese cultural resurgence and creative real estate.” says Mr. Chen Dong, Chairman of Mind Group.
Residential units in the Versace Residences in Chengdu, China, will be available for sale by the end of 2015. The project is scheduled for completion in 2017.
