InPost officially launches Malaysia operations

Source: InPost.

InPost, the provider and operator of the world's largest international network of automated parcel lockers in dozens of countries in the world, has launched its operations in Malaysia in conjunction with a roadshow.

InPost Malaysia Managing Director Rosland Mohd Jannes said the initiative, themed Malaysia E-commerce Day (MED) 2015, aims to reach out to businesses and individuals in creating awareness of developments in e-commerce, e-payments and the logistic industry.

"MED can further boost consumers’ confidence in online shopping as well as help mitigate the customer's delivery concerns. The roadshow will bring e-commerce players closer to the housing estate areas starting this September and till year-end, at locations where InPost already installed its automated parcel lockers," said Rosland during the launch of the first roadshow at Petronas Bukit Antarabangsa on 12 September.

Source: InPost. List of roadshows, which will be held till 24 October 2015.

The half-day roadshow, from 11am to 5pm, was a collaboration between InPost's e-merchant retail partners, courier companies, fulfillment companies and location hosts of the self-service parcel lockers by InPost. Rosland said next roadshow will continue at Petronas NKVE Damansara on September 15, followed by others at other Petronas stations where the lockers have already been deployed. Signups for InPost can be done during MED.

"The public as well as small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) can meet us and e-commerce merchants in real life at MED to learn about the development in the industry and get fresh ideas on delivery options," he said.

Rosland added that the delivery is one of the biggest concerns of shoppers before placing online orders as consumers might be worried about the additional cost, delivery time frame and risk of failed delivery. MED addresses such issues through highlighting the convenience of parcel lockers as a delivery option.

By integrating InPost’s e-commerce solution, retailers can provide customers with more flexibility in their delivery and return options as they can now opt for their nearest InPost locker at check out.

"With online retail continuing to grow at a rapid pace, consumers want innovative solutions to prevent them missing parcel deliveries. From InPost’s data it transpires that more than half of users collect their parcels outside normal opening hours or during the weekends. Parcel lockers are available 24x7 at customers' convenience and they can pick their parcel anytime with no queues or opening hours. The introduction of this innovative e-commerce solution means parcels wait for shoppers rather than the other way around," said Rosland.

"We hope Malaysians will start familiarising themselves with the convenience features of this automated self-service parcel delivery lockers which have now become a familiar sight in Klang Valley."

InPost has had lockers in 30 locations in Klang Valley since June 2015, and is targeting to have 140 locations in Greater Klang Valley within 2016 and 350 locations nationwide in 2017. InPost self-service parcel lockers are now available at selected Petronas petrol stations, Tesco hypermarkets, TAR University College Kuala Lumpur and soon at selected LRT stations. 

Petronas Dagangan Head of Retail Business Shaharuddin Muhammad Sidek said the partnership with InPost Malaysia brings greater value and convenience to customers, in addition to other facilities currently available at over 1,000 Petronas stations nationwide.

"The addition of InPost lockers is in line with Petronas stations' one-stop convenience concept and matches our aspiration in promoting innovation in our brands, products and services. Now when you fuel tanks, you can also collect your online shopping at the same time," said Shaharuddin, adding that there are currently 15 Petronas stations in the Klang Valley which provide the InPost locker facilities.

"Coupled with over 700 Kedai Mesra outlets nationwide, we are continuously looking at collaborating with our partners to bring greater ease, convenience and a rewarding retail experience to our customers," said Shaharuddin.

InPost already has a designated delivery courier, Skynet Worldwide. Clients can tap on the courier service through integrating their systems with Skynet services through a web application programming interface (API).

Skynet Worldwide Malaysia's Executive Director Dr Teo Bee Yap said, "We are confident with the availability of parcel lockers in selected locations in Malaysia will help to enhance the customer experience in e-commerce purchases." 

IStoreISend.com is another local InPost partner, offering full e-fulfillment services such as warehousing, picking and packing, and delivery to the InPost parcel lockers to retailers.

IStoreISend.com Sales Director Tommy Yong Chu Zheng said customers love InPost. "No more waiting, no more missed delivery. We love InPost for its flexibility and availability anytime. Collect your parcel at your convenience," he said.

Interested?

Check the locations of operational lockers

Nadine Arton launches 2016 capsule collections

Nadine Arton, the designer behind the brand GlamOnYou, has launched a 2016 capsule collection under her own name. Represented by dynamic cuts and distinctive prints, the City and All Around the World collections are targeted at women of sophistication and glamour.

Produced with Nadine’s renowned quality and craftsmanship, each collection is inspired by Nadine's travels. Billowing tops combined with skirts alongside dresses to suit any city or occasion are part of the City Collection. The Shanghai Kaftan is reminiscent of the modern and cultural Chinese city while the London dress will bring ladies from work to the evening soiree.

The All Around the World line combines vibrant and geometric prints, bright materials and pastel colours. Add a pop of polka dots to the wardrobe with the Venice dress or check out the crocheted Moscow long skirt for a global travel experience. 

Interested?

View the collections in Nadine Arton’s showroom in Jumeirah, Dubai and at Salam stores in Wafi, Abu Dhabi as well as at Boutique Casual Chic, Kuwait.

*Images from Nadine Arton.

CH Carolina Herrera launches Fall/Winter 2015 Collections

CH, a Carolina Herrera brand, has released Fall/Winter 2015 collections for both men and women. The Women’s Collection features reds, sky blues, and fuchsias which add a touch of color, while white and ivory contrast against a darker colour palette.

Evening looks figure in fine silks, lace and jacquard for ultimate femininity, with CH Carolina Herrera's signature details such as bows and ruffling.

The Men’s Collection sees navy blue, grey, and camel dominate, juxtaposed against pops of hunter green and bright blue. Tartan plaids and polka dots evoke a sense of playfulness while a nautical influence appears in striped tops and navy coats featuring gold buttons engraved with anchor motifs.

*Images from CH, Carolina Herrera.

Get up close and personal with Ritu Kumar's summer 2015 collection

Source: Ritu Kumar website.

Indian luxury fashion brand Ritu Kumar has launched its Summer 2015 Collection, now available at the brand's flagship store in BurJuman Shopping Centre in Dubai. The collection includes both the Ritu Kumar as well as the Label Ritu Kumar lines.

Catering to the contemporary women of today, the Ritu Kumar Summer 2015 collection comprises of varied styles for day wear and evening, ranging from kurtis to skirts and suits. The fabrics used include jersey, crepe, cotton georgette, cotton voile.The blend of signature Ritu Kumar prints with subtle detailing provide comfortable yet chic designs with a contemporary edge. 

The Label Ritu Kumar Summer 2015 collection offers daywear to evening options for the contemporary woman. Button downs, maxis, shifts, long skirts, jumpsuits and chic tops form the core of the collection. Available in tomato reds, indigo blues, pastels and bright prints, the collection is crafted using seasonal fabrics such as jersey, crepe, chiffon, lace and georgette. The Label spring-summer (SS) '15 collection has a lot of vintage prints like paisleys and bold florals.

Interested?

Visit the Ritu Kumar store at Level 1 - 137B in BurJuman Shopping Centre. 

“Queen of Prints” Mary Katrantzou stars in adidas Originals fall/winter collection

Source: adidas. Shoes from the Mary Katrantzou collection.

Fashion designer Mary Katrantzou, well known as the “Queen of Prints”, has collaborated with sportswear specialist adidas to create the adidas 
Originals by Mary Katrantzou collection. The collaboration sees the launch of a series of apparel and footwear inspired by Katrantzou's designs.

Katrantzou’s work often blends bold graphics with architectural shapes and the latest technologies to convey a modern feminine aesthetic. In this collaboration, Katrantzou draws inspiration from past adidas shoe silhouettes and has incorporated product features like outsoles, laces, and pop icons into her own unique collection.

"When adidas first approached me, I took time to think about what I could offer that’s different, what I could say through the collection that they haven’t said before. I grew up, like so many other kids around the world, wearing adidas sneakers, and bringing my vision to such a global brand is a great challenge. They have a fantastic heritage and their ability to innovate in sportswear makes them the perfect partner for us to work with in this market. I believe that print and colour can come together to communicate perfectly to a wider audience,” 
she said.  

The collection is available in Singapore stores at the adidas Originals store at Pacific Plaza and online at shop.adidas.com.sg. Footwear from the collection will be available at the Limited Edition store at Marina Bay Sands.

Hashtags: #adidas, #adidasOriginals, #MaryKatrantzou

Cruelty-free brand Everyday Minerals introduces new eyeshadow range

Everyday Minerals (EM) is committed to finding the purest form of naturally sourced ingredients, and today sells all-natural, completely vegan, cruelty-free products that are handmade in Texas, with eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.

Source: Everyday Minerals blog.

Vegan makeup is makeup that does not use ingredients derived from animals, and which is not tested on animals. Examples of ingredients which come from animals would include lanolin or collagen. Many cosmetics companies now have vegan products or whole vegan lines, or like EM, may be completely vegan. 

EM recently launched a new line of eight neutral shades for the eyes called the “Oh, So Pretty” Collection! According to the EM blog, the palette ranges from white to browns, as well as soft blue and yellow hues, and are designed to mix and match easily.

The eyeshadows are named after inspiring traits. A white, "almost peachy" colour is called She's Charismatic; a denim grayish blue is called She's Complete, while She's Freedom is a bronze medium brown.

There is a sale on (EM ships internationally), with the US$14 eyeshadows going for US$12, and the US$10 eyeshadows going for US$6.50. To see the She’s Powerful, She’s Desire, and She’s Creative eyeshadows from the Oh, So Pretty collection on a model, visit the blog post here.

For more vegan cosmetic products, visit PETA's suggestions of a dozen vegan makeup products under US$10, here, and Onegreenplanet's list of cruelty-free makeup brands here.

Eyewear goes back to vintage shapes and sizes at Rodenstock

In early 2014 fashion and beauty icon Claudia Schiffer and Germany-based Rodenstock, which makes ophthalmic lenses and spectacle frames, presented their first eyewear collection. In September, the company unveiled an autumn/winter collection for Claudia Schiffer by Rodenstock, with colour updates for various models. 

"The beauty of sunglasses is that they are such an easy and inspiring way to build a look. Accessorised with the perfect coat, bag or jeans, a pair of sunglasses can make a strong statement,” says Schiffer, the Creative Director of the collection.

Willow sunglasses, which are part of the Vintage family, are already a fashion favourite. The new colour update is a retro pink layered acetate (C3007 E). In the Havana shade (C3007 F), which has gold coloured temples, Rodenstock suggests they go well with blue denim and cashmere. 

The rubber-coated Chestnut frame, from the Boyfriend family, also has two new colour variations. A bright blue style with camouflage temples (C3003 E) for a sporty look, and a combination of transparent grey and burgundy red (C3003 F). 

"I love colourful accessories with an element of fun. These frames are a perfect pop of colour for autumn. I’ll wear them with jeans, high boots and a statement cape,” says Schiffer. 

Some of the over-sized frames and modern shapes are unisex. “I’ve always loved the look of my husband’s glasses so I used these for inspiration for shapes and colours on the Boyfriend models,” says Schiffer. 

The Apple frame is now also available in classic black (C3004 F). Based on the colours of autumn and inspired by Schiffer's passion for nature, this model is now also available with a Havana front and a contrast bright orange temple (C3004 E).

Previously only available in single colours, the over-sized retro fashion bestseller Birch is updated with a combination of different colours and prints. The frames now have an elegant contrast temple in warm brown (C3006 E). Another variation is in red with contrasting black-and-red marbled temples (C3006 F). “The over-sized frames are one of my favourite styles because they add a vintage touch to an everyday outfit,” says Schiffer.

“Oversized collections are still going to be popular as we head towards the end of 2014 because they appeal to all ages and demographics,” says Damien Klevge from Rodenstock UK.

“Retro shapes are also increasingly in demand. Our culture may be ever-changing but we never seem to tire of vintage.”

For bright colours such as blue, amber and green with a 60's look, Rodenstock suggests rocco by Rodenstock. The frames are characterised by shiny or matte finishes and prominent lens shapes. Colours include plum, light blue, champagne, crystal and red. In the Porsche Design range, model P8267 comes in red or green and P8266 in plum or rose.

*Images from Rodenstock.

Accor re-enters Myanmar with The Lake Garden in Nay Pyi Taw

Source: Accor Hotels. The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw.

Accor, the largest international operator of hotels in Asia-Pacific, has opened The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw, the first Accor hotel in Myanmar. This newly-built, upscale hotel, is part of the MGallery Collection and five minutes away from Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC) and 20 minutes from Nay Pyi Taw International Airport.

“This hotel opening will officially mark Accor’s return into Myanmar,” says Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. “This opening comes at a time when the capital is seeing an influx of visitors with a strong demand for an upscale accommodation with international standard facilities and superb services. The Lake Garden is the perfect accommodation for discerning travllers looking for a memorable hotel experience in this capital city.”

MGallery is a collection of unique, upscale hotels selected through their individual personality and characteristics. MGallery hotels are categorised according as Signature, Heritage or Serenity hotels. Due to its architecture amidst tropical surroundings by a lake, The Lake Garden is under the Serenity category.

David Daguise, The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw’s General Manager says, “The hotel is a serene sanctuary which offers guests a unique experience through an extraordinary journey of modern Myanmar influenced by its rich, cultural heritage. Its contemporary, lush comfort and a sense of ‘Serenity’ can be felt throughout the property, while its five-star hospitality and local charm offer guests a memorable experience throughout their stay.”

The hotel features 165 rooms and suites – two Presidential Suites, eight Executive Suites, 30 Deluxe Suites, 64 deluxe rooms and 61 superior rooms. For gastronomic experiences, The Lake Garden offers The Grand Bell for all-day dining, including local Myanmar cuisine, and the Primo, an Italian restaurant.

The hotel’s meeting facilities consist of a conference room which can accommodate up to 250 delegates, six breakout meeting rooms for smaller functions, and two boardrooms.

To celebrate its opening, The Lake Garden, Nay Pyi Taw has an introductory rate of US$90, valid until 29 October 2014. For more information, please visit www.thelakegarden.com or contact H9096-RE@accor.com.