Manulife champions longevity in Asia

Source: Manulife. From left: Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia; Koh Hui-Jian, CEO, Manulife Investments; Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia; Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore; and Mark Czajkowski, CMO, Manulife Singapore.

Manulife has enhanced ManulifeMOVE, Manulife’s flagship lifestyle programme, launching it at the inaugural Longevity Symposium in Asia. Originally introduced to promote physical activity, the platform now supports holistic wellbeing across six key pillars: healthcare, home and nursing care, fitness and wellness, lifestyle privileges, legacy planning services and community engagement.

“Insurance is no longer just about protecting people financially after something happens. It’s about helping them stay prepared for life’s changes. With ManulifeMOVE, we’re giving customers the power to take charge of their health and financial choices, so they can make confident decisions every day,” said Harshal Shah, Chief Marketing & Experience Design Officer, Manulife Asia.

Key programme enhancements include: 

• A tiered membership structure (Essential, Ascend, Prestige, Signature) offering access to differentiated benefits and partner privileges. 

• An expanded suite of services covering preventive health services, medical and assistive care, cancer care support, health and wellbeing coaching, fitness and wellness experiences. 

• Community engagement, such as a dedicated platform to foster a vibrant community with exclusive experiences, access to new offerings, and health content. 

ManulifeMOVE Partners*, including AMILI, ClassPass Singapore, Chi Longevity, Doctor Anywhere, Fullerton Health, Guardant Health AMEA, Hin Tat Augustine & Partners, Homage, Kin Teck Tong, Padang Trust, Parkway Cancer Centre, Parkway Shenton, Naluri, Q & M Dental Group, SportsMed, Ten Lifestyle Group and others, offer solutions that help people navigate everyday health and life management, supporting them through milestones from entering the workforce to becoming parents, managing chronic illness, or planning their legacy. 

“As a purpose-driven bank, we’re committed to using our business as a force for good – creating long-term value for our customers, community, and the nation. With Singapore transitioning into a super- aged society, our focus is on closing the gap between lifespans and ‘living spans’ by supporting financial, physical, mental, and social wellbeing at every stage of life," said Karen Ngui, Head, DBS Foundation and DBS Group Strategic Marketing and Communications.

"Ageing presents challenges, but also opportunities – the onus is on us to act early, and act together. At the DBS Foundation, we’re glad to join hands with likeminded partners like Manulife to build a future where everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, can live and age with dignity, purpose, and joy.”

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Singapore, underscoring the urgent need for continuous innovation in how we detect, monitor, and treat it. At Guardant Health, we believe molecular data is essential for precision oncology to guide each patient’s journey with insights that matter," said Simranjit Singh, CEO, Guardant Health AMEA.

"Through our partnership with Manulife Singapore and the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are expanding access to cutting- edge liquid biopsy technology. With just a simple blood draw, we can unlock vital information to help personalise treatment decisions for patients with advanced solid tumours.”

“Good gut, good health. At AMILI, we believe gut health is foundational to long-term well-being. The microbiome in our gut plays a vital role in how we age, affecting immunity, metabolism, and chronic disease risk. By harnessing microbiome insights, we can deliver truly personalised preventive health strategies that go far beyond generic advice," said Jeremy Lim, CEO & Co- founder, AMILI.

"Our collaboration with Manulife Singapore is an important step in making science-backed, localised solutions for longevity more accessible across Asia. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we’re empowering individuals to take charge of their health in ways that are tailored and culturally relevant.”

The Longevity Symposium in Asia was convened to tackle one of the region’s most pressing challenges: how to live not just longer, but better.

“As an insurer, our role goes far beyond paying claims or managing risks. We have a responsibility to improve lives – not just by protecting our customers, but by empowering them to make better decisions for their health and financial future,” said Benoit Meslet, President and CEO, Manulife Singapore.

“Our latest Asia Care survey shows that only 6% of respondents wished for a longer lifespan, the vast majority prioritised staying physically, mentally and socially active, achieving financial independence and ageing gracefully. 

"Through initiatives like this symposium, we’re raising awareness across every dimension of longevity, from preventive health and financial planning to mental wellbeing and social connection, we’re helping our customers plan ahead and live with greater clarity, resilience and peace of mind.”

According to Manulife, one in four people in Asia will be over the age of 60 by 2050**. This demographic shift is driven by longer life expectancies and declining fertility rates. As countries in Asia adapt to these changes, people may no longer follow the traditional 'school, work, retirement' paradigm***. Instead, they transition more frequently between learning, working, caring, and recreation****. 

In addition, Manulife's Asia Care Survey showed that physical wellbeing is central to both financial and mental wellbeing for people across Asia, and that rising healthcare costs are a major concern, fuelling anxiety about insufficient savings.  

"Extending lifespan in our ecosystem is no longer our key focus. Instead, optimising healthspan is becoming our key imperative. Healthy ageing requires early intervention, data-driven behavioural change and integrated support across healthcare, technology and finance - across all stages of life," said Professor Dean Ho, Provost’s Chair Professor, Director, The N.1 Institute for Health, Director, The Institute for Digital Medicine, and Head, Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore.

"The Manulife Singapore Longevity Symposium is an important catalyst for bringing scientific research into everyday insights and actions. By bridging science and education, we can address aging preparedness, helping people thrive across a longer life - physically, mentally and financially.”

“Healthy longevity isn’t just about adding years, it’s about adding good years that is not just extending your lifespan but your healthspan. That means having the energy, cognitive ability and independence to keep enjoying life as we age. To do that, we must take a proactive approach to health and start long before retirement age," said Professor Andrea B. Maier Oon Chiew Seng, Professor of Medicine at National University of Singapore, and Co-Founder of Chi- Longevity.

"In healthy longevity medicine, we look beyond short-term outcomes and focus on how individuals want to feel 10 or 20 years from now, and how we can help them get there. This future-oriented approach is why partnerships with organisations such as Manulife are essential. Through the ManulifeMOVE programme, we are enabling more individuals to proactively manage their health and better prepare for the realities of ageing."

Manulife and UpLink, the World Economic Forum’s early-stage innovation initiative, and the Forum’s Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems additionally announced 10 winners of the Innovating for Asia’s Demographic Future Challenge, launched earlier this year.

The challenge sought breakthrough solutions to support multigenerational financial resilience, equitable healthy ageing, and lifelong fulfilment across Asia’s rapidly ageing societies. The winning ventures — ranging from digital tools that enhance home safety and caregiving for older adults, to AI-powered platforms that modernise primary healthcare delivery, wearable rehabilitation solutions for post-surgery recovery, and lifelong learning and reintegration support for migrant workers — were selected for their potential to drive meaningful impact across Asia.

The winners will join UpLink's Innovation Ecosystem with access to exclusive networking, visibility, and partnership opportunities to help scale their solutions. Additionally, three of the winning innovators will share a prize pool of CAD$200,000.

“Longevity is reshaping how people across Asia think about their future. Our Asia Care Survey shows a growing focus on quality of life, independence, and financial security – underscoring that it’s not just about adding years, but enriching them,” said Steve Finch, President and CEO, Manulife Asia.

“We see a clear opportunity to help close the gap between aspiration and action. Through platforms like the Longevity Symposium and the UpLink challenge, we’re working with partners to deliver practical, preventive solutions that help people live well, for longer.” 

"Early-stage innovation is vital to turning the challenges that come with Asia's demographic shifts into meaningful opportunities for communities across the region," said John Dutton, Head of UpLink, World Economic Forum. 

"Through the Global Longevity Innovation Initiative, we are proud to partner with Manulife and the Forum's Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems to build an innovation ecosystem that promotes healthier, more financially resilient and fulfilled lives for all generations."

The event, held in Singapore, marks a milestone in Manulife’s commitment to advance Asia’s longevity movement. This builds on Manulife’s global commitment to longevity, following two successful longevity symposiums in in the US led by John Hancock.

*Access to services offered by ManulifeMOVE partners may vary by membership tier and customer eligibility.

**ADB: Adapting to Aging Asia and the Pacific

***Stanford Center on Longevity 

****  Andrew J. Scott and Lynda Gratton, The New Long Life: A Framework for Flourishing in a Changing World 

JeweLuxe Singapore presents first-of-its-kind luxury retail concept

Jeweluxe Singapore, a curated showcase of design, craft, artistry and innovation from all corners of the globe, will debut in Singapore this October at the custom-built TENT@Ngee Ann City along Orchard Road, Singapore.

Open to the public from 6 to 15 October 2017, visitors to the exhibition can expect to be inspired by a showcase for collectors, connoisseurs and aficionados across all segments of sophisticated living, including jewellery, timepieces, vintage, eyewear, fashion, art and living style.

Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board’s Kickstart Fund, the first-of-its-kind jewellery and sophisticated living showcase will meld offline and online concepts together., feature elements of a retail exhibition and an e-commerce marketplace.

“For over a decade, I have built a successful platform through Singapore JewelFest for passionate jewellery designers and brands from around the world to showcase their exquisite creations and gem stones. To satiate the evolving tastes of shoppers for a more discerning retail mix of affordable luxury, I am excited to introduce the brand new JeweLuxe Singapore – the world’s first multi-segment retail exhibition with an e-commerce marketplace,” said Angela Loh, Founder and CEO of JeweLuxe.

The exhibition hopes to achieve more than S$9 million in sales in its inaugural year. “Singapore is a city of sophisticated shoppers who appreciate unique pieces, be it jewellery, timepieces, art or any lifestyle propositions. The city also attracts discerning shoppers from Asia and around the world who enjoy the variety of international and independent brands in Singapore, making the retail experience at JeweLuxe Singapore the ideal springboard for brands to access Southeast Asia’s affluent segment,” added Loh.

The inaugural exhibition from 6 to 10 October casts a spotlight on the rare and the iconic, featuring designers who are icons of America curated by Paolo Costagli, American designer and jeweller. Kimberly McDonald, Sylva & Cie, Amedeo and Moritz Glik who make their Asia premiere at the first edition of JeweLuxe. Some of the jewellery houses showcasing rare and exceptional gems are Mouawad (US), Glajz (Singapore), DeGem (Malaysia), Hans D. Krieger Fine Jewellery (Germany), Karen Suen (Hong Kong), Scavia (Italy) and Moiseikin (Russia). Iconic jewelled eyewear by Lotos (Germany); and rare vintage timepieces, jewels and objects presented by Betteridge (US) and Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects (Singapore) will be some of the living propositions showcased.

Edition Two (11 to 15 October) will showcase European and Asian excellence. A lineup of European jewellery designers and brands includes Federica Rettore (Italy), Federico Buccellati (Italy), Magerit (Spain) and Rodney Rayner (UK) who are making their Southeast Asian premiere; as well as Heinz Mayer (Germany), Castaldi Gioielli (Italy) and Rota e Rota; and award winning Asian designers including Shirley Zhang (China), Caratell (Singapore), Simone Jewels (Singapore), Kavant & Sharart (Thailand), and Baerjewels (Hong Kong). Handcrafted handbags and timepieces by Graziella (Italy) and Zannetti (Italy) will also be displayed.

For both editions, WTP The Furniture Company (Singapore) and Art Front Gallery (Singapore) respectively will be curating the desirables in living style and contemporary art. Visitors can also look forward to a series of high quality educational and appreciation events on design, craft, artistry and innovation with The Savoir Series.

By 2025, the expected online share of total luxury sales globally is projected to double to €70 billion annually, making e-commerce the world’s third largest luxury market after China and the US*, say the organisers of JeweLuxe. While the exhibition provides shoppers with the opportunity to interact directly with world renowned designers and artisans, the e-commerce marketplace ensures shoppers a connected experience and the convenience of making their purchases at any time of the year.

The JeweLuxe World e-commerce marketplace will also curate highlight features for special occasions as well as provide a personalised shopping experience with the JeweLuxe Concierge. “The launch of a one-of-a-kind multidimensional sophisticated living showcase is the perfect opportunity to extend the retail experience into a year-round online retail concept. The e-commerce marketplace, JeweLuxe World, will be a digital community for buying curated pieces of the finest design, craft, artistry and innovation, and also for sharing insights and appreciation,” said JeweLuxe Chief Digital & Marketing Officer Nelson Lee, a serial digital entrepreneur and partner of online marketplace goBob.sg as well as independent digital agency Section.

Besides Costagli, other curators include:

Brenda Kang, founder and owner of Revival Vintage Jewels, curated the collectibles at the event. She is one of few vintage jewellery experts in Asia.

Federica Rettore, a sculptor who has her own line of jewellery, for European excellence, and Dr Bernard Cheong, founding partner of Lifeline Medical Group in Singapore, for timepieces. Dr Cheong is also an influential horologist and respected collector of watches, mechanicals and men’s collectibles in Asia, and the first collector and non-watchmaking industry ambassador appointed for the Foundation de la Haute Horlogerie.
 

Source: JeweLuxe International. From left: Founder and CEO, JeweLuxe International, Angela Loh; Digital Architect of JeweLuxe World e-commerce marketplace Nelson Lee; New York Designer and Jeweller Paolo Costagli; Horologist and Watch Collector Dr Bernard Cheong; Italian Designer, Federica Rettore; Singapore’s Antiques and Vintage Jewellery Expert, Brenda Kang.

Interested?

JeweLuxe Singapore will be a 10-day exhibition from 6 to 15 October 2017 at TENT@Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road, Singapore.

*http://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/is-luxury-ecommerce-nearing-itstipping-point 

Spice up the office wardrobe at the MAX sale in India

Source: MAX. MAX fashion for men, women and kids is on sale.

The Landmark Group's fashion brand MAX is offering up to 50% off in India on over 60,000 products from a collection that features the season's hottest trends across clothing, accessories and footwear.

In India, MAX has more than 145 stores across 55 cities. The brand plans to have a network of 160 stores in India by the end of FY16-17.

Interested?

The sale ends January 22 2017.  Enjoy 5% additional cash back using an SBI credit card with a minimum transaction of INR2,500. 

EatPlayLive has a membership promo till end-year

Source: EatPlayLive Facebook page. Live life on the edge.

Asian lifestyle app EatPlayLive, which launched in Singapore last month, is offering the limited time option of purchasing a one-year membership for S$100 instead of S$180.

From dining deals with popular eateries such as Senso, Chef’s Table, and Angelina, to experiences at establishments such as Culinaryon, Arteastiq, The Fullerton Spa, and Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, EatPlayLive has attractive offers that could save members thousands over the course of a year.

Subscriptions are available for Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Indonesia, with Australia, Thailand, the Philippines and South Korea to come soon. A subscription entitles members to 20% to 50% off the total bill, one-to-one offers, and bespoke packages from participating merchants. Offers also apply if the member travels to supported countries.

Interested?

Use the discount code 1Y100 when applying for membership. The first-year discounted membership must be purchased by 31 December 2016, and all memberships will expire a year from the date of purchase.

Download the app to subscribe

Hashtag: #livealuxelifeforless

AIN adds English, Chinese websites for the fashion-conscious

Source: AIN English website.

A Korean brand specialising in women's fashion is repositioning itself as a global brand with a special focus on mainland China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

AIN has received a good response from selling its products through third party global e-commerce marketplaces, and has now begun its English and Chinese websites through cafe24, Korea's largest e-commerce platform. AIN CEO Park A-In noted that customers like AIN's unique, modern designs and overall image. "The key to success when entering the global market is providing customers with what they are looking for," he said.

AIN's collection is curated for mix-and-match convenience and to enhance the wearer's character and uniqueness. Approximately 20% of the products sold are designed and manufactured directly by AIN. 

Yellowfashion.in now available in Sri Lanka

Source: Yellowfashion.in website. 

-

 First curated online women ethnic wear store of its kind to foray overseas

- Eyes over Rs15 crores in revenues over the next three years

Yellowfashion.in, one of India's curated online women ethnic wear destinations, has expanded into Sri Lanka. The venture, well-known for its selection of sarees from across India, is betting on the fast growing Internet user base (6 million according to the ITU) and cultural similarities in clothing preference in Sri Lanka. 

The company estimates 15% of its revenues from 2016 and 2017 to come from the Sri Lankan market, with Sri Lanka contributing Rs15 crore over the next three years. Yellowfashion.in has signed up DTDC as a fulfilment partner to ensure delivery in three to six days to Sri Lankan customers, and put in place an international payment gateway. 

Darshan Patodi, Co-founder, Yellowfashion.in said, "Our in-depth market research revealed that the country, besides witnessing a growing Internet user base, is also very similar in nature to the Indian market when it comes to women ethnic wear choices. (The) Sri Lankan economy has since bounced back, it is geographically proximate and the partnership with DTDC gives us the logistical support required to ensure or track record of happy customers, which is retained in the new market as well. We look forward to the foray contributing significantly to our growth and profitability in the years ahead."

"What really is exciting about the market is that for a lot of women in Sri Lanka (the) saree is both regular wear and a fashion/lifestyle statement. Their affordability levels are high and they are seeking both design and quality which we are known for. Yellowfashion.in's approach of curating what is available on its online store vibes well with this need. Not to mention it being an untapped market. The initial response is encouraging," added Pallavi Patodi, Co-founder, Yellowfashion.in.

According to a Google India study, apparel is the highest contributor after electronics when it comes to e-commerce. The study has found that apparel is purchased 30% more times than any segment, making it one of the most stable domains in the Indian e-commerce landscape. Apparel contributes 34% to the value of total online purchases, says KPMG India.

HOTPING sees sales outside Korea grow to 100 million won

Source: HOTPING website.
Highly elasticated pants.

Korean women's clothing specialty mall HOTPING entered the global market in July 2015 and has since seen monthly international sales surpassing the 100 million won mark, contributing 10% of total sales.

"We believed that winning new markets quickly would secure future competitiveness after we started up in 2014 and we launched the English, Chinese, and Japanese versions of our online mall through the global e-commerce platform of cafe24," explained CEO Kim Yeo-jin. "We received orders from international customers even when we had the Korean site only, which also quickened our entry into the global market."

HOTPING is a portmanteau word mixing 'hot trend' and 'pink'. The platform caters for plus sized women with sizes from 44 (equivalent to XS in the US) to 105 (equivalent to XXL) for most of its products. The company has reached prominence through sponsoring the wardrobes featured in Korean costume dramas, especially in countries swept by the Hallyu, or Korean Wave, notably the US, China, and Japan. News anchors have also been enquiring about sponsorship. HOTPING is becoming popular with its line of Magic Pants, which are highly elasticated pants that can be worn comfortably.

"We will continue to make efforts to win new markets and will also continue offering beautiful clothes to our customers at reasonable prices like we do now," said Kim.

2015 Namyangju Slow Life International Festival to delight visitors this October

Source: Slow Life Planet website.

An international festival promoting the slow food movement as well as an all-round healthy lifestyle will take place in the South Korean city of Namyangju in October. 

Under the theme Good Food, Good Life the Namyangju Slow Life International Festival (남양주슬로푸드국제대회) will run for 10 days from October 8 in the provincial city, located about 30 km east of Seoul. 

The fair is the second of its kind to be held in Namyangju city, after it launched the Asio Gusto festival in 2013. The city has since changed the name of the programme and decided to make it a regular event that is held every two years.

Visitors can expect to enjoy concerts, tasting sessions and other hands-on activities. A food show starring some of the most popular chefs from South Korea will be held during the festival, and visitors will also be able to try traditional foods and beverages from a diverse mix of cultures.

Interested?

Individual tickets: 7,000 won
Group* tickets: 6,000 won
Early bird** tickets: 5,000 won
Buy tickets**

*A group should have at least 10 people. 

**Early bird prices are available till October 7, 2015.

***Tickets at each tier cost 1,000 won less for teenagers and children.

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.

Naked Wear aims to offer fitness wear that Asian women covet

Source: Naked Wear.
A Naked Wear model next
to a mannequin modelling
Naked Wear's
Atalanta bra and leggings,
which will be in an
upcoming collection.

A group of fitness enthusiasts have set up Naked Wear, a startup for Asian women by Asian women to provide workout apparel that provides the right amount of support at the right price point.

"As the fitness becomes increasingly important to women in Asia, we noticed a general lack of workout apparel in the industry that provided adequate support and affordability. The fitness wear industry today is still largely dominated by Western brands, whose fit may not be suitable for the frames of Asian women. This is the case for Singapore and most of Asia," said a Naked Wear spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, Naked Wear's offerings are based on comfort, security, style and affordability. "We believe that it is possible to blend sweat and glamour, and that women should be free to be who they are and pursue their goals while wearing Naked Wear. We want to provide local female consumers with the option to take their fitness challenge up a notch, while enjoying a beautiful second skin," she said.

The company has built up a collection of signature sports bras, pole shorts and flash tattoos - temporary tattoos inspired by jewellery which often look metallic - which are publicised mainly through social media. "We launched our first collection in May this year which you can see from our website. Our social media channels and main advertising platforms are Facebook and Instagram," the spokesperson said. "Our vision is to be Asia's leading fitness wear brand and eventually expand beyond Singapore's market."

The company understands the interplay between bricks and clicks well, and invested in two one-day popup stores, in June at Ecole de Pole Asia, a pole studio in Clarke Quay, and in July at UrbanScape, a yoga event in Chinatown. Naked Wear found that two pieces at the popup stores became big hits: the limited edition Summer Fairy Bra, and a pop-up preview of the Atalanta bra.

The Summer Fairy bra is available while stocks last. Inspired by the changing colours of nature in summer, ever piece is one-of-a-kind. The bra comes with multiple straps in multiple colour gradients for a unique look.

The Atalanta bra will be included in Naked Wear's next collection. Available in sizes S and M, this dynamic piece is lightweight for free movement with moisture-wicking fabric, and comes with changeable padding. It can also double as swimwear.

Interested?

In conjunction with Singapore's golden jubilee year, Naked Wear is running two SG50 promotions from August 1 to 31: 50% off Naked Wear tattoos, and a 50% discount on the second sports bra purchased. Readers can send their orders to hello@nakedwear.co and quote the SG50 promotion. 

Singapore retailer uses Qlik, Deloitte Digital solution to track customer's stories over time

Inverted Edge, a Singapore-based online retailer, is using its retail space at Scotts Square mall to provide customers with a personalised interactive digital shopping experience with the help of Qlik, a visual analytics provider, and Deloitte Digital, a design and development agency. 

Source: Inverted Edge website.

Apart from housing quality contemporary luxury apparel, the in-store solution includes a continually changing showcase of photos and stories from customers, shared on social media, about the clothes they wear and their related stories. As a wearer adds a new garment or story, it will appear on the visual display, inspiring others and adding to the excitement of discovering and sharing new looks, bridging fashion and everyday life from posts shared across social media platforms.

“At Inverted Edge we are proponents of Fashion that Matters, or sometimes we call it Slow Fashion. We believe that when you buy something you love, you should wear it and wear it in multiple places and in different ways and across multiple seasons. It’s not disposable, it doesn’t get thrown out after two months; it becomes something that has meaning,” said Debra Langley, Chief Executive Officer at Inverted Edge.

“As a garment is worn as part of a lifestyle, it takes on a life and emotional quotient all of its own, developing a story between the wearer and the items purchased. We want to develop something that captures these relationships, and from a business standpoint, understand what fuels our shopper’s purchasing decisions.”

Built mainly on Qlik's Sense platform, Inverted Edge’s in-store digital solution delivers an interactive and personalised digital experience for customers. The framework allows Inverted Edge to manage and study purchasing data to identify key factors that drive customers’ decisions to purchase high quality items that are designed to be worn for more than a couple of seasons. This enables the company to discover what it is their customers are looking out for, and tailor their services to customer needs.

Added Donald Farmer, Qlik’s US-based Vice President of Innovation and Design: “By transforming dry material such as purchasing data and customer analytics into engaging, informative digital stories and conversations, Qlik is providing Inverted Edge with the ability to tackle real and significant problems that fashion retailers face in brand new ways. In particular, we are enabling them to design fresh means of engaging with the stories we tell about ourselves, and the clothes we wear and aspire to own. It’s a fascinating approach, and a perfect partnership for Qlik.”

The digital experience will later be replicated at Manifesto, Inverted Edge e-commerce partner’s new concept store carrying international contemporary brands in Singapore’s Capitol Piazza development. Focusing on integrating both online and offline initiatives, the two retailers are aligned on their desire to create a new and different retail shopper experience over the next six months.

Interested?

Inverted Edge is at #01-11 Scotts Square
Manifesto is at #02-19, Capitol Piazza

Yii's first womenswear collection is inspired by an autistic child

Source: SHOPTHEMAG. Yii. This Spring-Summer 2015 season, SHOPTHEMAG welcomes Malaysian designer Yii, who launches his inaugural womenswear collection this season. Called 4 Years of Pito, and it is the sartorial representation of an autistic child’s mind. The drawings on the pieces from this collection are what Yii imagines would be Pito’s point of view of the world. The resulting artworks are at once chaotic and brilliant; childlike and profound; shocking and funny. To allow them to take centre stage, Yii keeps the silhouettes on almost every piece in the collection, from cocoon dresses to cropped tops, simple and clean. Yii says, “I believe in every child, there is an artist. Children are naturally curious and adventurous. Perhaps we should not grow up, then things would always appear pretty and fun.” The 4 Years of Pito Collection is sold exclusively in Singapore at shopthemag.com.

Lulu Yasmine is coming to Singapore's shopthemag.com

Source: shopthemag.com. Bali brand Lulu Yasmine, known for its use of delicate fabrics like lace, silk and chiffon, will be available to Singapore shoppers through fashion retailer SHOPTHEMAG in May 2015. Corinne Ng, Director, SHOPTHEMAG, explained that a test Lulu Yasmine collection had done very well last season. "Climate-wise, Bali is similar to Singapore, so the collections are relevant for Singaporean women. Plus, Singaporean women generally like comfort and relaxed styles, so this brand suits them to a tee,” she said. Lulu Yasmine's Creative Designer, Luiza Chang, has a Brazilian mother and a British-Chinese father. Chang was brought up in Europe as a child and has lived in Asia for over 15 years. Lulu Yasmine reflects Chang's diverse cultural background – every collection boasts a strong nomadic theme and a spirit of adventure.

Adidas launches clothing with heat management technology - in black

Source: adidas. Climachill apparel.

Adidas has launched the new Climachill apparel range, headlined by a black training t-shirt that features body heat management technology to cool wearers in hot conditions. Perfect for warm and humid climates, the adidas Climachill is designed to deliver maximum cooling benefit without compromising comfort or design.

“The body’s core temperature can increase by 3 degree Celsius when we are exercising. To maintain a stable temperature, your body needs to work a lot harder to lose excess heat. This may result in impaired physiological functions, which will ultimately affect performance,” explained Dr Maarten Hupperets, Director of Future Sport Science at adidas. “When it comes to performance, every degree matters. The Climachill apparel is the smartest and most advanced sporting product and can provide maximum cooling experience.”

Employing industry-first 3D aluminium-cooling spheres, Climachill apparel provides an instant cooling sensation upon contact. In addition to the aluminium dots, the ground-breaking SubZero flat yarn also contains titanium and is woven throughout the inside of each Climachill jersey to deliver more cooling capacity.

In Singapore, the Climachill training tee will be available at S$59, the Climachill polo retails for S$69 and Climachill tanks are priced at S$55. The Climachill product range is available at the adidas online store, adidas Sports performance stores, Sports Interlink, Sports Intersport, Sportslink outlets, Alternative Sports and Royal Sporting House retail stores.

Online fashion store KLARRA pivots to target PMEBs

Fashion e-retailer KLARRA, fronted by Singapore fashion icon and influencer Beatrice Tan, has pivoted to offer professionals, managers, executives and businesswomen timeless designer-style classics.

KLARRA’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection integrates classic lines with modern tailoring techniques for the KLARRA woman, a confident, independent individual unfazed by passing trends and undefined by age.

Source: KLARRA. KLARRA,
Fall/Winter 2014: Maeve
cross-stitched culottes,
S$39.

KLARRA currently features two lines, its namesake being the pillar of its fashion range while a conceptual line, FRONTROW by KLARRA, focuses on unique and quality fabric and prints created with a specific theme.

Source: KLARRA website.
FRONTROW by KLARRA
Spring/Summer 2015: Sanchez
neoprene sweater dress in
grey foam, S$52.

Ensembles in the FRONTROW collection include textured culottes, the Todd Tailored Culottes, crafted with crepe back satin to create an eye-catching structure. Featured in a trendy seafoam colour, this versatile piece is designed to perfectly enhance the feminine silhouette. A full range of tailored culottes, skorts and sweaters is also available.

"We want our customers to look good, and also feel good. Thus far, the response has been encouraging and we are excited to introduce more of such quality pieces to our customers,” shared Tan on KLARRA’s rebranding.

“The local fashion scene is saturated, and at KLARRA, we want to set ourselves apart from the rest. We decided the best way to do this was to introduce apparel focusing on quality and design. To bring unique upscale designs to the market, we conceptualised the whole product line to emphasise unique fabric and workmanship." 

Browse KLARRA’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection here.

TINKR marries fashion, design and 3D printing technology

Singapore-based TINKR has shifted from providing 3D printing services to combining fashion, design and technology in ways that are ideal as one-of-a-kind corporate gifts.

"Marrying craftsmanship and technology has always been our deep rooted passion and belief, and we can't wait to share with you beautiful prints designed locally and around the region. Over the next few months, we will be collaborating with artisans and designers to bring you the finest and the freshest prints, uniquely created with a signature influence," say Founders Xiaohui and Freda in an eDM.

The two have taken six months to develop The Pocket Square and The Calligraphy Pendant. The 3D printed Pocket Squares fit in the pocket of a blazer and come in the Peak Cut, Classic Cut and the Unstructured Cut variations. These are available on TINKR's website in white nylon (S$40), wood (S$42) and gold-plated steel (S$99).

The Calligraphy Pendant is TINKR's first collaboration with calligrapher Clarence Wee of Craft Varies. Various ready-to-wear phrases are available in white nylon (S$28) and gold polished brass (S$78). A chain is included in the price.

*Images from TINKR eDM.

Spafinder outlines 2015 spa and wellness trends

Spafinder Wellness 365 has released its 12th report* on the top spa and wellness trends set to unfold in 2015.

“In our 12 years of trend-tracking, we have never seen spa/wellness concepts go so deep and global, be so meaningful and move in so many surprising, provocative directions,” said Spafinder Wellness Chief Brand Officer Mia Kyricos. “Our goal is to provide an in-depth resource and help the industry make informed decisions by analysing the social, cultural and economic shifts that fuel each trend.”

The top global spa and wellness trends for 2015 include wellness traditions from the Islamic world.

According to Spafinder, the world has as yet been not noticed what the wellness traditions of the Islamic world can offer with its "advanced food-as-medicine, and nature-based beauty and healing practices, refined for 1,000 years". The company predicts that more people will seek nutritional, beauty and “spa” traditions central to Islamic cultures in years ahead. Middle Eastern and African spices, grains and fruits will be the “superfoods,” ingredients used for both food and beauty (from camel’s milk to baobab fruit) will trend, and spas will offer more experiences like rasul/mud treatments and sand bathing.

Spafinder suggests checking out the blackseed-infused, Senegalese skincare line, Tiossan, and the planned Zulal Destination Spa (Doha, Qatar, 2017), which is to be the first retreat to immerse guests in the well-being traditions from across the Islamic world.

Blue collar wellness

According to Spafinder, blue collar wellness may soon become the norm. The company envisions free massage breaks for garment workers at a factory in Sri Lanka. A smartphone app connected to a wellness app at headquarters that reminds long-haul truck drivers of healthy menu options. 

The company notes that the first wave of workplace wellness programmes are focused narrowly on white-collar, management employees but that as employers battle the chronic disease, obesity, pain, and musculoskeletal and mental disabilities that can hit “blue collar” workers the hardest, more wellness programmes will be designed for them in the future. 

Worth watching, says Spafinder, are Volkswagen's "industrial athlete" fitness programme and the results of PPG's "Creating a Culture of Health Initiative" offered at manufacturing sites worldwide.

Beauty care all made-for-me

We’re no longer just consumers, we’re collaborators. In 2015 look for a shift from “This colour looks good on me.” to “This colour was made for me,” from “Is this moisturiser the best for my skin?” to “This moisturiser is perfectly formulated for me.” New opportunities to customise our primping and self-care experience will arise. We’ll see more beauty brands using in-store computer technology to create personalised solutions, more online skin coaching and more spas will let clients create bespoke everything.

Spafinder recommends Mink, a personal 3D makeup printer using cosmetic-grade inks, as an illustration of this trend.

It's probiotics time

“Listen to your gut…” usually means follow your best instincts, but it is one of the hottest trends for 2015. Look for an ongoing focus on the science of the gut and efforts to prove that by altering its make-up (aka “microbiome”) we can take our health and beauty to new levels, improve our immunity and resilience, reduce our chances for obesity and even create a happy and healthy mind. We’ll see more testing that proves the link between our gut and how we look and feel; there will be no stopping the proliferation of probiotics in what we drink, eat and put on our skin; and more spas (some of who have been on to this for decades) will offer ways to heal our leaking guts.

Luxury redefined

Extraordinary affluence, an appetite for the different and new, a zeal for documenting epic experiences and the search for solitude and silence are fueling a new trend: the quest for “Beyond the Stars” experiences– where air, light and breathing room are the new luxury, and authentic and novel destinations are the holy grail of travel. With this shift, the luxury travel industry will be challenged to top itself with even more spectacular offerings and dazzle us with spectacular offerings and experiences.

An example of an upcoming luxury destination of this nature is Amenoi Resort in Vietnam, Spafinder noted.

Read the report here. 

*The report is based on surveys with the company’s network of consumers, travel agents and spa/wellness businesses conducted over the last year. 

Roots opens flagship store in Beijing

Roots, a lifestyle apparel brand which also offers shoes and bags, has marked its success in Asia with its first flagship store in Beijing. In addition to the same Roots products available in the company's stores in Canada and the US, the Beijing store features a specialty athletic collection unique to Asia.

Source: Roots Tumblr. The Beijing store.

"It's extremely gratifying for us to see how much Canada and the Roots brand resonate with the Chinese," says Co-Founder Michael Budman. "The new store in Beijing is an exciting step forward in our expansion in this important market. It wouldn't have been possible without the tremendous work of our Asian partner, Branded Lifestyle. Based on what's happening in both China and Taiwan, the future looks incredibly bright for Roots in Asia."

The new store in Beijing is the largest of the 23 Roots locations in mainland China. Roots opened its 100th store in Taiwan in December 2014.

Adidas Originals brings back the Superstar

Source: adidas.

This year, adidas Originals sets out to question what it means to be a superstar as part of a campaign to celebrate the legacy of the Superstar shoe, which was launched in 1969.

In a short film from adidas Originals, directed by Karim Huu Do, on what it means to be a superstar in 2015, Footballer David Beckham says: "It ’s not about trying to be the next big thing.’’ For Entertainer Pharrell Williams, "It’s not about the number of views, likes or shares’’. "It’s not about having your name on a flag or a jersey,’’ echoes pro Basketball player Damian Lillard, while singer-songwriter Rita Ora says, "It ’s not about following in someone else’s footsteps."

According to adidas, none of these superstars started out chasing fame. "Fame was a byproduct of their dedication and hard work. Whether it's 1969 or 2015 one thing is certain - there is no short cut to being a superstar," the company said in a statement.

Interested?

The Superstar Vintage pack range is now available at adidas and adidas Originals stores, retailing at S$159. Adidas stores are at Marina Bay Sands, Suntec City, Plaza Singapura, Parkway Parade, ION, Paragon, Orchard Gateway, Bugis Junction, Jurong Point, Causeway Point, and JEM; adidas Originals Stores are at JEM, 313@somerset, Pacific Plaza, Changi Airport (Terminal 1) and TANGS Orchard. The pack can also be bought at Limited Edition Stores at JEM, 313@somerset, as well as Limited Edition Chambers at Marina Bay Sands.

Watch the video here.

Hashtags: #adidas, #adidasOriginals, #Pharrell, #originalsuperstar

Groundbreaking ceremony completed for Jewel

Source: Singapore Changi Airport.

Jewel Changi Airport Trustee (JCAT)*, a joint venture between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaMalls Asia, the shopping mall business of CapitaLand, has broken ground for the construction of Jewel Changi Airport (Jewel), a mixed-use complex featuring attractions, retail offerings, a hotel and facilities for airport operations which will be developed in front of Terminal 1 (T1). 

Strategically located in the heart of the airport, Jewel is envisaged to be a world-class lifestyle destination that will enable the Changi air hub to capture passenger mindshare, and boost Singapore’s appeal as a stopover point for travellers. The integration of retail brands and unique dining concepts with indoor gardens and leisure attractions will provide visitors with a myriad of experiences all under one roof – making Jewel a one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of expansion works for T1, which will be carried out alongside the construction of the Jewel complex. The redevelopment of the 3.5 hectare (ha) site at T1, formerly an open-air car park, allows Changi Airport to expand the terminal’s footprint, thus increasing T1’s passenger handling capacity to 24 million passengers per annum**.

Designed by a consortium of consultants comprising Safdie Architects led by Architect Moshe Safdie, as well as Benoy and local architects RSP, Jewel will seamlessly integrate greenery amid other attractions and facilities within the same building. The complex – scheduled for completion by end of 2018 – will have five storeys above ground and five basement storeys, covering a total gross floor area of about 134,000 sq m.

In line with Singapore’s reputation as a garden city, Jewel will house one of the largest indoor collections of plants in Singapore – with about 22,000 sq m of space dedicated to landscaping throughout the complex***. One of Jewel’s centrepiece attractions will be the Forest Valley, a huge five-storey garden filled with thousands of trees, plants, ferns and shrubs. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature within this idyllic valley of verdant landscaping and waterfalls, and can even take a hike up the valley in air-conditioned comfort.

The other centrepiece of Jewel will be the 40m high Rain Vortex, expected to be the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Additionally, the top level of Jewel will feature park space of approximately 13,000 sq m, comprising gardens, walking trails, playgrounds and dining outlets.

To strengthen Changi Airport’s appeal as a transit hub, there will be facilities in Jewel to enhance passengers’ journey. The complex will house an integrated multi-modal transport lounge offering dedicated services for fly-cruise and fly-coach passengers, such as ticketing, issuance of boarding passes and baggage transfer services. These will allow Changi to leverage new opportunities such as the growth of Singapore as a regional cruise centre. In addition, early check-in facilities in Jewel will enable passengers to check-in for their flights and deposit their luggage ahead of the regular check-in timings - providing them with added convenience.

To widen the range of accommodation options available at the airport, Jewel will offer its own hotel with approximately 130 rooms, operated by YOTEL – an international hotel brand with an established presence in Europe and the United States of America. This provides an additional choice of accommodation for transiting travellers.

The expanded T1 Arrival Hall will be seamlessly integrated with Level 1 of Jewel while the Baggage Claim Hall will also see more circulation space and the installation of additional baggage belts, operated by an upgraded baggage handling system. At the T1 Departure Hall, a revamp of the check-in counters will take place, with the incorporation of self-service kiosks. This will improve efficiency as well as optimise the space available.

Currently, only Terminals 2 and 3 are directly linked to the Changi Airport Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. New pedestrian linkages will be constructed connecting T1 and Jewel to the MRT station, improving inter-terminal connectivity and accessibility.

Lee Seow Hiang, CAG’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Jewel Changi Airport Devt (JCAD)**** said: “An important hallmark of Changi Airport’s growth over the past thirty-odd years has been continual change and innovation. In charting the airport’s future, this spirit continues to underpin our strategy. Faced with intensifying competition, we challenged ourselves to rethink what an airport can be – not just as a gateway for flights, but as a tourism destination on its own."

Philip Yim, Chief Executive Officer of JCAD said: “Apart from distinctive design, Jewel will break new ground with its unique mix of attractions, retail and airport facilities, integrated in a way like never before to create a slew of different experiences in a single visit. Located at the doorstep of the award-winning Changi Airport, it will be a place where Singapore and the world meet."

*Jewel Changi Airport Trustee, the trustee-manager of Jewel Changi Airport Trust*****, is formed between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaMalls Asia (CMA), the shopping mall business of the CapitaLand Group. CAG is a 51% shareholder and unitholder of the joint venture entities while CMA owns the remaining 49%.

**This is 35% more than the 17.7 million passengers handled at T1 in 2013.

***Comparable to the combined space of the two indoor Conservatories at Gardens by the Bay.

****JCAD is the development and property manager of Jewel.

*****Jewel Changi Airport Trust is formed between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitaMalls Asia (CMA), the shopping mall business of CapitaLand, to jointly own Jewel Changi Airport. The other two joint venture companies are Jewel Changi Airport Trustee, the trustee-manager of Jewel Changi Airport Trust, and Jewel Changi Airport Devt, the development and property manager of Jewel. CAG is the majority 51% unitholder and shareholder of the joint venture trust and companies, while CMA owns the remaining 49%.