NEW DECOR FOR VAN CLEEF & ARPELS AT STARHILL

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
A NEW DECOR FOR THE VAN CLEEF & ARPELS BOUTIQUE AT STARHILL GALLERY, KUALA LUMPUR.

Cool, calm and classy is the new VCA boutique at Starhill

Here is where you can thrash your plastic platinum in perfect poshness!


The famous VCA logo features the obelisk in the middle of Place Vendome where VCA has its main flagship boutique in Paris

This is the private VIP Room where you can peruse and try VCA's fab bling away from prying, envious eyes!


The decor of VCA in KL has been revamped by renowned designer Anouska Hempel who I interviewed years ago as she had just redone Blakes London and I really enjoyed meeting her. She was charming, witty and fun. Well, she should be as she used to be Prince Charles' gf I am told!

She was also instrumental in creating the deluxe interiors of Blakes Amsterdam and The Hempel which happens to be owned by her and named accordingly! She was wearing vintage Bakerlite bangles which I admired and she said she would pass them to me once she tired of them but so far she must be wearing them still!

So KL is proud to have a work of art done by her which you can enter and enjoy!

I would have thought the throw cushions would be of contrasting colours or textures as they look bland as they are same color on color but then I am not the decorator

Don't you just love this ultra-luxe decor by top creator Anouska Hempel?

Class act

Here are where bejewelled dreams materialise

I love this magnificent chandelier which will look very nice in my palatial condo too

Trays upon trays of goodies!

Majestic exterior hints at jewelled grandeur inside!

Gateway to all that is beautiful and wonderful for this is what Van Cleef & Arpels promise


Van Cleef & Arpels marks the Maison’s desire to intensify its presence in  Southeast Asia
with the reopening  of  its boutique in Starhill Gallery, Malaysia. To ensure that this space
incarnates the world of Van Cleef & Arpels, its interior architecture was once again entrusted
to the renowned British designer, Ms. Anouska Hempel.

THE TIDE OF HISTORY
Loyal to the founders who moved into the prestigious Place Vendôme boutique in Paris in
1906, the new Van Cleef & Arpels boutique perpetuates the spirit of High Jewellery as an art
devoted to the glory of women.

From the Mystery Setting™ masterpieces, which borrow from an extraordinary classicism, to
the most contemporary pieces, this enchanting décor stages the designs of the Maison with as
much splendour as refinement.

The intimacy of an apartment filled with elegance, femininity,  refinement. Three words that define the Maison’s personality; three principles that govern the concept of this boutique, thought of as an apartment and designed to make each individual feel at home.

It was in this spirit that Anouska Hempel created  an intimate and cozy environment which
celebrates feminine sensibility, through interplays of contrast, transparency and colors.

SOFT SHADES IN PINK AND GREY
Pink and grey walls, champagne colored curtains and pink-grey arm chairs and sofas; these
subtle shades breathe life into the space. The combination of colors is teamed up with that of
materials, where softness takes on the qualities of  soft suede, fine leather,  rich  silk and
luscious velvet.

A WELCOMING SPACE
For this boutique, Anouska Hempel conceived a space that lends itself to an extremely fluid
visual movement. When visitors walk through the entrance of the new  boutique, they will
enter a vast yet welcoming space that encourages them to experience this new environment
fully.  A private  VIP  room allows for discreet viewing of the Maison’s jewelry and
timepieces.

OUR HERITAGE
The story of Van Cleef & Arpels begins with a wedding. In 1895, Estelle Arpels  – the
daughter of a dealer in precious stones – married Alfred Van Cleef, the son of a lapidary and
diamond-broker. Ever since 1906, when it opened its first boutique at 22 place Vendôme in
Paris, the Maison has distinguished itself as one of the world’s most exquisite jewelers and
has remained faithful to a highly distinctive style characterized by creativity, excellence,
refinement and enchantment.
*  *  *
Van Cleef & Arpels boutique
Unit G15B Indulge Floor
181 Starhill Gallery
Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS RE-OPENING AT STARHILL GALLERY IN KUALA LUMPUR

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST HALLOWED NAMES IN JEWELLERY AND STARHILL GALLERY IN BUKIT BINTANG IS THE ONLY MALL WHERE YOU CAN DROOL AND ACQUIRE STUNNING BLING AND INVESTMENT PIECES.

Grand re-opening of Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Starhill Gallery in Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur with Dato Michelle Yeoh as its guiding star. This Bond Girl ('Tomorrow Never Dies') is so luminous she gives new meaning to 'sparkle'!



Ribbon cutting ceremony to officiate the grand re-opening of Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in
Starhill Gallery, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

From Left to right :
- Mr. Brice Baudoin, President, Asia Pacific
- Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
- Dato’ Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen, Tourism Minister of Malaysia
- Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh, Group Managing Director, YTL Corporation Berhad
- Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Legénde” high jewellery collection in white gold
with 1 cushion cut sapphire 15.81 carats, round blue and mauve sapphires, baguette cut and
round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Legénde” high jewellery collection in white gold with
round and pear shaped diamonds and white mother of pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.


Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh with members of Van Cleef & Arpels management team

From Left to right :
Mr. Peter Cheung, Marketing & Communications Director, Asia Pacific
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
Mr. Brice Baudoin, President, Asia Pacific
Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white
gold with 1 cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, baguette-cut sapphires, round sapphire
gradation, baguette-cut and round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white gold
with round and pear-shaped diamonds and white mother-of-pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.


Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh and Mr. Brice Baudoin, President, Asia Pacific

From Left to right :
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
Mr. Brice Baudoin, President, Asia Pacific
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white
gold with 1 cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, baguette-cut sapphires, round sapphire
gradation, baguette-cut and round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white gold
with round and pear-shaped diamonds and white mother-of-pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.


Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh and Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia

From Left to right :
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white
gold with 1 cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, baguette-cut sapphires, round sapphire
gradation, baguette-cut and round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white gold
with round and pear-shaped diamonds and white mother-of-pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white
gold with 1 cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, baguette-cut sapphires, round sapphire
gradation, baguette-cut and round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white gold
with round and pear-shaped diamonds and white mother-of-pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.


Distinguished guests in Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in Starhill Gallery
From Left to right :
- Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
- Mr. Peter Cheung, Marketing and Communications Director, Asia Pacific
- Mr. Brice Baudoin, President, Asia Pacific
- Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh
- Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Francis Yeoh, Group Managing Director, YTL Corporation Berhad
- Dato’ Sri Dr. Ng Yen Yen, Tourism Minister of Malaysia
- Mr. Jonathan King, Managing Director, Southeast Asia
- Dato Yeoh Soo Min, Director, YTL Corporation Berhad

Datuk Seri Michelle Yeoh is wearing
-“Chinoiserie” necklace from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white
gold with 1 cushion-cut sapphire of 15.81 carats, baguette-cut sapphires, round sapphire
gradation, baguette-cut and round diamonds and red spinels
-“Oriental” earrings from the “Bals de Légende” High Jewelry collection set in white gold
with round and pear-shaped diamonds and white mother-of-pearl.
- Diamond cuff bracelet from the Perlée collection.
Van Cleef & Arpels boutique
Unit G15B & C Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery
181 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
* * *

BEST HAIRY CRABS IN SHANGHAI

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

IF YOU  ARE VISITING SHANGHAI NOW, CHECK INTO THE NEW WALDORF-ASTORIA ON THE BUND. BUT IT COSTS AROUND RM 3,000 PER NIGHT SO IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD STAYING HERE, YOU CAN STILL AFFORD EATING HAIRY CRABS IN THEIR CHINESE RESTAURANT WEI JING GE! 

YUMMY!

HAIRY CRAB CELEBRATIONS AT WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI

Shanghai gourmands celebrating the world-renowned Hairy Crab season in October and November will find the finest Hairy Crab feast at Wei Jing Ge, the signature Chinese restaurant of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.

Wei Jing Ge’s Master Chef Yuan has created a special Hairy Crab Set Menu and Hairy Crab A La Carte Menu that will be served from 1 October, 2012 until the end of the season.

Wei Jing Ge uses only the finest crab specimens from the deep, cold waters of Yangcheng Lake outside Shanghai – the very lake known to produce the world’s most sought-after Hairy Crabs. Chef Yuan’s masterful dishes elevate the succulent crab meat and roe to a sublime gourmet experience.

The Hairy Crab Set Menu features nine exquisite courses, five of which highlight generous portions of Hairy Crabmeat and roe, such as Hairy Crab Meat Soup with Green Vegetable and Baked Eggplant with Hairy Crab Meat. The menu also includes a whole large Hairy Crab, simply steamed in the classic way and served with vinegar and ginger.

A further 12 Hairy Crab dishes are available on Wei Jing Ge’s A La Carte Menu, including delicacies such as Stir-fried Hairy Crab Roe and Sautéed Turtle with Hairy Crabmeat. The Hairy Crab Set Menu is priced at RMB 688 (RM 350) per person + 15 percent (minimum four diners) and the A La Carte Menu starts at RMB 58 (RM 30) + 15 percent.

Hairy Crabs (da zhaxie), so named because of the hairs on their legs, are harvested from Yangcheng Lake in the late autumn. Each Hairy Crab weighs between 180-250 grams, and the sweet meat and rich orange roe make it a favourite seasonal dish throughout China, and the world.

Wei Jing Ge is located on the fifth floor of Waldorf Astoria’s historic building facing the Shanghai Bund. It serves authentic regional Chinese cuisine, specialising in Cantonese, Shanghainese, Sichuan and Huai Yang dishes.

Beneath a peaked roof of exposed heritage wood rafters, the intimate Chinoisserie-styled dining room is filled with fine art and antiques. Six private dining suites can host between 10 to 20 guests.

Wei Jing Ge is ultra luxurious as I had lunch there with Helen Malgrem the Business Development Manager of Waldord Astoria Shanghai who is Malaysian!

Yummy! Hairy crabs are said to be the most delicious crustaceans and it is true!

The best way to eat Hairy Crabs is to just steam it and enjoy with vinegar and ginger!
  

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

About Hilton Worldwide                                                                                                         

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92 years, Hilton

Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,700 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

REFLECTIONS OF TYPICAL SINGAPOREAN

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

REFLECTION OF A TYPICAL SINGAPOREAN THAT IS SO SPOT-ON AND HEY, CAN EVEN APPLY TO A MALAYSIAN, WHAT SAY YOU?

Enjoy and have a good laugh.... this is so funny, written by a poor
poetic Singaporean.

"I am Ong Ah Tee living in Kampong Chai Chee
Life used to be simple and HAPPY
I worked hard in my STUDIES
I learned A-B-C, and everything from 1, 2, and 3.
Primary school was quite easy I passed PSLE
Then I went to SECONDARY
The subjects include HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY
Physics, Biology and CHEMISTRY
After O levels I went to JC
They said you live in Singapore very LUCKY
This is a small humid tropical COUNTRY
Surrounded by unknown potential ENEMIES
Boys turned 18 must go to ARMY for the tour of duty
After that we may continue our Studies
The girls can just sit back, relax, and watch TV
They come to this world only to "lim kopi, kway jit chee"
No one lives on free meals or depends on CHARITY
I want to take up IT, but I had no money to go to University or Poly
So I went to work at FACTORY
Working hard to earn a little lousy SALARY
After CPF and INCOME TAX, I have just enough money to buy ROTI and ride in
MRT.
My bosses show me no SYMPATHY
Mumbling over my shoulder daily: "HURRY, HURRY and HURRY !"
Accusing me of always trying to get MC
But my sickness was due to over stretch OT
Going home after midnight by TAXI
And they pay me only bus fee
My colleague likes me because of my honesty and can easily bully
They said I don't know how to carry.
I Park-Tor and became STEADY
Finally had to MARRY
Because gahment gave baby bonus MONEY
I lost money holding Wedding Dinner PARTY
Cheeky friends donating only cheap PANTY
After marriage, nothing was EASY
In one year, I became DADDY
I can't support my family and our BABY
Being tied down for life to repay 2 rooms HDB and rising monthly utilities
to PUB
My bank account has NO MONEY
POSB balance is almost EMPTY
DBS wants to charge me EXTRA FEE
Insisting that "Nothing is FREE!"
So I moonlight as KARANG GUNI
Many times I want to jump MRT
But that is not EASY
My wife cries: "Who is going to support me and our BABY?"
So I can't MATI.
I went to seek assistance from the MP
His reply was simple and easy:
"Vote for me, vote for me, vote for me".
He never tells me any convincing Policy.
How to help the poor with more GST?
Why I cannot have pay increase but they can have increase?
Before, my MP said "Vote for me, we give you sweeties".
Now, they want to increase salary, because "You voted me".
They claim they made good economy for our country.
They benchmark themselves using GDP.
They said, "To get the best man, you have to pay high fee"
otherwise, they will join MNC.
And all your 'char bor' become maids in other COUNTRY.
Next will be the GST.
My boss say "no" to increase in salary,
It's really make me worry.
Our Health Ministry said let GP set their consultation fee.
If the GP charges high fee, don't let them see.
No money, how can healthy
If fall sick, can only mati
In hospital, can afford Class C.
I don't mind all nurses are aunty,
But only one doctor to see
No money for operation, I Tan Si"



_

PART 4; TUNKU KHADIJAH'S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

HAPPY BIRTHDAY YTM TUNKU KHADIJAH AND MANY MORE TO COME!


 
Dato Siti Nurhaliza serenading to Tunku Khadijah as her brother, 79 year old Tunku Nerang, looked on appreciatively

Dato Siti Nurhaliza shakes hands with birthday girl Tunku Khadijah


Tunku Khadijah's great friend sings a song dedicated to her

YB Dato' Syed Hamzah the brother-in-law of Tunku Khadijah also dedicated a song to her

Tunku Khadijah dances with Dato Siti Nurhaliza

Tunku Khadijah is a fab dancer!

Everyone clapped loudly as Tunku Khadijah's only brother Tunku Nerang joined her for a dance

Brother and sister waltzed as Dato Siti Nurhaliza sang! What a way to celebrate her 80th birthday!

Dato situ Nurhaliza did a fantastic job as usual, entertaining the 80 guests with her flaweless singing of Malay and English songs


Sharifah Intan, Datin Seri Lilliana, Tunku Nerang, Tunku Khadijah, Datin Sharifah Menyalara and Natasha 
The ever pretty Dato Siti Nurhaliza sang Happy Birthday to Tunku Khadijah

Listening intently to Malaysia's most celebrated songbird Dato Siti Nurhaliza

Gerald Miranda and guests at Fire Opal table
Kee Hua Chee rolled out the bling to brighten the night

My precious bling all handmade by Nathasit of Bangkok!

THE END

PART 3; TUNKU KHADIJAH'S 80TH BIRTHDAY

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

IT'S SHOWTIME!

WITH DATO SITI NURHALIZA!
\
The organisers sprang a mother of all surprises when Dato Siti Nurhaliza, Malaysia's Number One singer, appeared to perform! 
I almost collapsed from joy and almost dropped my expensive Leica!


Listening intently to Siti Nurhaliza

Laughing, loving and lapping it up!

Tunku Khadijah was totally unaware Dato Siti Nurhaliza would be performing at her 80th birthday. It was such a tightly held secret only 5 were aware!



After the singalong by Tunku Khadijah's 6 grandchildren and solo performance by Natasha, daughter of Datin Sharifah Menyalara, the guests were stunned when emcee Wan Zaleha announced the next 30 minutes would be a special performance by Malaysia's most famous, successful, prettiest and best singer of all time----Dato Siti Nurhaliza!

We all gasped as so seldom does Dato Siti Nurhaliza perform for small private parties. She is more accustomed to stadiums, locally and in Royal Albert Hall in London which I attended of course to lend my support. 

There was even a small pedestal for Dato Siti Nurhaliza to stand so everyone can have a clear view. She stood there on and off and walked around Sage. She asked Tunku Khadijah if she would like to sing but the daughter of Bapa Malaysia declined. 

The top singer picked a guest named Vivienne to dance with her and then me! As I was right in front, there was no escaping so I danced with her for a few minutes. 

Many were surprised she held my hands and pulled me onto the floor. Normally Dato Siti Nurhaliza does not touch men nor even take photos with them. But she probably considers me an honorary female so that was alright.

As it happened, I was in the loo standing by the urinal and peeing when the door opened and a venerable gentleman walked in. He saw me and exclaimed, "Oh sorry, sorry" and was about to close the door and run away when I laughed, "Hey, you are in the Gents, don't worry!"

Seeing me from the back with my lustrous long hair, he mistook me for a girl and assumed he entered the wrong toilet! I reminded him I was standing doing my business. I said, "It is a common mistake as I am more beautiful than any girl I know."

He grinned and replied cheekily, "Ah yes, I was getting attracted to you..."

That was when I decided it was time for me to flee after my pee!

Anyway, Dato Siti Nurhaliza got General Brigadier Syed Hamzah the brother-in-law of Tunku Khadijah to sing. He did and sang "You are not too young to love" but switched the 'young' to 'old'! It was a memorable number as proven by the loud applause!

Finally Tunku Khadijah was persuaded by Dato Siti Nurhaliza to dance with her. She did as Siti sang so beautifully it prompted Tunku Khadjah's brother Tunku Nerang to stand up and join her to dance! 

In her speech, Tunku Khadijah thanked everyone and said "Actually I have a small family---1 brother, 3 daughters, 1 grandson and 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandson! But I have many friends and I feel like I am loved by so many!

"My only regret is that my husband Syed is unable to attend. He has been suffering from Alzheimer's for the past few years and is now bed ridden."



Dato Siti Nurhaliza made a dramatic entrance as we heard her singing before she slowly walked in to everyone's astonishment and joy

Dato Siti singing to the birthday girl

She walks up the pedestal




















Dato Siti Nurhaliza persuaded Brigadier General Dato Syed Hamzah, the brother-in-law of Tunku Khadijah to sing along and he did, singing his version of 'You are not too young to love'.




Siti then goes looking for new victims
And finds one in Vivienne!


Dato Siti Nurhaliza wishes Tunku Khadijah a happy birthday as Tan Sri Halim looks on.

THE END