fashion – Eris Goes To

Fufa Shoes Puchong – Comfortable and Stylish Shoes from Taiwan!

August 24, 2020August 24, 2020Posted in LifestyleTagged diary, fashion, Featured, Malaysia, Puchong, shoes, shopping, Taiwan, video, vlog4 Comments

Note: This is not a sponsored post! I showed this to N and he was like ‘did they pay you to make this’ lol. No, I just think this is a nice place to get shoes. 😛

I’m not sure if it’s the way I walk, but I go through shoes really quickly. Being on the heavier side, it’s also difficult for me to get affordable shoes with a thick sole that can support my weight. I usually go to BATA, but the quality has gone down of late, despite the prices getting higher. My current pair, which I’ve worn for a good year or so, is starting to wear down, so the Moomikins recommended I check out a place near our house called FUFA.

Usually when shoe shopping, one goes to a department store or the mall – so it was surprising to find this little shop which is located in a commercial area within a housing estate, far from shopping / business hubs. FUFA is a Taiwanese brand, and the shoes are fully made in Taiwan, then shipped to Malaysia. The brand prides itself in quality and style, and offers casual footwear for men, women and children.

Pro No.1: Perhaps it’s due to the location, but the shop is pretty empty on most days. You can shop in peace without jostling with other customers, which is great especially in the current pandemic.

Pro No.2: The staff are extremely friendly and helpful; on one occasion while looking for shoes, the Moomikins tried on almost a dozen pairs before she found the right fit. Staff were still polite and obliging. The service was equally warm during my visit, so two thumbs up for great customer service!

Pro No.3: The shoes feature beautiful, minimalist designs. Easy to pair with work clothing or for a casual day out. Most importantly, they’re comfy! Most of the shoes have thick soles that offer good support, and the material seems to be high quality. The PVC shoes are soft and feel great on the feet.

The physical store in Puchong has more women’s shoes, and they’re mostly slip-ons/ ballet flats/mocassins. Did not see any heels, but there’s a greater selection if you go to their website at fufashoesmalaysia.com.

The shoes are pretty affordable and usually go for below RM100.

Bought a pair of blue moccasins for RM89! The material is soft, pillowy and just wraps comfortably around the feet. I love the colour as well; been awhile since I had shoes that aren’t black lol.

FUFA SHOES (PUCHONG)

58, Jalan Putra Impiana, Taman Putra Impiana, 47100 Puchong, Selangor

Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM (closed Wednesdays)

https://www.facebook.com/FufaPuchongMalaysia

You Can Now “Wear” Hup Seng and Gardenia Bags!

June 21, 2020Posted in FoodTagged creative, creativity, design, fashion, fashion design, Featured, food, Malaysia, nostalgia, trendLeave a comment

Remember last year’s Indomie-inspired shoes by Indonesian designer Jonathan Gustana? If not, here’s a refresher:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Simply (@mr.s.custom)

Indomie is probably Indonesia’s most popular instant noodle, renowned across the world. The 20 pairs of customised Nike Air Jordans went for 3.3 million rupiah (RM 988) each, and they were sold out within two days.

Taking a leaf out of the food-into-fashion trend, Batu Pahat-based designer Wan’s Handmade has turned two beloved Malaysian staples – Hup Seng Cream Crackers and Gardenia Bread – into wearable fashion! The project, part of Wan’s Plastic Reborn Project utilises packaging from these brands to create adorable and nostalgic bags, giving them a new lease of life.

Of course, people are going crazy for the bags – who doesn’t love Hup Seng ? Founded in the 1950s in Batu Pahat by four brothers, the brand is an iconic part of every Malaysian’s childhood – there’s nothing more satisfying than dunking these crackers into Milo for breakfast, or as a tea time snack.

Gardenia, of course, is another staple of Malaysian life. It was so sought after during the quarantine, the company actually had to step up production to meet demands – so it’s only fitting that you can show your love for the brand by wearing it as a fanny pack or crossbody bag lol.

The Plastic Reborn Project bags are priced from RM79. Orders can be made via Wan’s Facebook page or Instagram.

*Photos courtesy of Wan’s Handmade’s Facebook page.

FERN launches Hari Raya Collection, Inspired by Morocco

March 30, 2020March 30, 2020Posted in LifestyleTagged collection, design, Eid, fashion, Featured, geometric, Hari Raya, Lifestyle, Malaysia, Morocco, patterns, prints2 Comments

Hey guys! I hope you’re all holding up well, wherever you are.

Hari Raya (Eid), which falls on May 23 this year, is just around the corner. Obviously it’s going to be a subdued affair – but I figured we all need something other than depressing reports on COVID 19, so here’s some exciting news for the fashionistas.

Known for its elegant batik wear, local design house FERN has announced its latest Raya collection called The Moroccan Series – inspired by the landscape, beautiful nature, people as well as rich culture, history and traditions of Morocco. Blending Moorish architecture and nature motifs, the collection will feature FERN’s trademark designs blended with a variety of elements, from the landscapes of the Sahara desert and Atlas Mountains, the night sky filled with stars and the beautiful damask rose, to the intense blue tones of the little town of Chefchaouen, palm trees towering over its streets, and beautiful mosaic patterns filling the Medina of Fez.

Fern Chua, founder and designer of Fern, says the inspiration for the collection came from a visit to Morocco last year.

“There is a certain charm to the elements found in Morocco. Being a Muslim country, there are many similar motifs that are also found here in Malaysia. A keen eye could see the interpretation and use of Islamic geometric influence in most Muslim countries. Combining local and foreign silhouettes while staying true to the FERN identity proves to be my biggest challenge. The similarities between the two countries is what I look to connect with for my Raya collection this year through the Moroccan Series,” she says.

The Moroccan Series Raya collection will showcase 15 patterns which entails a mix of block prints and abstract prints drawn from the Sahara, palms and roses, and will have up to 20 looks – FERN’s biggest collection yet. Made with high quality natural materials and designed with versatility in mind, the Raya 2020 collection aims to create unique looks for individuals from all walks of life. In addition to the collection, a range of jewellery made by local Moroccan artists are also introduced to complete the looks.

Pre-orders for The Moroccan Series can be made online now on fern.gallery.

Here are some more of my favourite looks from the collection! I like how some of them are suitable even for daily wear.

**Photos courtesy of FERN.

Hilton Kuala Lumpur Launches Tropical Allure – A Mid-Autumn Series Collaboration With Malaysian Designer Christy Ng

July 12, 2019Posted in Events/Happenings, Food, LifestyleTagged Chinese, Chinese food, culture, design, designer bag, dessert, event, fashion, Featured, food, Hilton Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Lifestyle, Mid Autumn Festival, Mooncakes, pastry, tradition3 Comments

Hey guys!

With the Mid-Autumn Festival just two months away, some hotels and brands are already rolling out their mooncakes. Fans of Hilton Kuala Lumpur‘s mooncakes will recall their unique collection of mooncake boxes last year, which were designed in collaboration with Khoon Hooi (they were absolutely gorg, by the way).

This year, the hotel has teamed up with Malaysian shoe designer Christy Ng for their Tropical Allure series – a beautiful mooncake box that looks great on its own as a statement piece.

Available in two colours – Crimson Red and Royal Purple – the rounded faux leather bag features hibiscus prints paired with gilded zippers and trimming. Aside from hand-carry, the bag can also be converted into a crossbody bag by attaching a handbag strap (sold separately for RM20). Each box comes with four pieces of Chef’s choices’ baked mooncakes at RM168. The Snow Skin Package retails for RM178, with any choice of four pieces of snow skin mooncakes. If you just want the bag and not the mooncakes, its RM148.

Classy and elegant!

The Hibiscus print also matches the hotel’s signature snowskin mooncake – the Chynna Rose (after China Rose, another name for the hibiscus flower, with ‘Chyna’ being the name of the hotel’s Chinese restaurant).

The Chynna Rose features lusciously smooth lotus paste infused with ginseng, tart hibiscus jam and crispy almond nibs, all encased within a subtle lavender-hued snow skin.

I’ve never been a big fan of mooncakes because of how sweet they are (you tend to feel queasy after a few bites), but the Chynna Rose is not overly sweet, and the tartness of the jam is rather refreshing.

Hilton KL chefs demonstrating how they create their signature snow skin mooncakes during the launch of the series.

The wooden molds that are used to get perfectly shaped mooncakes. The chef explained that traditionally you’re supposed to knock three times to get the mooncake out of the mold, but I can’t remember why lol.

Aside from Chynna Rose, you can also opt for the hotel’s other renowned snow-skin flavours, such as the Heavenly Gold (Snow Skin with Pure Premium Musang King Durian – RM56), Blue Moon (Snow Skin Amaretto Lotus Paste with Blueberry Cheese Feuillantine – RM35) and Flower Drum (Snow Skin Lotus Paste with Soft Custard Egg Yolk – RM35).

For those who prefer the classics, there is Baked White Lotus Paste (RM35), Baked Pandan Paste with Single Yolk (RM35), Baked Red Bean Paste with Almond Flakes (RM35) and Traditional-style with Five Nuts Mix (RM38).

(From left) Hilton Regional General Manager Jamie Mead, model, designer Christy Ng, Director of Business Development Alex Cotterill and Director of Marketing and Comms Eugene Oelofse.

The Tropical Allure series is available for purchase at the pop-up store in Hilton Kuala Lumpur’s lobby until 13 September 2019, as well as at major shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur (23 August – 12 September 2019), Mid Valley Megamall (22 August – 13 September 2019) and One Utama Shopping Centre (29 August – 12 Sepetember 2019). Alternatively, order online at takehome.hiltonkl.com, call +60322642006 or email kulhi_chynna@hilton.com.

*Photos not watermarked courtesy of Hilton Kuala Lumpur.

Salvatore Ferragamo’s 2017/2018 Pre-Fall Collection

May 25, 2017May 25, 2017Posted in LifestyleTagged Fall collection, fashion, Featured, Italian, luxury, luxury brand, Salvatore Ferragamo, shoes, women's shoes1 Comment

Fans of Salvatore Ferragamo are in for a treat, as the Italian luxury brand celebrates a new chapter in its history with the debut of their Pre-Fall 2017/18 Women’s Footwear Collection – the first created by Paul Andrew, the category’s newly appointed design director.

The new designs see Andrew putting to centerstage founder Salvatore Ferragamo’s lifelong dedication and obsession with craftsmanship, innovation and fit – essential values that were as vital to the craft today as it was in 1927, when the brand was founded.

High tech meets high-craft in a series of sharply punctuated groups, where Andrew harnesses state-of-the-art technology and the savoir-faire of Italy’s finest artisans. Timeless icons and design gestures have been reimagined and recast, from the signature black and gold and a ‘column heel’ from the late 1930s, to a reconceived ‘F’ wedge and the new flat: A sneaker in Neoprene or technical stretch rib knit.

Fit standards have also been adjusted for today’s global clients, motivated by the belief that the success of a design is measured not only through its visual evidence, but also its experience.

“My concept for the collection was simply to highlight the fundamentals that made Salvatore such a profound and groundbreaking presence in his field and to express those values through designs that are relevant to a new generation of strong, discerning women.” – Paul Andrew

The pre-fall 2017/18 Women’s Footwear Collection is available to purchase in stores and online at ferragamo.com.

Kuala Lumpur outlets:

Bukit Bintang: 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, Lot 2.20 & 3.22, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mid Valley: Mid Valley City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, G-220, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Suria KLCC: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, G32, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Anna Sui X FitFlop – Designer Collection

December 4, 2016November 30, 2016Posted in LifestyleTagged Anna Sui, beauty, design, fashion, Featured, FitFlop, Lifestyle, shoes, style, trends1 Comment

If you haven’t heard of Anna Sui…. where have you been? She’s only one of the ‘Top 5 Fashion Icons of the Decade’, with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America, alongside other fashion greats like Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren. Her fashion empire is estimated at over $400mil, covering cosmetics, fragrances, eyewear, jewellery, accessories, gifts and footwear.

FitFlop, the British shoe company, recently did a collabo with Anna Sui to launch a line of must-have ballerinas and sandals. This is the company’s third time working with the renowned fashionista, and it promises some beautiful, eye-catching designs that will have your friends looking at your feet in envy…

Lattice Ballerina Navy – love the pineapple prints!

Looks are not all there is to these flops – they’re laced with the brand’s signature Supercomff Tech, which makes the shoes lightweight and diffuses areas of high pressure, making them comfy to wear all day long.

Lattice Ballerina White

Same print, different design, more ways to wear – the Skinny Aqua is a perfect pair to wear while strolling on the beach or for a casual day out.

Skinny Navy

Last but not least, Printed Ballerina Aqua…

and Printed Ballerina Midnight Navy.

Prices in Malaysia range from RM439 – RM699, and you can buy them from FitFlop Malaysia. List of stores on their Facebook page.

So, which one’s your fave? Lemme know in the comments below! 🙂

Piaget Style Icon – Jackie Kennedy

November 30, 2016November 30, 2016Posted in Lifestyle, MoviesTagged accessories, fashion, Jackie Kennedy, jewelry, luxury, movie, Piaget, style, timepieces, watches1 Comment

She was a media darling and one of the most photographed ladies in America in the 1960s. Even today, her influence resonates through in modern fashion and pop culture. She gave us the signature sleeveless A-line dresses, above the elbow gloves, low heel pumps, clean cut suits with skirt hem to the middle of the knee, and pillbox hats. I’m talking about Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, First Lady, or Jackie as she is fondly known among the masses.

Pablo Larrain’s latest feature film, Jackie, offers a new take on this well-loved American cultural and style icon. Starring Natalie Portman, the movie is a blend of fiction and nonfiction, an unflinching portrait of a woman in the public eye as the wife of one of America’s most well-known presidents, John F Kennedy. The story follows the last four days in Jackie’s life before the assassination of her husband.

The character is well known for her elegant fashion and accessories, including some fine time pieces. In the film, she will be wearing her original gold Piaget watch and other jewelry pieces. Here’s a look at the watch, re-released to coincide with the film:

9804-a6-jade-lr

Featuring an oval jade dial set with diamonds and green tourmalines, the watch is fitted with a supple fabric-like bracelet made from gold mesh – highlighting the brand’s fine goldsmithing techniques and beautiful coloured stones. There are also two other versions, one in blue and other in red.

The collection will be available for sale from January 2017 onwards.

piaget.com

National Textile Museum, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

November 26, 2016November 25, 2016Posted in Malaysia, TravelTagged art, Asia, culture, design, fashion, Featured, history, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, museum, Muzium Tekstil Malaysia, National Textile Museum, photography, Southeast Asia, textile, travelLeave a comment

Ever since the dawn of man, we’ve used all manner of materials to clothe ourselves – from tree bark and fur to flax, cotton and silk. In the early days, perhaps this was more a necessity to protect against the elements; but as human culture and civilization grew, textiles became richer and more detailed: a symbol of wealth and power, or as an important part of religious and social rituals

The National Textile Museum in Kuala Lumpur offers visitors a chance to look at the rich history and awesome art behind the textiles of this region. It’s a great place to check out if you’re ever in the Merdeka Square area.

The museum itself was opened in 2010, but the building’s history dates way back to 1905. Originally built to house the headquarters of the Federated Malay States Railways, it shares the same Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture like the Sultan Abdul Samad Building just across the road. Later, it would house the Selangor Public Works department, the Malaysian Central Bank, Agricultural Bank of Malaysia, Malaysian Craft and High Court.

Entrance to the museum is free.

Spanning two floors, the exhibits are divided into several galleries. We start off by checking out the lovely prints, techniques and materials used in the production of Malaysian Batik. Widely considered a national heritage, this unique textile is made by using wax-resist dyeing. The artist will draw patterns with a tool called canting, or print them with a stamp. Since the wax resists dyes, it allows the maker to soak the cloth in one color, remove the wax with boiling water, and then repeating the process until a colourful tapestry is achieved.

Caustic soda, coloured salts, stones and other materials used to create dyes.

‘Stamping’ a cloth with a copper mold in order to achieve a consistent pattern.

Hand-drawn with the canting technique.

Display of silk and cotton threads, looms and sewing tools.

The Straits Chinese of Malacca – Chinese immigrants who assimilated with local Malay culture – have unique textiles of their own that adopt both Malay and Chinese elements. The clothing of the Baba Nyonya are usually elaborate, with loads of embroidery and detailing.

The Tekat Gubah, found within Straits Chinese and Malay communities, is an embroidered piece which uses metal filaments of gold, silver and coloured threads to create designs on the cloth. The base is usually silk or velvet.

From East Malaysia, a display of the Marek Empang from the Iban tribe – beaded collars worn around the shoulders to form beautiful patterns. These are usually done in white, red, yellow and red, and are part of the Iban traditional costume.

Baju Berayat (Scripted Vest), a silk red vest with inscriptions of Allah on it. Said to provide protection to its wearer.

A section displaying the traditional costumes of the different ethnic groups in Malaysia.

There was also a gallery dedicated to jewellery, accessories and ornaments. One really marvels at the exquisite skill of the craftsmen of old. How did they manage to achieve such a level of detailing without machines?!

Gold and metal belts.

A 100-year-old gold modesty disc, worn by Indian girls and made by Indian craftsmen in Penang, circa 1900s.

Brooches, pins, rings and other ornaments.

A Taia Bubut necklace, worn by Bidayuh warriors for rituals. The necklace is made from shells, beads, glass and brass bells tied to rattan.

Also on display are weapons such as the Mandau – an Iban sword, complete with sheathe.

Sa’Ong Inu, a wide hat used by the Orang Ulu for shade.

The Malays of old wore the Tengkolok as part of their daily attire. This turban-like headgear differed according to state with a unique way of wrapping it, and they often came in a variety of colours.

The National Textile Museum offers an interesting insight into the country’s culture and history, told through textile. Admission is free, so feel free to pop in if you’re ever in the area. You can also do sightseeing at the nearby Music Museum, Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building. 🙂

NATIONAL TEXTILE MUSEUM

26, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur City Centre,

50000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Open daily: 9AM-6PM

Phone: +60 3-2694 3457