I was doing my usual rounds of blogs-hopping and realized some bloggers were talking about InTrend (a local,Malay-language lifestyle magazine) 50 choice blogs list. I hadn't realize MuseMono is in the list until someone tweeted me about it.
Now, this calls for a celebration. First a speech is in order, just like they do in the Grammy, eh?
March 2011 cover, Fouziah Gous (actress). Homigod, I flew with this girl before, we were once Malaysia Airlines cabin crew. Glad she's enjoying the limelight now.
Then, under Fashionista category, that cute little screen capture of MuseMono.com hoorayyy!! Click to enlarge, please please.
Now go grab a copy, will ya.
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?
Last October while window shopping at Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, I spotted a small Hussein Chalayan X PUMA Urban Mobility collection. There weren't many choices left (sold like hot cakes according to the SA) nor was there any much cash left in my pocket. So I picked up this practical dark grey tee for RM230. I've been admiring Hussein Chalayan's innovative approach to fashion for quite a while (Don't you think his name is so fab?). Chalayan was appointed Creative Director at PUMA in 2008.
Here are some Urban Mobility Spring Summer 2011 pieces (that I like) under Chalayan's creative direction.
Now who says sports label can't be edgy and appealing? MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?
I know I'm currently obsessed with ikat fabrics...I love the colors, the patterns, the textures. They make me happy. Very, very happy. So I brought back some swatches from Ubud, Bali.
So which one makes you very, very happy? Don't say none. Uh uh.
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?
Hello Darrlingg! I'm in Langkawi now. Ok before you say "Again another holiday?!!" let me just say this trip is purely to celebrate my godfather's birthday. Except for the fact that I extend it a little for some extra sea and sun. I mean the beaches are so lovely here it's hard to leave, ohkayy. Toodle, Darrlingg.
Hello. Namaste. It felt so surreal to finally be there, I think for a moment I had to pinch myself. The monumental, larger-than-life Taj Mahal. After years of ogling at the photos, after 5 hours of road trip. It was all worth it the moment I stood before the Taj Mahal.
I arrived at the ticketing counter as soon as it was open, which was located away from the Taj Mahal (cars were prohibited to enter beyond this point to prevent pollution that can stain the Taj's marble surface). Foreigner's ticket was about RM50, while the locals pay much less. Then a government-authorized tour guide approached me, and he quickly was appointed as my official photographer since I was alone. From the ticketing counter, I boarded a shuttle bus to reach the gate. It was only 6.30am, and the temperature was around 12 degrees, but there were many people queuing for the security check already. No bags were allowed, so keep your Birkin away Darrlingg.
From this south gate, there's a beautiful red sandstone gateway that mark the entry to the inner compound.
Once inside, the ornamental, symmetrical gardens led the focus all the way to the other far end; The ethereal-looking Taj Mahal. Made of highly translucent marble, the monument looked as if it's a painting..and floating mid air (It's raised on a platform, and Yamuna river is behind it).
Automatically I said to my tour guide, " Hello, take my picture pleaseee!"
Here's a little bit about the Taj Mahal. It was built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial for Mumtaz Mahal (his second wife) who died giving birth to their 14th child in 1631. The whole complex was completed in 1653. Soon after completion, Shah Jahan was overthrown by his own son and locked up in Agra Fort.After his death he was buried inside the Taj Mahal alongside Mumtaz. (No pictures allowed in the mausoleum area).
What caught my attention were the intricate work (and labour) involved to create this monument. Before this I've always thought the calligraphy and decoration on the walls were drawn. But I was wrong! Each one of them were painstakingly carved from marble or precious/semi-precious stones and laid inside. Can u imagine that, we're talking about 17th century technology, yet they can achieve this effect. Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture.
And of course, it's always the patterns that excite me.
The exterior floor.
The marble 'grills'. The sun casts a beautiful shadow inside. So beautiful!
The delicate details made of semi-precious stones. Some of the stones actually light up when shone upon.
After spending more than 2 hours there, I had to sadly say goodbye to this spectacular sight. I paid my tour guide for his wonderful service. In fact, having him was a good idea because it kept the other many touts away (they can be very distracting!).
So till then. It was lovely meeting you, Taj Mahal. So lovely.
Dear dame, oh how individualistic these pieces are to me. Scream undefinable. Oh dear Dame Westwood, they say one should wear clothes that define themselves, BUT what if one is defined by his/her fantasy and daydreams? One whose moods keep changing, but still refused to blend in with the crowd? Your clothes are the answer, but of course.
It's been a week since I came back from my very short trip to India. Initially I was supposed to go with a friend for 5 days, but then for some reason I had to go alone, and on top of that, another friend double booked another flight to Bali (and I didn't want to miss Bali!), so in the end, I thought to myself..ok maybe I could do it in a day and squeeze both places! Anyway, bla bla bla..I arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 8pm after a 5-hour-plus flight from KL. It was both my first time taking the Air Asia X (wide body plane) and installed in their premium seat. So I was quite surprised and of course excited that the flat-bed/seat was spacious enough, and the best part was I could fully stretch my legs and still didn't hit the wall divider in front of me. The journey was definitely pleasant and worth the additional fare.
Back in KL, I had tried to pre-arrange my 24-hour trip with so many Indian travel agencies, and finally I settled for Sejwal Holiday - which I'm so glad I did because these guys were the best and fully understood my needs - no hassle nor fuss, Sir. The airport was very modern but it's hard to get free internet! (if you don't have local phone number coz they need to send password to a local number! bla bla). Anyway, there weren't many people, so in less than 30min I was already out at the arrival hall.
Then the grueling 5-hour journey to Agra (where Taj Mahal is located) began. The road was dark, so I couldn't shoot much, and temperature was 12 degrees outside. I was driven in a small but comfy car, and I didn't sleep at all as I was so excited to see the sights on India streets and roads.
Upon arrival at Agra, I was checked into a small lodge to rest for a couple of hours - to catch Taj Mahal as easly as possible at dawn. I will post the photos in a separate posting, of course. But can you spot the Taj Mahal in this pic, Darrlingg??
After Taj Mahal, I went back to the lodge to check out, and had my breakfast : Cup noodles and many cans of Red Bull, no less (They served breakfast at the lodge but no offense, I have a sensitive stomach, Sir). Then another 5-hour return journey began, only this time it's in broad daylight, so I could take in more sights of India. We passed a 16th-century fortress of red sandstone called Red Fort of Agra, just nearby the gardens of Taj Mahal.
Everything seemed different during daytime, more people emerged on the streets. It was so busy (if not chaotic), you could see all modes of transportation on the road. Camels, cows, tractors, lorries without doors, bicycles, pedestrians, tuk-tuk with 10 people on it, even flashy big fancy cars all squeezed inches away from each other. The experience was so unique, you can't help but to realize how lucky you are to be born elsewhere - and somehow it helped me endure the 5-hour journey and not complain. I think no matter how unlucky we always feel, or how unfair life seems, or how unfabulous and unfashionable life is - nothing can compare to all this.
As you probably have seen or heard, honking is encouraged here - to prevent accidents according to my driver. Honk Honk.
A video of the street.
But sometimes our car passed the beautiful, picturesque mustard fields with blooming yellow flowers. Kilometres of them along the way. Beautiful, eh??
By the time we hit New Delhi, it was already 3pm. We stopped at the Lotus Temple, but I didn't go in because it was so crowded.
A quick stop at the emporium to pick up some fabric before my flight which departed at 9pm.
Back at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
By the time I got into the plane, I was so flat out! But it was all worth it, something that I strongly believe I must do and visit at least once!
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?
So I told ya Ubud is my favourite place to unwind. Life is slower, and less hectic than let's say Kuta or Seminyak in Bali. I mean, I could really retire here and gaze at paddy field all day. But before I could do that, there are so many days of work, blogging, traveling, shopping (?) before I hit that Golden Age. Urgh. Anyway, here are some photos I randomly picked. Me, me and me, but of course.
At the entrance of Puri Garden Hotel.I wore Ann Demeulemeester top, Gucci shades, tailored pants, C'N'C Costume National sneakers.
This is a shoestring trip, so I stayed at this inexpensive, yet pleasant hotel called Puri Garden . Puri means 'Palace' in Balinese, but for RM120 a night, you know what you should expect eh? It's located nearby my favourite cafe, Tropical View and within walking distance to the Monkey Forest road.
Walking through the paddy field has some calming effect on my shopaholic nature. Well at least I stayed away from online shopping for a while.
Ok that's not entirely true, because I did shop some fabrics at these quaint stores. This time the girls remembered me from my previous visit, so I got some discount = savings! Aiyayaya.
Shop number 2. Which colour do you prefer, Darrlingg? Black???!!
Here's looking at ya, Kid. Do you like my new pets? Here at the Monkey Forest.
On the first day, my friend and I were determined to just walk everywhere, ignoring the touts who kept offering us Taxi, Transport, Taxi every two minutes-walk. So we walked, sweated a lot (it's hilly here). Then the second day, my legs were sooo tired, I gave up and rented a motorbike for RM15 a day. Seriously, Rempit style (google it if you don't know what it means-it's fascinating!). So the bike did save us from being hassled by Taxi, Transport,Taxi touts and took us as far as the picturesque, infamous paddy terrace at Tegalalang.
Walk the runway, Darrlingg. Beautiful, eh?
Every evening I went to watch the cultural shows (one of it took place in the photo above). This was my first time seeing female musicians in fabulous, striking color combination outfits. They were so regal and poised playing the traditional instruments.
At the Semesta cafe. I wore Dries Van Noten tee, tailored pant, CNC sneakers.
Well, more photos in my FB page HERE, Darrlingg. Go!
MuseMono says it's Flash Flash! Now, what do you think, Darrlingg?
