IN THE NEWS

Sephora Singapore Partners With Atome In Offering Buy Now, Pay Later Payments

French prestige beauty retail giant integrates Atome’s flexible payments across its e-commerce website, mobile app and brick & mortar stores in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 18 November 2020 — French prestige beauty retail giant Sephora Singapore has partnered with buy now pay later service Atome to offer customers flexible payment options across its e-commerce website, mobile app and brick & mortar stores in Singapore.

Sephora is the world’s leading prestige beauty retailer with over 2,600 stores in 38 markets, offering customers a unique retail experience with innovative services and nearly 300 beauty brands, including Sephora’s own brand, Sephora Collection. In Singapore, Sephora has 12 physical outlets, an e-commerce website and mobile app, which offer a range of products including makeup, skincare, fragrance, haircare, bath and body and more.

Alia Gogi, President of Sephora Asia, said: “The shopping behaviour and profile of Sephora customers has evolved in the last few years, but especially so this year. They now not only expect a secure, seamless and easy payment experience but also flexibility and choice in how they shop and pay for their beauty products online, on mobile and in-stores. We’re delighted to partner with Atome in introducing ‘buy now pay later’ flexible payment options to first our Singapore -- and later Malaysian -- customers, enhancing their shopping experience both online and in our stores.”

Atome, a leading “buy now pay later” technology company headquartered in Singapore, launched its service in December 2019 and now partners 1,500 online and offline retailers across verticals including fashion, beauty, homeware and lifestyle. Atome allows customers to split their purchases into three equal payments over time with zero interest, hidden charges or annual fees. Atome has since expanded to Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

David Chen, CEO of Atome, said: “We’re really humbled to partner Sephora, a global brand that is not only a leader in beauty and retail, but is also constantly evolving and staying on the forefront of the latest consumer shopping behaviours and payment trends. We’re thrilled to be able to offer Sephora customers in Singapore, and later Malaysia, a safe, easy and flexible payment experience, especially as we enter the festive end-of-year shopping season.”

SINGAPORE

Arts House Limited Organisers Of The Singapore International Festival of Arts 

Just like the opening line of Queen's rock anthem Bohemian Rhapsody "Is this the real life? Is this the Fantasy?", it sure feels like we've been living in an alternate universe. To help you escape from this fantasy/nightmare of having no live performances nor international travel, we invite you to join our virtual rhapsody with SIFA v2.020's lineup of musical programmes available online.  

From full-length concerts staged in past festivals, to exclusive live-streamed performances, and even Spotify playlists of song recommendations, enjoy these offerings from the comfort of your own home: 

THAILAND

Sophisticated cicchetti and narrative-led cocktails by Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants

BANGKOK, NOVEMBER 2020 – Channelling the elegance of a well-heeled traveller with a soft spot for la sua preferita Italy, Ms.Jigger comes to life as a narrative-driven cocktail bar and restaurant. As the connoisseur of curiosities, the venue conjures up inventive cocktail flavours and dining experiences at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok in Langsuan, the first property under IHG’s luxury boutique brand in South East Asia.

“Every Kimpton restaurant and bar is created to be warm, welcoming and inspiring with incredible cuisine and forward-thinking cocktails. Whether it is menus that celebrate organic, local ingredients, artisanal wine and cocktails programmes, or thoughtfully-appointed interiors with stylish decor, no two venues are ever alike. What unites them is the Kimpton commitment to deliver its heartfelt, human connections, making our award-winning restaurants beloved the world over.” said Patrick Both, General Manager, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.

The rich, warm aromas of baking dough crusts, fresh oregano and melted cheese waft through the evening air, a precursor to the tantalising cicchetti that provide delicious accompaniment to Ms.Jigger’s artful drink selection. In the kitchen, famed Italian chef Danilo Aiassa combines the freshest local ingredients with traditional culinary techniques and influences from Piedmont in northwest Italy, where he was born and raised, to create tantalising fare bursting with authentic Italian flavours. In the kitchen as much as he is in the restaurant, Chef Danilo feeds and fuels the ambience with the passion for the food he creates. Made for sharing amongst friends, each dish comes in small tasting portions.

“The vision for Ms.Jigger is that of adventure, intrigue and prandial pleasure. From the Kimpton philosophy of sourcing locally to using the freshest of ingredients to make authentic Italian cichettis just right for sharing, the intimate setting of Ms.Jigger flows all the way down to the great food and story-driven cocktails said Danilo Aiassa, Head Chef, Ms. Jigger, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok.

In true Venetian fashion, whet the appetite with a refreshing bruschetta starter of Homemade Ricotta Spianata Romana, toasted sourdough bread slathered with housemade Ricotta cheese, spicy salami and fresh chopped parsley, chased by a crisp Italian white. As conversations take a livelier turn, nibble on Polpette al Sugo Piccante con Pecorino Romano, moreish meatballs with spicy tomato sauce and pecorino cheese, or Arancini Funghi Selvatici e Tartufo, a crispy treat of risotto rice with a hidden kick of wild mushrooms and black truffles in every bite. Alternatively, select the 24-Month Parma Ham, an authentic hand-tossed pizza served with creamy mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and succulent slices of parma ham, aged for 24 months for a richer, more complex flavour and perfect for sharing.

In the bar, led by Thai-French head bartender Lorianne Spach, the bar crew are embodiments of Ms.Jigger’s cosmopolitan spirit. Together, they are responsible for creating and delivering exquisite cocktails that immerse drinkers in the stories held within their glasses. The bar’s premium artisanal ice programme, where the crew uses a Clinebell to create pure, diamond-clear ice that is harder and colder than regular ice, elevates the flavours and aesthetics of the cocktails. 

The cocktail menu is styled after a vintage map describing the tale behind each captivating concoction. The Terra-Abruzzo paints a dreamy picture of a slow, barefoot wander through an ancestral Italian vineyard; its aromatic blend of Alpine gin, pine liqueur, green chartreuse, rosemary and raspberry oleo evoke memories of late summer days and sun-warmed skin. Meanwhile, familiar cocktails are offered Shaken (lighter, usually with citrus) or Stirred (more spirit forward).

Bespoke, single-batch and rare spirits collected from around the world line the bar’s back shelves which doubles up as the ‘Spirits Library’, while a floor-to-ceiling wine cooler brimming with organic, biodynamic and Italian wines takes centre stage under the gaze of the resident sommelier. Elegant spirit and cocktail Tableside Trolleys glide across hardwood floors to deliver the quintessential bar experience to guests, while larger carafes and punch bowls serve groups cocooned within the private terrace. 

Ms.Jigger is open from 11.30am to 2.30pm for lunch and from 5:30pm to midnight for dinner, Monday to Sunday (closed on Tuesdays).  Reservations can be made at +66 (0)2 056 9999 or email taste.kimptonmaalai@ihg.com. For more information, visit www.kimptonmaalaibangkok.com/bangkok-restaurants/ms-jigger.

IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures at all its hotels worldwide. This is being extended with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices, in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab and Diversey, as well as introducing the IHG Clean Promise. For more information, please visit http://www.ihg.com/clean.  

INTERNATIONAL

CONNAUGHT BAR IN LONDON IS NAMED THE WORLD’S BEST BAR, SPONSORED BY PERRIER, AS THE WORLD’S 50 BEST BARS LIST 2020 IS REVEALED

* Connaught Bar, London, ranks No.1 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 and is also The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Perrier 

* The 2020 list features bars from 23 countries, with 11 new entries spread across Australia, Colombia, Greater China, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and UK

• Drinks sector activist and educator Ashtin Berry is named the Roku Industry Icon

• Alquímico, Cartagena, clinches Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award 

• Tayēr + Elementary, London, secures Disaronno Highest New Entry Award 

• Coa in Hong Kong takes Nikka Highest Climber Award 

• High Five, Tokyo, is named Heering Legend of The List 

• Kwānt, London, is awarded London Essence Best New Opening Award 

• Dante, New York, is The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry 

• Atlas, Singapore, is The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Rémy Martin 

• Maybe Sammy, Sydney, is The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Torres Brandy 

• Zuma, Dubai, is The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa, sponsored by Matusalem 

• Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, is The Best Bar in South America, sponsored by iichiko Saiten 

Other special awards announced in the run-up to the event on 5th November include Maybe Sammy, Sydney, winner of Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award; Galaxy Bar, Dubai, winner of Campari One To Watch Award; and Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni of Florería Atlántico, Buenos Aires, winner of Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award. The 51-100 list 2020, presented in association with Mancino Vermouth, was released the week before the virtual ceremony. 

The list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020, sponsored by Perrier, was announced in an online awards ceremony on 5th November at 3pm UK time. During extensive consultations with industry figures, its  Academy Chairs, bar owners, bartenders and partners, the 50 Best organisation received widespread support for releasing a ranking that aims to bind the community even closer together and provide positive news for bars as they enter the next stage of recovery from the global pandemic. 

The 12th edition of the annual ranking features bars from 23 countries and sees London’s Connaught Bar clinch the No.1 spot and take home The World’s Best Bar and The Best Bar in Europe awards. 

Under the masterful leadership of Agostino Perrone, the venue’s Director of Mixology, Connaught Bar stays true to its principles of presenting artful drinks with graceful service in an elegant setting. Designed by the late David Collins, the Cubist-inspired bar celebrated its 10th year in 2018 and is known for its unique Martini trolley, where bartenders give a personalised drinks experience to guests. 

At No.2 is last year’s winner Dante, New York, which also takes The Best Bar in North America title, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry. Coming in at No.3 is The Clumsies, Athens, while Singapore’s Atlas lands at No.4 and is The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Rémy Martin. 

Mark Sansom, Content Editor for The World’s 50 Best Bars, says: “We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the venues on the 2020 list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. We are continually heartened by the industry’s resilience and positivity as countries continue to operate in varying degrees of recovery. Hats off to Connaught Bar, undoubtedly one of the finest cocktail bars of our time. The institution has earned a place on the list every year since 2010 and it has gradually grown in stature to become the world-beating bar it is today. Ago Perrone and his team are dedicated to excellence and look at every element of the guest experience to choreograph a faultless service. The Martinis aren’t bad, either.” 

“We at 50 Best hope that the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 will act as a show of strength for the global bar community. It displays to the world that even in the face of the ever-shifting challenges and restrictions being thrown at them, bars are still doing everything that they can to continue to provide great hospitality experiences. As we move into the next stages of international recovery, it is vital to get the message out that bars are open for business and ready to receive guests safely and securely.” 

Elisa Gregori, Perrier International Business Unit Director, says: “On behalf of Perrier – and as the leading partner of The World’s 50 Best Bars and 50 Best for Recovery – we feel proud of the strong collaboration, solidarity and funds we have raised together helping the heart of international bar community. This year, we are particularly proud to show our appreciation to all the bars that have made the list during such a hard time. The pandemic has heavily impacted the entire hospitality industry and the situation remains shaped by uncertainty, yet the industry is adapting quickly and we believe it will return stronger after these difficult times.” 

Europe (21 bars) The UK leads Europe with nine bars on the list and Connaught Bar as The Best Bar in Europe, sponsored by Perrier. London’s Tayēr + Elementary wins Disaronno Highest New Entry Award at No.5 and Kwānt clinches London Essence Best New Opening at No.6. Other London bars on the list include American Bar at No.20, Lyaness at No.29, Swift at No.33, Three Sheets at No.34 and Artesian at No.41. Edinburgh’s Panda & Sons (New Entry) completes the UK’s showing at No.32. 

Greece sees two bars from Athens on the list, The Clumsies with a record-high position at No.3 and Baba au Rum at No.31; while Spain takes three spots with Barcelona’s Paradiso at No.19 and Two Schmucks(New Entry) at No.26, as well as Madrid’s Salmón Gurú at No.22. Italy boasts two bars, with Milan’s 1930 at No.25 and Rome’s Drink Kong (New Entry and last year’s Campari One To Watch) at No.45. 

France, Russia, Norway, Sweden and Germany each have one bar on the list, with Paris’ Little Red Door at No.24, St Petersburg’s El Copitas at No.27, Oslo’s Himkok at No.30, Stockholm’s Tjoget at No.36, and Berlin’s Buck & Breck at No.37. 

North and South America (10 bars) New York’s Dante is The Best Bar in North America, sponsored by Asahi Super Dry, at No.2 in the global ranking. Four other bars from New York make the list this year, including Attaboy at No.12, Nomad Bar at No.13, Katana Kitten at No.16 and Employees Only at No.38. 

Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires places No.7 and is named The Best Bar in South America,sponsored by iichiko Saiten. This is followed by Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour at No.17, Lima’s Carnaval at  No.21, Cartegena’s Alquímico (New Entry and Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award winner) at No.47 and Buenos Aires’ Presidente at No.50. 

Asia (15 bars) Singapore’s Atlas at No.4 is The Best Bar in Asia, sponsored by Rémy Martin. Also from Singapore, Jigger & Pony places No.9, while Manhattan and Native take No.14 and No.18 spots respectively. 

China leads the way in Asia with five bars on the list, including Hong Kong’s Coa at No.8 (Nikka Highest Climber Award) and The Old Man at No.15. Shanghai’s Sober Company is placed at No.42, and from Taipei, Indulge Experimental Bistro is at No.43 while Room by Le Kief (New Entry) enters the list at No.46. 

Japan sees three bars from Tokyo on the list, including The SG Club at No.10, Bar Benfiddich (New Entry) at No.40 and High Five at No.48. Thailand, Malaysia and South Korea host one new bar each on the list, namely Bangkok’s The Bamboo Bar (New Entry) at No.35, Kuala Lumpur’s Bar Trigona (New Entry) at No.44 and Seoul’s Charles H (New Entry) at No.49. 

Australia (3 bars) and Middle East (1 bar) Australia places three bars from Sydney, with Maybe Sammy taking The Best Bar in Australasia, sponsored by Torres Brandy, at No.11; Cantina OK! (New Entry) at No.28; and Bulletin Place at No.39. From United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s Zuma is The Best Bar in the Middle East and Africa, sponsored by Matusalem, at No.23. 

Special Awards Ashtin Berry from the US is named the Roku Industry Icon. For this award, the 540-strong voting Academy is asked to give the name of one person who has done more for the progress of the bar industry than any other individual. Berry is a hospitality activist and educator, dedicated to creating safe and equitable workspaces in the bar and restaurant sectors. She is a celebrated bartender, a WSET Level Three sommelier and founder of Resistance Served, an annual food and beverage symposium focused on positive progress in the hospitality industry.  

Tayēr + Elementary in London secures the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award and ranks at No.5 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020 list. The award is given to a bar entering the list at the highest position for a new entry. Co-owned by industry legends Monica Berg and Alex Kratena, the drinks at Tayēr + Elementary are approachable but multi-layered with unexpected flavour combinations. Elementary is a casual, easy-going space with floor-to-ceiling windows, serving cocktails on tap, beer, wine, coffee and snacks. Behind the concrete partition is Tayēr, a darker, moodier, more serious space, where drinks have no names; rather they are simply displayed as a list of ingredients. 

Also from London, Kwānt wins London Essence Best New Opening at No.6. This award is given to a bar with the highest position in the list that has opened in the last 18 months. The subterranean spot was founded by Erik Lorincz, famed for his work at The Savoy’s American Bar. Head through the Moroccan-styled restaurant to an unassuming door, which gives way to striking tropical décor. Perfectly attired bartenders serve up Lorincz’s carefully curated drinks list, including the selection of ‘Japanese Highball’, spritzes and classical twists that showcase inventive combinations of flavours using Lorincz’s storied collection of vintage spirits. 

Coa in Hong Kong takes the Nikka Highest Climber Award, rising 41 places to claim the No.8 spot. Named after the machete-like tool for harvesting agave, the Mexican-inspired cocktail bar was a game changer for the city when it opened in 2017, with a menu that focuses on 100% agave tequila, traditional mezcal and cocktails inspired by the flavours of Mexico. 

High Five, Tokyo, is named Heering Legend of The List. This award is given to a bar that has performed most consistently in the list since its inception and can only be won once. A basement in Ginza is home to Hidetsugu Ueno’s famous ice-carving prowess and sophisticated cocktails. The combination of Japanese bartending techniques plus modified classic recipes has resulted in High Five being a regular in The World’s 50 Best Bars list since it opened a decade ago. 

Alquímico (New Entry), Cartagena, clinches the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award. Spanning two storeys and a rooftop, this new entry at No.47 showcases a cocktail selection that is prepared with experimental techniques and local ingredients, as well as a sustainability programme that is the first of its kind. In March 2020, the team at Alquímico, led by bar owner Jean Trinh, travelled more than 800km to undergo agricultural training at its own farm. The team planted aromatics and citrus trees and built a research and development centre, so that crops can be harvested and harnessed at their freshest for syrups, distillations, tinctures, infusions and more. Keeping sustainability in mind, the team also aims to generate more than 90% of the energy needed for the farm from ecological sources. 

For 2020, 50 Best made a number of changes to its Academy structure, which now includes more than 540 anonymous industry experts who cast the votes to create the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars. The Academy is 50/50 gender balanced; there are 20 Academy Chairs in 20 new geographic regions, and the voting process and results are independently adjudicated by Deloitte. For this year, the voting period ran from January 2019 to March 2020, when the majority of bars were forced to close due to the pandemic. 

Singapore, October 2020 - Introducing the #DreamSunscreen – Sunny Side Up, a lightweight, broad spectrum, water-based sunscreen mist designed for everyday urban wear both under and over makeup. Absorbing easily into the skin and providing effective SPF 30 protection, the formulation is non-greasy, doesn’t clog pores, and leaves an invisible, dewy finish. Its mist format makes it easy for users to reapply SPF on-the-go, providing all-day UV and blue light protection.

Created by clean skincare brand Yours, Sunny Side Up is sunscreen reinvented from formulation to format. Yours conducted a survey with over 300 users and found that the majority of respondents knew the importance of sun protection but still chose to avoid it. 9 in 10 wanted a sunscreen that didn’t feel oily while 7 in 10 wanted a sunscreen that didn’t leave a white cast. 

Commenting on these common sunscreen woes, Navneet Kaur, Founder and CEO of Yours said: “With all its pain points, sunscreen has been such a hated category - so we took it upon ourselves to create one that people actually liked. We want people to enjoy using sunscreen, plus the convenience of spritzing to apply SPF on the go. Sun care is as important as skin care, and is a step that mustn't be missed.” 

Rooted in Swiss excellence, Yours’ Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist is formulated with powerful active ingredients like Buddleja AO Alpaflor and Soliberine extracted from the Swiss Buddleja flower. Growing in the high altitude of the Swiss Alps, the Buddleja flower has adapted to survive high solar radiation by developing a natural ability to protect against harmful UV rays and blue light from digital screens. The natural anti-ageing and anti-oxidative properties of these Swiss actives help to reinforce the skin’s natural light barrier. 

Sunny Side Up’s formulation consists of the following key active ingredients delivering the following benefits:

• Buddleja AO Alpaflor (Swiss Buddleja davidii flower extract), an anti-ageing and anti-bacterial skin protectant that prevents UV damage
• Soliberine (Swiss Buddleja officinalis flower extract), an antioxidant that protects skin from UV damage and blue light from digital screens
• Vitamin E, a moisturising ingredient that lightens pigmentation and repairs skin damage caused by smoke, pollution and UV radiation
• PBSA, a strong water-soluble UVB filter that filters out UV B rays
• Uvinul A Plus Granular, a UVA filter that fights UV A rays, and helps prevent long-term skin damage
• Uvinul MC80, a powerful UVB filter that absorbs UV B rays

Meet Sunny Side Up, a lightweight, water-based sunscreen mist designed for everyday urban wear both under and over make up.  Guarding even the most sensitive skin against UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light rays that speed up ageing, Sunny Side Up matches the pace of the busy urbanite’s lifestyle. 

Yours Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 Broad Spectrum (40ml) officially launches on Tuesday, 13 October 2020 at 12pm SGT, at lovefromyours.com, and is priced at USD $33/SGD $45.