THE CULTURE

We can’t turn back the clock, but we sure can bring back those fun times of yesteryear, when arcade games, pop, and sugar rush drinks ruled. Taking you back to the ’80s and ’90s, concept club and bar Nineteen80, which debuts a new wing this month, plays up the wild, funky vibe of the eras with its neon-lit tunnel entrance, synthwave themes, and arcade games such as Street Fighter and Pac-Man. Show off your hip-hop moves at the Miss-Demeanor ladies’ night on Wednesdays; flex your gaming muscle in arcade tournaments on Fight For Your Right nights on Thursdays; groove to hits from the ’80s to the Noughties on Radio Ga Ga nights on Fridays. Or just chill and sing along to old-school faves at Do The Hustle nights on Saturdays—all while sipping on Vodka Ribena (Original Mix) for a trip back to happier times.

 

Show your hommies you’re down with interior trends by bringing Classic Blue, Pantone’s 2020 Color Of The Year, into your space. Contrary to its name, the colour blue is uplifting—often evoking a sense of calm and tranquility. Not brave enough to paint entire walls in the bold hue? Opt for accent pieces in a brighter tone, such as an armchair with unexpected prints and a unique bar stool that adds a quirky flair, or go the subtle route with ceramic crockery by Kay van Bellen, which, while not in the exact shade of winning blue, features delicate screen-printed hand-drawn illustrations in a darker tone that lend a playful touch to teatime.

 

Christian Louboutin, L’Exhibition[niste], dedicated to the creative oeuvre and spirit of the larger-than-life shoe designer, is now open at the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris. The exposition, curated by Musée des Arts Décoratifs director Olivier Gabet, invites visitors into the playground of Louboutin’s mind. Featuring a selection of his iconic heels—such as the iridescent Maquereau shoe, crafted in 1987 to evoke Palais de la Porte Dorée’s famed tropical aquarium— it includes creations from Louboutin’s personal cache as well as sketches and artistic collaborations with the likes of director David Lynch and artist Imran Qureshi. The exhibition runs until 26 July; visit palaisportedoree.fr/en/ christian-louboutin-exhibition for details.

 

Clockwise from top left: A sketch of the Pensée shoe from Louboutin’s fall 1992 collection. A photograph of Louboutin’s gold block-heel sandals, shot by Jean-Vincent Simonet. Olivier Gabet and Christian Louboutin

 

Top illusionists take to the stage to bring you the magic of blockbuster heist film franchise Now You See Me

 

Loved the sleight of hand in film series Now You See Me? You can now experience the spellbinding magic live at the eponymous stage performance at the Sand Theatres at Marina Bay Sands. In town from 26 March to 5 April, The Showman David Climent, The Manipulator Florain Sainvet, The Mentalist Enzo Wayne and The Escape Artist Sabine van Dieman join forces to bring the wizardry from screen to stage, dazzling with surprising twists, neverbefore-seen illusions and an all-immersive experience that will take your breath away. Visit sistic.com.sg/events/now0420.

 

Get set to rock your socks off as hard rock and heavy metal giants the Scorpions, Whitesnake, Slipknot and Trivium take to the stage at Rockfest Singapore II, held across two days (4 and 24 March) at Fort Canning Park. Kicking things off are the Scorpions and Whitesnake, who team up for a double dose of fist-pumping action with full sets of hard-hitting tracks—think “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and “Here I Go Again”—that take you back to the golden age of rock. The second day, meanwhile, sees Trivium opening for nu-metal band Slipknot, known for its aggressive music and energetic live shows. Haven’t had your fill? Head to Esplanade Annexe Studio for The Afterfest Party on 27 March, where Lacuna Coil will entertain with its unique blend of rock, gothic and metal. Visit sistic.com.sg.

 

Puxley’s lush and colourful creations, which she describes as evoking the “wild, organic feel with free‑flowing blooms—English flowers adapted to the tropics”

 

Why wait for an occasion to surround yourself with fresh blooms? Florist Charlotte Puxley believes that flowers are a necessity, not a luxury. “They add a certain quality to a space that nothing else can,” she says. “I think it’s because flowers are momentary, and this makes us take the time to appreciate their beauty.” The Londoner, who moved to Singapore and started her bespoke floral studio Charlotte Puxley Flowers in 2014, is known for her lush and colourful creations that are reminiscent of the English countryside. While she offers a weekly subscription of bespoke bouquets delivered to the home or office, she’s happy to teach customers how to assemble their own. The Workshop Wednesdays series, for instance, teaches you how to create hand-tied bouquets, vase arrangements and table displays—you’ll learn tips and techniques, what flowers to buy, how much to use, how to look after them, and what type of vases to use and where. Book single sessions or sign up for all four; prices start from $225 per class. Check out the full range of workshops and new drops at charlottepuxley.com.