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Theatre meets gastronomy in Valhalla and the Chambers of Asgard 

OF MAGIC AND MAYHEM

Thor may be the most well-known Asgardian god, thanks to the Marvel films, but Norse mythology boasts a much larger, colourful cast of characters. Rub shoulders with legendary heroes such as Odin and Freya at dinner show Valhalla and the Chambers of Asgard, produced by events company Andsoforth. Audience members will take on roles as Vikings and shield-maidens, and enjoy a Scandinavian-inspired five-course meal as they move through seven rooms, including the rainbow-coloured Bifrost Bar serving bespoke Highland Park whisky cocktails, a steamy bathhouse where you’ll meet trickster god Loki, and a room filled with war-ready Valkyries. Visit andsoforth.com.sg for ticketing details.
 
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Getting up close with Norse heroes 

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Manolo Blahnik’s shoe creations inspired The St. Regis Singapore’s Afternoon Tea
 
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FASHION MEETS FOOD

Over the last few years, the worlds of haute couture and gastronomy have collided to produce a S variety of decadent dining adventures. Gucci’s travelling pop-up restaurant Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura found its way to Singapore’s shores in May 2019, and had fashion and culinary enthusiasts alike lining up for a taste. More recently, Manolo Blahnik served as inspiration for The St. Regis Singapore’s latest iteration of Afternoon Tea at The Drawing Room. For fans of his elegant stilettos, it’s a dining experience that extends the pleasure of wearing his creations to the palate, with jewel-hued confections and a cake in the shape of his signature square buckle. The Afternoon Tea is $78++ per person and is available till 29 February.
 
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Reebok Instapump Fury Boost
 
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"From left: Prototype sketches for the Reebok Instapump Fury. Yeezy Lab’s Steven Smith"

THE SHOEMAKER

Yeezy Lab’s design director Steven Smith didn’t invent sneaker culture, but the prolific godfather of dad shoes might just as well have

In a career stretching more than 30 years, Steven Smith has worked with almost every major footwear brand—Nike, adidas and Fila, among others. His portfolio includes iconic sneakers such as the New Balance 1500 and the Reebok Instapump Fury, which has just celebrated its 25 anniversary. In 2016, he was recruited by Kanye West for his sneaker label Yeezy Lab. BAZAAR caught up with Smith at streetwear convention Culture Cartel during his visit to Singapore last December, th where he shared his design journey and what’s next for Yeezy.

How did you get the job at Yeezy Lab?

Four years ago, I had just quit my previous job out of frustration. Then I got a call from Kanye West. He said, “I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. I want you to come design with me.” I didn’t accept his offer at first, and he called me every night until I agreed to meet him in New York. As it turned out, I designed a lot of the shoes that he wanted as a kid. To him, it was like, “If I’m going to make the best athletic footwear in the world, why wouldn’t I want the guy who I think is the best working with me?” It’s been a really good collaborative relationship so far.

How important is sustainability in the future of sneaker design?

As an industry, we’ve been taking steps to be more sustainable. Sneakers aren’t a necessity, but everybody needs shoes. We make lots of them, which has a big impact on the environment, so why not do the right thing and try to make all of that better with biodegradable materials? For instance, using walnut shells as a natural dye and water-based adhesives. My priest used to say it’s better to light one candle than curse the dark,  and that’s what we strive towards: doing what we can to make better products for humanity.

Is Yeezy Lab really moving production back to the United States?

Since the day I met Kanye, he’s been telling me that he wants to do it. Looking at the carbon footprint alone, does it make sense to be sending things across the ocean on container ships when you can produce it locally for the locals? Why not bring jobs that have been lost back to America? You can only chase cheap labour for so long—it’s time to be smarter about how we build things.

 
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BAZAAR DIARY
Catch Aquaria and her fellow Drag Race queens at the “Werq the World” tour 
11 FEBRUARY

Pentatonix, the three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group, who last performed here in 2016, promises an evening of dynamic vocal harmonies at The Star Theatre.

21–23 FEBRUARY

In Singapore for the first time, John Neumeier’s internationally acclaimed Lady of the Camellias, a tragic romance between a courtesan and her rich lover, will be performed by Hamburg Ballet.

27 FEBRUARY

Expect showstopping lip sync performances, comedy and a whole lot of charisma from RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favourites Aquaria, Kim Chi, Naomi Smalls and Violet Chachki, who will be joining Season 11 stars Plastique Tiara, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and reigning queen Yvie Oddly for the “Werq the World” tour at The Star Theatre.

28 & 29 FEBRUARY

The Harry Potter film concert series is back with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire In Concert. The Metropolitan Festival Orchestra will breathe life into the score while the entire film plays in high-definition on a 12m screen at Esplanade Theatre.

29 FEBRUARY
Dance the night away at Fort Canning to the beats of indie-rock group Foals, R&B sensation Sabrina Claudio and dynamic duo Giolì & Assia at “Garden Beats”. The music, arts and nature festival, certified as Singapore’s first carbon-neutral music festival since 2018, will be introducing environmentally friendly initiatives, such as banning single-use plastic cups and offering festivalgoers tin cups for rental instead.
 
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Grammy Awardwinning a cappella group Pentatonix 

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Sabrina Claudio is one of the acts at “Garden Beats”
 
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ISLAND LIFE

Fashioned out of natural materials such as teakwood, bamboo, marble and handwoven cotton, the furniture and home accessories by Elements Concept combine the best of two worlds: the craftsmanship of Indonesian artisans and the functionality of Dutch design. The company, which operates its own workshop in Indonesia, has been commissioned by the likes of the trendsetting Potato Head group to supply pieces such as lounge chairs and coffee tables T for properties like the chic Katamama Suites in Bali. If you want to bring home that laid‑back resort vibe, check out the brand’s latest range of cabinets, bed stands, rattan chairs and more at elementsconcept.
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Clockwise from top: Sahara Long Cabinet, $490; Seaside Chair, $350; Small Bow Basket, $80; Medium Bow Basket, $105, Elements Concept 

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The perfect match: Supreme Cheese Strawberry Tea and the Strawberry Blush Mystique bun

TIME FOR TEA

If you’re seeking a fresh brew with a twist, the fruit-based cheese teas from Nayuki are a must-try. The velvety cheese foam adds a hint of saltiness that balances the sweetness of the fruit. The chain, which has outlets in VivoCity, Funan Mall and Wisma Atria, is also known for its soft and fluffy breads that get their natural flavour and colour from vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains.

BY NAVIN PILLAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF MANOLO BLAHNIK ; AND SO FORTH; REEBOK ; FARFETCH; VOSS EVENTS; KIRAN WEST; MULTI - BITS / GETTY IMAGES; HYPERE CORDS 
Edited by Stephanie Yeong
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More: theatre manolo blahnik singapore afternoon years february reebok smith design sneaker shoes kanye first world natural group festival beats cheese

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