Behind The Glitz

Part photo gallery of some of Singapore’s most high-profile events, part memoir of a Russian emigre made good, Olga Iserlis’ Save the Date is a breezy indulgence that heralds entrepreneurship as much as it reveals titillating social sensitivities behind the glamour.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

Part photo gallery of some of Singapore’s most high-profile events, part memoir of a Russian emigre made good, Olga Iserlis’ Save the Date is a breezy indulgence that heralds entrepreneurship as much as it reveals titillating social sensitivities behind the glamour. 

My Reading Room

“Go for broke,” Singapore’s premier party planner advises readers about getting details right. “Never compromise.” She’s got the gigs to prove the attitude works. Among the names in her Rolodex are Louis Vuitton, Rolls-Royce, Audemars Piguet and American Express. Here, some insights from the book.

“One morning, my husband and I woke up missing our life in New York City, where weekend mornings meant sleeping in, flicking through The New York Times, and sharing a couple of bagels. Singapore in the 1990s wasn’t a place for any of those moments.” – On the sparking of the entrepreneurial spirit that led to her setting up New York Bagels.

“The fact is that scandal spreads like wildfire… and nowadays, it doesn’t help that the same handphone that takes a selfie can be turned around to record a faux pas.” – On managing photography at events.

My Reading Room
THE ONE BEFORE THE FILTHY HAIKUS

There are 99 words in each write-up. In fact, every element in this rigidly crafted project is chained to that number – words, total compositions, books available, cost of $99, even launch date of Sept 9 last year. The exception is that there are three books in one, much like the Russian doll concept.

If the author was not David Fuhrmann Lim, novelist, lauded writer of 10-minute plays, former editor of Singapore FHM, and general wit for hire, you could understandably dismiss 99 Stories, Dreams, Poems for being unnecessarily complicated. Lim, however, romps within these confines. The mundane worlds of former girlfriends, cats, football, and parking coupons are merged into little vignettes of twisted humour, easily digested in the vein of Dave Barry meets Tim Burton.

Says Lim: “I’ve always had a dark sense of humour, whether it’s from favourite movies like Brazil and Man Bites Dog, the literature of Padgett Powell and E.E. Cummings, or the sharp stand-up of George Carlin. Anything that’s ribald, wicked, dirty, smug, curious, challenging and inappropriate.” No eyebrow raised then, when he announced his next project will be filthy haikus.

The physical copies of 99 Stories, Dreams, Poems are sold out, but 99 e-books are available on Amazon.

My Reading Room
IT’S A ‘BOOK BOOK’

Digital calendars are convenient, shareable across platforms and sync with your library of mobile devices. The Chosen Travel Planner says ‘nay’ to all of that. Technology is a source of distraction and the aim here is to practise mindfulness and healthy living. The journal includes tips on nutrition and fitness, so organic-food shopping lists and timeefficient workouts is available anytime, all the time. Contact@experiencesChosen.com.