Remy Ngan is a wonderful makeup artist specialising in bridal beauty. She’s in my top list of make up artists amongst the many makeup artists we have in the industry. She also owns a quaint little boutique at Kota Damansara. It’s called Mustard. Pretty cool name eh! I made my way there one fine afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by the many vintage-inspired styles and quirky pieces she carry in her shop. In fact, I fell very much in love with the adorable hangers in the form of  birds, which were all lying on the floor, a work-in-progress in the making but I thought they were for sale! I ended up buying a bag, a necklace, a dress and a top. Do drop by her place and you might just find something you like!

Mustard Boutique is located at 35-2, Jalan PJU 5/11, Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, PJ.

Images are courtesy of Mustard Boutique.

essica Hische is a freelance designer who specialises in typography and illustrations. When I first came across her blog 2 months ago, I was totally blown away by her decorative caps.  Last year, she started a project called the Daily Drop Cap in which she illustrates a decorative letter every day, which can be used for non-commercial use as a drop caps on your personal blog.

Check out her website and be prepared to be humbled by her talent and amazing work of art!

While working as a Senior Designer at Louise Fili Ltd, she worked for clients such as Tiffany & Co, The Book Chronicles and The New York Times, among her many colourful and impressive portfolios.

Her Buttermilk Font can be purchased via My Fonts or check out the store on her  website for more great designs.

Surfer, self-taught chef and sand artist Jim Denevan makes temporary drawings on sand, earth and ice that are eventually erased by waves and weather.

I am totally blown away by the colossal scale of his art and just how effortless he looks drawing them ‘freehand’ with simple tools like  stick and rake.

In 2008, he created the world’s largest freehand sand art – which was 3 miles across (approx 4.9km).

The work took 100 miles ( 8 days) of walking, yet everything was washed away by the storm within a week. Seems pretty transient for such a large-scale project.

Read more through his website or watch the documentary here.

Multi-talented Dennis Lau, solo violinist cum song writer, shows Asia that a small city lad can have it all with some hard work, true passion and dedication. As the first Malaysian instrumentalist ever to be signed by Sony Music Entertainment, the launch of his debut album last Thursday, ‘DiversiFY‘ marked a momentous beginning.

Photography by CY Wong

The album has a total of 11 tracks and includes collaboration with a number of well recognised local and overseas acts. Other artistes and creative minds that Dennis has worked with include Yuri Wong (most known for creating the score to Upin and Ipin, a popular Malay series), Majestik (a South African rapper), Nick Lee (award-winning mixing and mastering engineer), musician Tay Cher Siang, Lewis Pragasam, Ken Chung, Jamie Wilson, Tay Kewei as well as the Beijing and Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra (with famed Chinese arranger Peng Fei).

Held at the swanky Shook restaurant at Starhill Gallery, the exclusive by invitation only launch was just a small demonstration of his musical talent as he performed in collaboration with soprano singer, Syafinas Selamat.

Another higlight was Dennis’ surprise performance with fellow rising star and beatboxer extraordinaire, Shawn Lee along with popular bassist Ken Chung, saxophonist Jimmy Sax and guitarist/composer Yuri Wong.

My first album showcases how diverse the violin can be as an instrument. Truth be told, the violin is the closest instrument to the human voice. I would like to show people that there is more to the violin than just the classical sound. The tracks on this album have hints of R&B, Jazz, Pop and Hip Hop to give a funky, fresh and modern twist. – Dennis Lau -

Photography by CY Wong

His growing success and passion for music is a testament to his mother, who encouraged him at a tender age to pursue his musical endeavours. At 24, Dennis’ appeal is not just limited to our nation as he has already performed in Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Korea. There is no doubt that his popularity will transcend our borders.

I believe music plays an essential role in everyone’s life but being able to touch lives and inspire people with my music is the best joy that money can’t buy.    – Dennis Lau -

I was running 30 minutes late for a brunch appointment with Dennis.

“Where are you?” He asked when I answered my phone.

“On the highway!!! Reaching soon!” I said hastily.

“I’m going to whip your ass later! Eh, I can ‘come’ three times already kay while waiting for you!” He exclaimed.

That’s Dennis Lau for you, mischievously flirtatious yet surprisingly mature for a twenty-three year old instrumentalist who is hard headed, determined and passionately driven by his ambitions and desire to be the best in what he does.

As we settled down comfortably into our seats at Kim Gary, Sunway Pyramid, our official  (read: on the record) conversation began.

Three times, in 30 minutes? You must be kidding me!
Is this on record?

No la. Off record.
*laughed out loud* You switch on your recorder dy?

Three times????
This brunch is on you!!

Sure. Ok, let’s be serious now. I’m not gonna ask you about all your credentials and past performances because I’m sure most people have read it from your blog and website. Do you live by a philosophy?
Yes. My philosophy in life is that nothing is impossible. If you want something, you must go for it. Work hard and work smart to achieve it.

Have you always known that you wanted to be a musician?
Well, music has always been part of my life since I was three and for the past 20 years. As I was growing up, music became a daily routine because I had to practice it everyday. Gradually, it became something I could not live without and naturally, I pursued a music degree.

If you aren’t a musician today, what do you think you would be?
It would still be something on the artistic side. Maybe an artist. I like to draw.

Do you have an idol that you look up to?
The legendary Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson? That’s a surprise. Why him? For your generation, there are so many other talented artistes out there.
Well, he’s a pop icon. He’s very original. He wrote good songs that are evergreen. A lot of music today is inspired by his music. Even dance moves. Look at Usher or Chris Brown.

What inspires your music then?
Anything and everything. Observations, my past experience in relationships, current issues, daily life, just about anything that I feel strongly about.

Music is about creativity, about experimenting… which is something i really enjoy exploring. I do not limit my interest to one genre. I believe that one should be open to all kinds of music regardless of genre or generation because i have always been inspired by great artistes from all over the world. To name a few – from Jazz greats such as Frank Sinatra to Justin Timberlake to Asian heart throb Lee Hom to producers Ryan Leslie, Timberland and P. Daddy to even instrumentalist like Kenny Garrette and Christian Howes.

Tell us a little more about the album that you are working on. What can we expect?
It’s a fusion and a cross of different genres. Most people associate the violin to classical music but I want to project a fresh, modern twist with the violin and show the diversification of the instrument. It will feature melodies and music arrangements that blends pop, jazz, R&B and the classics. It is all about “fusioning” the different genres, but of course in the right way.

Local artistes like Atilia, Yuri, Liang and Pete Teo play an important role in the upbringing of my musical journey and the making of it.

I’m really curious as to how you manage your time. How do you squeeze in time to compose your songs, while at the same time you have so many events to attend and running the day to day operations of your company.
I work hard, play hard and party with a purpose. Time management is important. It’s great that things are really progressing for me. It is years of hard work and I’m finally beginning to reap the fruits.

What is the best part of being a performer? What is your greatest joy from being a musician?
I believe music plays an essential role in everyone’s life but being able to touch lives and inspire people with my music is the best joy that money can’t buy. The applause and words of appreciation after each performance is the key driver for me to create even more good music.

I also find great satisfaction from teaching, especially kids. They are so eager to learn and so adorable.

Do you have any advise for the kids or aspiring young musicians?
Nothing is impossible! But you must really want it, and work hard to achieve your dreams. Not just to become famous or popular but real hard passion for music, the drive to create good music and constant learning to progress to the next level.

So, if you are a superhero, what would you be and why?
Superman of course! He has all the best superpowers!

Thanks for your time.