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A Practical Guide to Find Office Space for Rent in Singapore

Are you in the market for office space for rent in Singapore? Whether you’re a startup looking for your first office or an established company searching for a new location, finding the right office space for rent in Singapore can be a crucial decision for your business.

Singapore’s thriving business environment offers many options, but navigating the process is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain the steps to help you find the perfect office for rent in Singapore that suits your needs and budget.

1. Define Your Office Space Requirements

a. Budget

Determine how much you can afford to spend on rent. Remember to account for additional costs such as utilities, maintenance, and security.

b. Location

Choose a location that is convenient for your employees and clients. Consider accessibility, proximity to transportation hubs, and the overall business ecosystem in the area.

c. Space Size

Calculate the space you need based on your current and future staffing requirements. Ensure that the office layout can accommodate your team comfortably.

d. Amenities

Identify the amenities and facilities you need, such as meeting rooms, parking spaces, and kitchen areas.

e. Lease Term

Decide on the length of your lease term, which can vary from one year to several years. Longer-term leases often offer cost savings.

2. Research Different Office Types

Singapore offers various types of office spaces to cater to different business needs. Here are the most common options:

a. Traditional Office Space

These are conventional office spaces typically found in commercial buildings. They often require long-term leases with amenities like security, maintenance, and shared facilities.

b. Co-working Spaces

Co-working spaces provide flexible and cost-effective solutions for startups and freelancers. They offer a shared workspace environment with access to amenities like meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and a collaborative community.

c. Serviced Offices

Serviced offices are fully furnished and equipped with everything you need to run your business. They offer short-term leases and allow you to move in quickly without the hassle of setting up utilities and infrastructure.

d. Virtual Offices

Virtual offices provide mail handling, phone answering, and occasional access to meeting rooms if you need a prestigious business address without a physical office space.

3. Search for Office Spaces

Once you’ve defined your requirements and narrowed down the office space you need, it’s time to start your search. Here’s how to find available office spaces in Singapore:

a. Online Listings

Utilise online platforms and real estate websites to search for available office spaces in your desired location. 

b. Real Estate Agents

Consider working with a local real estate agent who specialises in commercial properties. They can provide valuable insights, access exclusive listings, and assist you throughout leasing.

c. Networking

Attend industry events, join business associations, and network with other professionals in Singapore to discover potential office space leads through word of mouth.

d. Co-working Space Providers

If you’re interested in co-working or serviced offices, contact co-working space providers directly, as they often have multiple locations across the city.

4. Visit and Evaluate Office Spaces

Once you’ve identified potential office spaces, schedule visits to evaluate each. Here’s what to look for during your visits:

a. Location

Ensure the location meets your business needs and provides easy access for employees and clients.

b. Space Layout

Evaluate the office space layout to see if it can accommodate your team and desired amenities.

c. Condition and Maintenance

Check for any signs of wear and tear, and ask about maintenance and repair policies.

d. Amenities

Confirm that the office space provides the required amenities, such as meeting rooms, internet connectivity, and security features.

e. Lease Terms

Discuss lease terms, including rental rates, security deposits, and additional costs. Clarify the terms and conditions of the lease agreement.

5. Negotiate Lease Terms

Once you’ve identified a suitable office space, it’s time to negotiate the lease terms. Here are some tips for successful negotiations:

a. Rental Rate

Negotiate the rental rate to ensure it aligns with your budget. Compare the rates with similar office spaces in the area to gauge fairness.

b. Lease Duration

Discuss the lease duration and ensure it matches your business plans. Longer leases may offer cost advantages but provide flexibility if needed.

c. Lease Inclusions

Clarify what the lease includes, such as utilities, maintenance, and parking. Negotiate any additional services you may require.

d. Security Deposit

Understand the security deposit requirements and negotiate if possible. Ensure you know the conditions under which you can get your deposit back.

e. Renewal Options

Discuss renewal options and rent escalation clauses to avoid surprises in the future.

Review the Lease Agreement

Before signing any lease agreement, thoroughly review the terms and conditions. Consider seeking legal advice to ensure the contract is fair and protects your interests. Pay attention to the following:

a. Rent and Payment Terms

Confirm the rental amount, payment schedule, and any penalties for late payments.

b. Maintenance and Repairs

Understand your responsibilities and the landlord’s responsibilities for maintenance and repairs.

c. Termination Clause

Review the terms for terminating the lease, including notice periods and penalties.

d. Security Deposit

Ensure that the security deposit terms are clearly outlined in the agreement.

e. Renewal and Rent Escalation

Verify the renewal options and any clauses related to rent increases.

f. Exit Strategy

Plan for the end of your lease by understanding the process of returning the space and recovering your deposit.

Finalise the Lease and Move In

Once you are satisfied with the lease agreement and have signed the necessary documents, it’s time to finalise the lease and prepare for your move-in. Here’s what to do:

a. Make the Deposit

Pay the required security deposit and any other upfront fees as specified in the lease agreement.

b. Set Up Utilities

Arrange for utilities, internet, and other essential services to be connected before your move-in date.

c. Furnish and Decorate

Furnish and decorate the office space according to your business needs if necessary.

d. Notify Stakeholders

Inform employees, clients, and suppliers about your new office address and contact information.

e. Plan the Move

Coordinate the logistics of moving into your new office space, including the transportation of equipment and office supplies.

Conclusion

Finding the right office space for rent in Singapore can significantly impact your business’s success. By carefully defining your requirements, conducting thorough research, and negotiating effectively, you can secure a space that suits your needs and budget. Review lease agreements carefully and plan your move-in process to ensure a smooth transition to your new workspace. With the right approach, you can find the perfect office space to support your business growth in Singapore’s dynamic business environment. Good luck!

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Beauty

#WomenWorldwide : The Creative Nature of Travel with Gloria, Melon & Starfish

We love hearing stories about how travel sparks new ideas and passions. For Gloria, founder of Melon & Starfish , a ‘brave decision’ to head to Korea to sharpen her languages skills left her with a burning desire to bring the K-Beauty market to the UK…

HOC: Hey, Gloria! Tell us about your journey to being an entrepreneur?

Gloria: I guess, when people talk about their entrepreneur stories, most of the time, it starts with a passion, a dream, or an idea. For me, it’s more of a journey of discovery.

I started my career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. in London and Singapore. During my time there, I had a real privilege to work with many people who were actually entrepreneurs. The thought of setting up my own business never occurred to me at the time but this probably planted the seed.

On weekends, I enjoyed watching Korean dramas. Initially, it was just for fun, and relaxation. Then, I thought it might be a good idea to pick up a new language skill so I began taking evening classes to learn Korean.

One thing led to another. After spending two years in Singapore, before returning to the UK, I made a ‘brave’ decision to go to Korea to sharpen my language skill and experience the Korean culture.I enrolled into a university language programme and spent 8 months in Seoul where I discovered, in addition to K-pop and K-dramas, there is this huge K-beauty industry.

After returning back to London, I started my research of K-beauty in the European market. After six-month preparation, we set up our online store with the hope to bring the Korean skin care philosophy to the UK and spark some joy in people’s skincare journeys.

HOC: Such an exciting journey! When did Melon & Starfish come into being? And what’s the meaning behind the name?

Gloria: We started preparing our online store around September 2017 and it went live in January 2018.

Our name, Melon & Starfish, symbolises our mission – to bring you high quality skincare products because we want you to have the best skin possible.

Melons are smooth, supple and resilient; Starfish are one of the only animals that can regenerate itself. We always have this imagery in mind when we select our products.

HOC: And how do you go about selecting your products, there must be tonnes of great ones out there!

Gloria: We purposefully seek out products that are natural, plant-based and packed with unique ingredients that are difficult to find anywhere else. We personally test all the products and learn what we love about these products before bringing them to our website.

HOC: I have to admit, I’m new to Korean beauty products! Where should I start?

Gloria: When I told my friends that I am now running an online K-beauty store, the first thing they reply: ah, I’ve heard of the 10-step routine! True, K-beauty made its name with the ’10-step’ routine. But the truth is, it’s much simpler than it sounds. If you ask me how many steps it should really be. I would say it’s really up you and how your skin feels. It should be adjusted to your own skin type, the climate you’re in or how busy your life is.

The essence of Korean Beauty is “skincare always comes first”. Start with taking care of your skin beforeeverything else. A classic Korean skin care routine includes: double-cleansing (both oil-based and water-based cleansers), toner, essence, moisturiser, and SPF.

The most essential steps out of all? Double-cleansing for the night and SFP for the day (and, yes! You need to wear SPF even on the rainy days).

After all, skincare should be fun; not a burden or a chore. It’s all about experimenting and finding out what’s best for you.

HOC: So interesting. As an expert, what is your favourite ingredient / product?

Gloria: My favourite product is Lan’s Tamanu Cream from the newest curation LANBELLE. It’s like a miracle cream that work for all skin types and it has the softest texture that I’ve ever encountered for a cream. The smell is quite unique, probably not for everyone’s taste but it grows on you.

The key ingredient of Lan’s Tamanu Cream is Tamanu oil (Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil). The precious Tamanu oil is extracted from the kernel of Tamanu fruit. Approximately only 5L of oil can be extracted from one tree of Tamanu.

Tamanu tree also has unique nickname: God’s tree, and Tamanu fruit is known as miraculously omnipotent fruit among natives who live in Pacific Islands area such as India, Vietnam, Southern Pacific Area, and it is known to promote wound healing and skin cell regeneration.

HOC: For our entrepreneurial readers, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?

Gloria: I would say, just be brave and go ahead!

Many say you need to have a well-laid plan before you start. However, the reality is things always change, so does your plan. One of the most important things I learnt so far is to start with a small step, and then one step at the time. Many things can be learnt along the way.

Sometimes, the longer you wait, the less willing you become to take that first step.

HOC: What product you’ve brought to the UK means the most to you and why?

Gloria: The brand Olivarrier means the most to us. The name Olivarrier is the combination of ‘Oliva (latin for Olive)’ + ‘Skin Barrier’.

It is the very first brand we curated for our ‘clean beauty’ collection. The brand’s philosophy 100% matches with what we believe and look for in a skincare brand – i.e. with natural, plant-based ingredients, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, vegan-certified, free of toxins, EWG-verified and cruelty-free. What more to ask?

Their star ingredients are the plant-based triple hyaluronic acid and 100% pure olive squalene. The ‘dual moist’ line is named with these two ingredients in mind.

HOC: How do you keep yourself motivated and on track?

Gloria: The Korean beauty industry is relatively fast moving – there are always new brands, new technology and innovationscoming out each year – so it never gets boring.We all love shopping.

Researching brands and products is like you get to go window shopping every day!

It is also quite fun to learn about those new, unique ingredients. For example, you probably heard of snail mucin which is great for moisturising; also, pearls for brightening, centella for soothing and calming, etc.Plus, we regularly travel to Korea to see what’s hot in their local market and, you get to eat amazing food there too!

HOC: Finally, if you ever have a creative block / funk; how do you get yourself out of it?

Gloria: Probably hit the gym or grab a coffee with my friends.

HOC:What does 2019 look like for Melon & Starfish? What plans do you have for the brand?

Gloria: In 2019 we have seen that consumers are becoming more considered when making their purchasing choices. People become more aware of topics such as climate change, food waste, etc.The once-a-niche concept of ‘clean beauty’ also has moved to the mainstream – we often hear that our customers are actively searching for skin care products that are vegan, natural, organic…

As people, we also care about this ‘one strange rock’ that we are living on. As a business, we will continue focusing on our ‘organic and natural’ collection this year – we are not only hunting for the brands/products with ‘clean’ ingredients but also ‘clean’ in packaging and manufacturing processes.

What an honourable mission!

To find out more about Melon & Starfish head over to MelonAndStarfish.com

Follow the brand on instagram @MelonAndStarfish

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Singapore

Women Worldwide : The One That is the Little Voice in your Head with Noyette

That little voice in your head that keeps telling you to wait. Not yet.

Don’t launch a business. Not yet.

It’s not the right time. Not yet.

Isn’t everyone as frustrated as we are with there being so many options and yet so many restrictions? Not yet.

Well, after a while Riley decided enough was enough and that there is no perfect time and so her brand, Noyette, was born. Giving back is at the core of this brand and as if that’s not enough, they have the cutest bulldog mascot that will have you swooning. We spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us the journey that led you to launching your brand, Noyette…

When I was younger I used to keep every fashion magazine I was subscribed to and alphabetize them by publication & issue month. Fashion was another world to me and a way of expressing yourself that I connected with. I have always been interested in fashion and wanted it to be part of my professional and personal life. I’ve worked in ecommerce and fashion for about 10 years and I wanted to express myself more creatively, but also throughout my career I started to identify more what I was looking for in a brand. Having lived & worked in NYC and LA at different points of my life, I was aware of the garment districts there and started researching what it would take to create my own brand. Another pivotal moment was after the 2016 election in the US, many brands were offering donations with your purchase to various causes and charities for limited periods. It was great to see companies giving back and what they supported. It had me thinking early on, wouldn’t it be cool if that was something brands always did? Which would become a key element of Noyette’s mission. It was a 2 year process to gain momentum and get Noyette off the ground so it’s hard to pinpoint all the steps that led up to it’s inception in some ways. However, I think the name itself is reflective of the moment I realized I wanted to build my own fashion brand and commit to making it a reality.

I love the story behind the brand name, can you tell us how you came about the name Noyette?

I pronounce the name Noyette as No-yet because it came from the idea of telling myself “Not yet, don’t start a brand. Not yet, it’s not the right time.” I ended up realizing there is never really the perfect time to start a business of any kind. When I thought of the name Noyette it just immediately gave me the confidence to start moving forward with the brand more seriously.

Creating editorial pieces that are attainable is your motto, why is this important to you?

I love fashion & all the presentations. Style.com RIP, was something I loved to look at during all the fashion weeks. While I love all the high end fashion, I can’t afford it and I don’t think many people can justify a $1k clothing item – don’t get me wrong these pieces are works of art and beautiful, just not always very attainable. I was really focused on working with a USA manufacturer and keeping my product under $300. So many people told me that wasn’t possible! Being direct to consumer I don’t have to have the high mark up that many brands build in and I also wasn’t focused on profit margins either. I wanted to produce a quality garment (made with the same manufacturer of some very high end brands), but also offer it at a price point I thought was fair and more attainable while still maintaining a fashion forward point of view.

Who’s your ideal customer and how do you want them to feel when wearing your clothes?

My ideal customer is a woman who likes to express herself with fashion. She’s a romantic who is inspired by an editorial point of view and values sustainability (our collection is made from deadstock fabric). She doesn’t take herself too seriously and is a lover of color & prints. When someone says “When are you going to wear that?” she says “Whenever I want to.”

For any aspiring fashion designers, what advice would you offer to those that are just starting out?

I wouldn’t say I have advice for fashion designers specifically, but I think for anyone looking to start their own thing don’t be afraid to reach out to others. I found it incredibly helpful to connect with a friend who also started a brand and have others to connect with for questions. Also keep in mind – no one is doing everything perfectly. You will learn anything you don’t know yet and don’t count yourself out.

Looking back since you started running your own business, is there anything you would do differently?

Can’t imagine anyone doesn’t say they wouldn’t change a few things about their launch. I think I would have tried to connect with more people for support early on. I kept it pretty close to the vest in regards to this project because I didn’t want too much outside influence, but I do feel like as I have grown Noyette that you should see who in your network or even outside your network is willing to help you and to utilize them. It’s a great feeling to get to collaborate with people! I also think I would have had more of a launch lead up where as I was afraid to speak to the brand too early before I had product. You live and learn though!

If you could speak to your 18 year old self, what advice would you give her?

Keep going & listen to yourself more than others. It’s so hard to not go into people pleasing mode when you are young (or maybe that was just me). Look at yourself and your own needs and focus less on making others happy or at what you think they expect of you.

What has 2020 taught you about yourself?

Self reflection is important and we should take this time to do it. Also it has given me more patience. I think in general I have seen people be far more patient with themselves and each other and that’s a real positive. We are always rushing as a society and on to the next thing so fast! Taking a minute to reflect is important. Give everyone a little more grace.

What does self care mean to you?

I ask myself this question all the time and I think I come down to just listening to yourself. What do you need? It changes and one day you might just need a warm cup of matcha tea and the next you need to shut off all your devices and take a walk listening to music. Self care to me is listening to yourself to do what you need in the moment. First person to say I am not always the best at it, but I am trying more and more when I get stressed to say wait a minute what is it that I need right now? What’s not working? It’s so important to have that dialogue with yourself and it’s something I am working on.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

So many places! I love to travel so much. I would have to say Singapore because my husband and I had planned a trip there a year ago and with Covid we had to cancel. Happy to stay home for everyone’s safety right now, but can’t wait to travel again in the future.

You can follow Noyette at:

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Argentina

The Most Underrated Cities in the World

The world has so many beautiful cities with breath-taking sceneries, activities to do, and places to visit. Many of these towns are very famous, and it’s a dream of every intrepid traveller to visit them. Such cities include London, New York, Moscow, Tokyo, Dubai, and even Singapore. However, there are several cities that are so underrated but have very captivating sceneries. Cities like Budapest, Bled, and Moscow are considered to be off the beaten path, but they are the cities that will give you the best experience in the world. So, go ahead, book that Jettly flight, and get exploring them! Listed below are the most underrated yet very scenic cities around the world.

Auckland, New Zealand

It’s among the major cities in New Zealand. The city is a Metropolitan center on the North Island that boasts of two harbors, magnificent and natural landscapes, and volcanoes. It has an intriguing mix of the traditional Maori and little touch of western culture. There are very many activities to do in Auckland. These include visiting the Skytower, the Auckland Domain, the zoo, the aquarium, the war memorial museum, and the Tiritiri Matangi Island.

Banff, Canada

This is one of the cities I must go back to. The city is filled with very many fascinating places and sceneries to visit, for example, the Banff National Park, the magnificent mountains and lakes. Apart from the wildlife and scenic views, Banff has very great restaurants with delicious meals, delightful boutiques, and shops. One can also visit the Fairmont Banff Springs, the bow falls, the cave and basin National Historic site, the tunnel mountains, the Upper Hot Springs, and many more lovely sites.

El Nido, Philippines

With a very gorgeous and clean beach, this resort town on the Filipino island of Palawan is truly an off-the-beaten-path town. The city is known for its beaches with white sands and coral reefs and amazingly clear waters from the lagoons. Near the town is an island known as Shimizu that has water filled with all kinds of fish. The areas also have very many diving sites, such as the Dilumacad island tunnel that leads to a cavern under the water.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is the largest wine region in Argentina. During my visit, I was excited to visit one of the bodegas for a wine tasting and a tour around the wineries. Apart from that, the city streets are evergreen and leafy, and the buildings full of modern art decor on buildings across the city. I also got a chance to visit the Museo Municipal de Arte Mordeno, a city that displays modern and contemporary art.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary that is divided into Buda and Pest by the Danube River. The city is also referred to as ‘the Paris of the East’ because of its magnificent architecture that makes Budapest look and feel awesomely unique. Several places that make Budapest a great destination include the Danube River, the ruin bars, thermal bath, historic churches, and the castle hill. Their traditional Hungarian cuisines are to die for.

Safed, Israel

Also known as Tzfat, this is a city in Northern District, Israel. Tzfat is said to be the birthplace of Kabbalah. It was also regarded as a Holy city shortly after the Jews were expelled from Spain in the early 1940s. It is also the highest city that is elevated over 900 meters high in Galilee. The city has the top most attraction centers frequently visited, including the Bat Ya’ar ranch. Soul and Art fine art gallery, Abuhav synagogue, The Ashkenazi Ha’Ari synagogue, and the Old City of Safed.

Galway, Ireland

Galway is known for its wild ‘stag and hen’ parties. The Irelanders are known to throw the wildest bachelor and bachelorette parties before getting hitched. The city is also known for its Irish character and spirit, starting with the pubs, their Irish folk music, and delicious cuisines. On the last trip I took to Galway, I was privileged enough to visit the breath-taking cliffs of Moher. I also visited very scenic and educational places, including the Spanish Arch, the Galway cathedral, the museum Lynch’s castles, the Atlantaquaria National aquarium, and a ride on the Aran Islands ferries, and even shopping on the streets.

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Accessories

#WomenWorldwide: Talking Everyday Hustle with Maddy of MADLY Gems

One of the things we love most about our career series is the ability to showcase that not everyone has the same path. Being entrepreneurial might be in your blood but a solid career foundation can be the perfect springboard to launching your own thing. That’s the case for Maddy, founder of MADLY Gems, based in Singapore…

HOC: Hello Maddy! Tell us about your journey to being an entrepreneur?

Maddy: The seed was planted in me by my dad who worked in a bank most of his life and was responsible for approving bank loans and helping many small businesses get a head start. Growing up, I’d hear stories of all kinds of business ventures, what he thought made a sound or not so viable one, and why some succeeded while others didn’t.

But it wasn’t until I met my husband 15 years ago that I felt that I was ready to take on the challenges of running a business, which I knew I couldn’t and wouldn’t want to do alone. Two businesses, in fact, when we were living and working in Bangkok, Thailand. MADLY is our 3rd venture together. He’s always been my advisor and confidante, and he’s great in areas I’m weak at (vice versa) so we make a pretty formidable team, complementing each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

I think it is important in any business to NOT do it alone and to find mature, like-minded people with complementary skills to plug all the holes and fill every gap. No one can do it all and everyone’s role is different, and this diversity should be embraced.

HOC: Amazing and when did MADLY come into being?

Maddy: MADLY came into being late 2014 and started with just myself and one designer working out of a bedroom/home office! I was the ‘hustler’ who got the word out, told everyone what we are about; and got every friend and family member to custom make something for themselves or loved one.

I don’t think I had any expectations for MADLY at that point, except to share my love for beautiful gemstone jewellery which the local market was, and still is very new to, and create a new shopping experience for jewellery lovers.

HOC: What else was happening for you when you started this business?

Maddy: I also hold a full time job as a breakfast show radio presenter, so it’s tough juggling 2 jobs and motherhood!

The business grew organically and just took on a life of its own and we had to put in more resources to cope with the growth. For instance, we had to upgrade our premises thrice to cope with the growth since we needed more space for more designers!

HOC: And how has MADLY grown since then?

Maddy: You could say MADLY just took on a life of its own and became larger than any one person or designer as it is with many bespoke jewellery outfits. I kind of like that, because that gives us variety and diversity – with each designer having their unique sense of style; and affinity to different fashion of jewellery designs.

So depending on a client’s style, we try to match the client to the designer so there in synergy. The more a client is able to tell us about his/her likes and dislikes etc the better we are able to pair them with a designer that shares similar style because jewellery is personal and totally subjective!

HOC: Sounds like an exciting place to be. What does being a Girl Boss mean to you?

Maddy: To me, it’s a mindset and attitude rather than a position or role. You don’t actually have to own a business to be a #girlboss. A great leader or manager who takes care of her team and takes ownership of her decisions, good or bad is a boss in her own right.

In my mind, a Girl Boss understands what is important to the success of the company (whether or not she owns it or works for it) and does not sweat the small things.

HOC: Business culture seems very important to you, what is the MADLY culture like?

Maddy: MADLY is not your average workplace. We work with only the finest gemstones and craftsmen in the world, meaning that we are very serious about what we do, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously! We know that you’ve got to have fun at work and we value this equally!

HOC: You clearly have an entrepreneurial soul, what advice do you have for them to start their own thing?

Maddy: To me, true success is being able to do what you love and use your strengths every day while being paid for it!

It doesn’t necessarily culminate in owning a business because not everyone is cut out for it. If starting your own business is what you really want, then you need to ask yourself which part of the puzzle are you?

Bearing in mind your strengths and weaknesses, are you comfortable to lead, because every business like an organisation needs a good leader. Or, are you better off finding a partner or hiring someone to run the business while you do what you’re really good at?

Almost every entrepreneur I meet forgets to ask that very crucial question and every company needs a leader but the fact is, not everyone wants or likes to lead, and there are brilliant people who make very lousy leaders, yet make/create the absolute best product. A business isn’t there for you to prove your worth but to serve a purpose and fill a need. It’s not about you, but rather about those you hope to serve.

HOC: Looking forward, what does 2019/2020 have in store for you and for your brand?

We are looking at bringing the MADLY experience overseas by next year and have a few locations in mind. I just need to decide where would be the first launch pad outside of Singapore and then see where it goes….

My plan is to over-prepare and then go with the flow! Now, I just need to find the time to make it happen and if it’s meant to be, it will be!

Follow Maddy’s business at @MADLYGems

& MADLYGems.com

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Accessories

Silvio Denz on Lalique’s 130 Year Legacy

Throughout his illustrious career, René Lalique had always been a pioneer. During his time, his creative flair and his crystal know-how was second to none, earning him the title of ‘inventor of modern jewellery’ . A constant innovator, René Lalique carved out a special place for himself as one of the greatest names in the world of French Decorative Arts. Today, the name Lalique has become synonymous with the French art of living and evokes the brilliance and wonder of both jewellery and crystal.

130 years have passed since René Lalique opened his first boutique on Rue du Quatre-Septembre; and it is exceedingly clear that his modern day counterpart, Silvio Denz, shares in his pioneering spirit. Since acquiring Lalique in 2008, Silvio Denz has extended the world of Lalique into previously uncharted territories. In the last ten years, he has opened more than 30 flagship stores and boutiques, launched Lalique Art and Lalique Maison, opened the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, opened the Villa René Lalique, the Château Hochberg, and most recently, the Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in the Sauternes region of France.

In conversation with Silvio Denz, we discuss his passion for creative excellence, and how this passion seeps through every one of his endeavours. We talk about his admiration for the creative genius of René Lalique, and the special legacy he has left behind. A legacy, that in the hands of Silvio Denz, will live on for generations to come.

In 2008, Art & Fragrance acquired the famed Lalique, which has become synonymous with creative excellence and the French art of Living. In what ways do you think Lalique has changed since then?
René Lalique was an innovator and worked in many areas during his career; gaining recognition as one of the leading designers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His work spanned jewellery, perfume bottles, tableware, decorative, and architectural objects. As we celebrate his 130 year legacy, we are really coming back to the true sense of the brand and building a bridge between past and future. Today, Lalique is a diversified brand that epitomises luxury lifestyle in all its forms: from decorative objects, glasses, decanters, jewellery, art, fragrances, interior design, hospitality, and gastronomy.

Lalique’s crystal know-how has been ongoing for the past 130 years and is unlike anything else in the world. How are you marrying Lalique’s heritage with the modern innovations of the future? How are you keeping this heritage alive?
René Lalique’s creative genius is at the centre of our inspiration. With admiration and respect for his artistry, we continue to innovate in all areas of our business. Since the acquisition of Lalique in 2008, well over 20 million euros has been invested in overhauling the factory and optimising processes. We keep our heritage alive by creating new collections as well as reinventing classic models (such as the legendary Bacchantes vase which was designed by René Lalique in 1927) in new colours and finishes.

Over the past ten years, we have opened more than 30 new flagship stores, boutiques, and showrooms worldwide. We also work with partners like Singapore International Airlines – which was just voted the best airline in the world for the 5th time in a row. We also work with different luxury brands, artists, and designers, who share the same values and standards of quality as we do, by using age old techniques and designs in new ways. All of these efforts keep our heritage alive.

2011 was a momentous year for Lalique. After the acquisition you launched the Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder and Lalique Art. What inspired you to expand the world of Lalique and what has the reception been like?
I acquired Lalique on Valentine’s Day, 2008. Prior to that, I was a passionate collector of Lalique and admired René Lalique, who in my opinion, was one of the greatest creative forces in the world of French decorative art. In July 2011, we opened Lalique Museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace; which is the site of Lalique’s only production facility even up to this day.

The Lalique Museum is owned by the French State; and I am proud to say that we worked closely with them to open the museum and enhance the collections. An exceptional architecturally designed building, the museum houses more than 650 objects created by Rene Lalique. It is a testament to his lasting legacy, that it now attracts around 70,000 visitors per year.

Lalique Art places the expertise of Lalique at the disposal of major contemporary artists, designers, and cultural foundations. In recent years, Lalique Art has created outstanding crystal artworks based on sculptures by Yves Klein and Rembrandt Bugatti, crystal architecture collections with Zaha Hadid and Mario Botta, as well as contemporary artists like Damien Hirst and Anish Kapoor.

This June you opened the new Lalique hotel and restaurant – Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey. Could you tell us more about the new hotel?
The Hotel Lalique at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is a sumptuous hotel and gourmet restaurant in the Sauternes region. This region has the greatest concentration of first-growth terroirs, particularly Premiers Grands Crus Classés. It opened its doors on the 400th anniversary of the estate and is a place where four worlds converge: wine, crystal, gastronomy and hospitality — all combining to serve the senses. Rising to the gastronomic challenge is our brilliant Head Chef Jérôme Schilling, who began his career working with all the great names of French cuisine. The Château’s four cellars are home to a collection of red and white wines and a heritage of 350,000 bottles, that include rare nectars alongside humbler vintages.

Offering three suites and ten rooms, the new Hotel Lalique ensures the highest standards of hospitality and gastronomy. I am delighted to share our unique heritage and evoke the emotions created by a Premier Cru Classé. The Château is Lalique’s third establishment, after Villa René Lalique in 2015 (a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection and five-star hotel) and Château Hochberg by Lalique in 2016, both located in Wingen-sur-Moder in Alsace.

Lady Tina Green and Pietro Mingarelli have been Lalique’s design partners for several different Lalique projects. How did this partnership come about?
Like all our partnerships, this was born out of a shared passion and standards of excellence and quality. In 2011, Green & Mingarelli created Lalique Maison, an interior decoration and furniture collection that was inspired by René Lalique’s passion for the Art Deco style. Back then, Art Deco was used to adorn ocean liners, glamorous trains like the Orient Express, as well as buildings and private homes — just as Green & Mingarelli do today with Lalique Maison.

Lalique Art started with a prominent collaboration with the Yves Klein Archives. How do you go about finding the right artists and foundations to partner with?
We partner with prestigious luxury brands and designers who share the same values and standards of quality as us, in order to create unusual objects which draw on this common savoir-faire and expertise. Collaborations with artists such as Damien Hirst are audacious endeavours, which René Lalique himself, who was both a visionary and trend setter, would no doubt have approved.

This year marks a significant milestone in the story of Lalique with the maison celebrating 130 years. Are there any special events and projects we should look forward to?
Aside from our new Lalique Hotel and gourmet restaurant at Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey in Bordeaux, the entirety of Lalique Art’s collaborations will be presented at the temporary exhibition at the Lalique Museum in Alsace until November 4, 2018. We have opened a new flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo and created new limited edition collection for 2018 to celebrate the 130th anniversary. In September this year, we will also be opening a new boutique in Bordeaux.

1. Hirondelles Grand Vase, sapphire blue, Platinum stamped
2. Muguet Bracelet, clear crystal, silver
3. Charmante Ring, clear and black crystal, silver
4. 1928 Between Finger Ring, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
5. 1927 Necklace, clear crystal plated in 18k yellow gold
6. Hirondelles Clock, clear crystal
7. 1927 Double Wrap Bracelet, clear crystal, plated in 18k yellow gold
8. 1927 Earrings, clear crystal, plated in 18k yellow gold
9. 1928 Earrings, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
10. Hirondelles Vintage Decanter, Vintage 2018, clear crystal and gold stamped
11. 1928 Bracelet, clear crystal and marble glass, plated in 18k pink gold and silver
12. Hirondelles Earrings, clear crystal, onyx, silver
13. Hirondelles Paperweight, gold luster

LALIQUE

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Brazil

The Impressive Casino Buildings that Take One’s Breath Away

Casinos often conjure images of suave men in tuxedos drinking vodka martinis or seedy dives where gangsters make plans. Rarely, are they shown for their architectural prowess despite some of the buildings featuring truly remarkable architecture.

The more lavish affairs tend to be some of the most expensive real estate in the world. It is interesting that online casinos such as bestcasino.com/us/, are trying to emulate the ‘real feel’ of casinos. No doubt they are inspired by the architecture of some the most famous casinos in the world. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the most impressive buildings where the game of chance is played.

Wynn Las Vegas

Since the Wynn Las Vegas opened in 2005, it has attracted millions of visitors a year from all over the world. The curved shape of the building fits into the Vegas setting well and its darker colour hints at elegance. The aesthetics also hint at corporate efficiency, and it wouldn’t look out of place as the corporate HQ of a giant tech company in Silicon Valley.

Inside you’ll find 4,750 rooms, almost 190,000 square feet of gaming space, exhibitions, hotels, and restaurants. The project continues to expand as more construction is needed to accommodate retail outlets. With the hotel and restaurants winning awards for their outstanding service and dishes, no doubt the shopping here will be high end.

This is the biggest casino resort in the world, and according to Steve Wynn it was one of the most ‘fun projects’.

Marina Bay Sands

Towering over Singapore is Marina Bay Sands Resort. The famous SkyTower looks very futuristic and wouldn’t look out of place in Star Trek. The building consists of three skyscrapers propping up the famous infinity pool that gives spectacular views of the city.

The resort offers 160,000 square feet of gaming space where you can try your luck James Bond style. The hotel features art exhibitions, acres of retail space, restaurants, and bars. It cost just under $5.4bn dollars to complete and covers over 2m square feet.

Since opening the casino resort has gone from strength to strength. Like The Empire State Building, The White House, Christ the Redeemer, Big Ben, and The Eiffel Tower, it has become an iconic building in the city-state. Tourist numbers have increased dramatically.

Sun City Casino

Head to South Africa’s northwest province, and you will find Sun City Casino. Designed by Sol Kerzner and completed in 1979, it is the domes of the building that stand out in amongst the jungle. The design makes clever use of the jungle canopy and some of the room options include staying in a bungalow surrounded by it.

The casino doesn’t have quite the same gaming capacity as Vegas or Singapore, but it still offers elegant gaming of every kind. As you would expect, the casino features restaurants, bars, entertainment, and unlike many of its competitors a safari park.

Casino de Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo casino is world famous, and today the best gamblers in the world assemble to try their luck. The building designed by Charles Garnier in the 1850s and completed in 1863. Garnier designed the building in the Beaux-Arts architecture, Napoleon III style making it instantly recognisable to most James Bond fans. It is situated in the Cercle d’Or district of Monaco which is in the Monte Carlo quarter of the city-state.

Palm trees and lush landscaped grounds surround the casino. As well as the casino you will find the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo. The casino is luxury personified and features jackpots of almost half a million Euros.

Venetian Macau

Macau, like Hong Kong, is a Special Administrative Region of China. Until 1999 this was Portuguese territory, and the city sits on the Pearl River in southern China. It is also home to the Venetian Macau, the largest casino in the world. It is also the largest single structure hotel in Asia.

As you’ve probably guessed the hotel in part does resemble Venice with gondoliers sailing up and down the canals that separate the internal structures of the resort. The architecture would sit equally at home in Vegas with its curved buildings and tower that is visible from miles away.

Inside its Venice all the way with bridges spanning the canals, an elegant interior that attracts millions of visitors a year, coupled with world class restaurants, bars, and exhibitions.

From a gaming perspective, you can enjoy 546,000 square feet of floorspace, with literally thousands of slot machines and 800 gaming tables. The resort has 3,000 hotel rooms and suites, an arena, and conference space.

Each of the buildings has its own style and are impressive. Even if you are not interested in gaming, they are worth visiting in their own right just for their sheer magnificence.

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Japan

Getting to know Macau: Why Asia’s Entertainment Capital is misunderstood

The Chinese special administrative region of Macau has recently become known as ‘Vegas on steroids’, due to its many, exclusive, high-end casinos. Although the city’s casino scene is the most exciting in the Far East, there is so much more to Macau than this. It’s a city where eastern and western cultures collide – due largely to the peninsula’s heritage as a former Portuguese colony.

The city was once leased to Portuguese sea merchants, who viewed Macau as the ideal base from which to improve trading links with the Silk Road. Today, the city retains a great sense of pride in its Portuguese heritage, visible in its architecture and everyday culture. Even some of the city’s stunning casinos pay homage to its Portuguese past, like the 12-storey Casino Lisboa that looms large on Macau’s landscape, which is somewhat reminiscent of those in Singapore. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people flock to Casino Lisboa each year to play the most popular table games. The locals are absolutely besotted with baccarat. In fact, it generates 90% of all revenue for the city’s casinos due to its simplistic gameplay. The object is simply to score as close to nine as possible with two cards dealt by the dealer.

But forget about Macau’s casino industry for a moment and let me shine a spotlight on the reasons why Macau is anything but a one-trick pony travel destination:

Stunning architecture

Venture into the city centre to discover the Portuguese-influenced architecture that dazzles the senses. Senado Square is the heartbeat of Macau, its colourful mosaics and majestic water fountain in the middle of the square create a wonderful backdrop. The city’s 17th century cathedral – the Ruins of St. Paul’s – is arguably the most striking building in the city, overlooking Santo Antonio. Its stone façade features historic carvings from Japanese exiles and Macanese craftsmen. More recently, the Macanese government agreed to turn the ruins into a museum, as a nod to the city’s centuries of history.

UNESCO World Heritage sites

Talking of history, the Historic Centre of Macau is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, due to its “unique testimony to the meeting of aesthetic, cultural, architectural and technological influences” from both western and eastern worlds. The authenticity of the old town’s streets is not lost on most visitors to Macau, and it has retained its charm and personality in the face of fast economic growth.

Eclectic dining scene

Fanatical foodies will adore the chance to sit down and sample the delights of Macanese cuisine. Heavily influenced by both Asian and Portuguese flavours, there are a plethora of local specialities available that you’ll almost certainly take to your heart. From the rich, caramelised flavours of the traditional Portuguese Egg Tart and Crispy Pork Chop Buns (ideal for lunchtime snacks on the go) to the king of Macanese cuisine, ground meat Minchi, there’s no chance of running out of things to try!

Plenty of adrenaline-fuelled attractions

Thrill-seekers won’t find it hard to get the adrenaline pumping in Macau, either. The AJ Hackett Macau Tower is home to the world’s highest bungee jump, standing at a height of 233 metres. If you don’t have the inclination to jump but you still have a head for heights, you can always head out along the tower’s Skywalk, which is just 1.8 metres wide and has no handrails.

Put simply, Macau is a special city with a unique history and a very bright future. Its tourism industry continues to flourish, and its casino scene is still the most extravagant on the planet. However, Asia’s Entertainment Capital will delight and charm you even when you walk away from the roulette wheel. For sure is a destination that each year becomes more interesting and spectacular.

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Destination Inspiration

Top 6 Must Do Experiences in Malaysia

Towering cities, idyllic beaches, lush rainforests and unrivalled cuisine make up the diverse fabric of Malaysia, where the buzzing metropolises of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore give way to gushing waterfalls, tea plantations and orang-utans. The vastness of the mainland and its surrounding islands unfurl with an endless sense of adventure, perfect for wanderers looking for the ultimate variation of city glitz and wild.

Go waterfall hunting in Langkawi

Rainy season in Langkawi is home to a labyrinth of waterfalls, transforming from dusty trickles in the summon months to gushing spectacles during low-season. Hire a car for a day spent driving the wide and largely quiet island roads. Visit the several falls one by one; each different yet beautiful, a hot and humid afternoon is pleasantly subdued by the deep watering holes framed by thick forest.

Camp in the Perhentian islands

A true slice of paradise within the azure waters of the South China sea, Perhentian Kecil is a mecca for travellers yearning for a slice of calm. With no roads to speak of and very little accommodation, the island is rarely crowded and maintains its sense of remoteness. The Rainforest campsite is nestled in the canopies behind the shores of Rainforest beach, offering the perfect back-to-nature escape for budget travellers and nature lovers alike. It’s remote location (30-minute walk through the foliage to the main hub of Long Beach) means that communal dinners are cooked and prepared by the site’s local owners – encouraging travellers to mingle, eat and share stories along an old oak table under the stars each night. A flurry of deserted white sand beaches are available only by boat – once deposited on the shores by a local fisherman, you’re free to swim and bathe in silence for a few isolated ours before being picked up again. Bliss!

Roam tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands

A 3-hour drive north of Kuala Lumpur gives way to the emerald tea plantations of Malaysia’s largest hill-station area. The sticky heat of the city is swapped with fresh mountain air, where fleets of weekenders can roam the plantations, enjoy high tea and pick strawberries amidst endless swathes of green. Remnants of the areas colonial past are stark, discovered in 1885 by British surveyors and quickly utilised by British planters who realised the potential of its fertile grounds for growing tea. The town itself and its surrounding architecture are distinctly British, leading to a fascinating mixture of Malay and British influences and customs. Take a few days to get acquainted with the slower pace of life; rummage through the mossy forest with its thick foliage and sweeping viewpoints, followed by a visit to the century old BOH plantation, offering ample opportunity to learn about the local tea industry and enjoy the glass-house tea room overlooking a blanket of terraced green.

Climb the KL Tower

With a skyline punctured by sprawling skyscrapers towering above leafy banyan trees and bustling food-stalls, there’s no better place to view Malaysia’s capital than the KL tower. As the 7th tallest telecommunication tower in the world, the TV tower offers a 360-degree view of the city from a 300-metre-high observation sky deck, with panoramic views unrivalled even by the infamous Petronas Towers. The tower’s wall to wall glass sky box extends out from the sky deck ledge offering a dizzying suspended feeling above the bustling streets below.

Hike through jungles in Borneo

Over in the eastern Malaysian states, Kuching offers a fascinating introduction to contemporary and tribal life in Borneo. Sarawak’s sophisticated capital is characterised by a blend of heritage shop houses and narrow alleyways lined with cafes and market stalls. Though the capital of Malaysian Borneo, its laid back vibe is a refreshing alternative to the flurry of Asian cities which have succumbed to the weight of tourism. Kuching maintains its sense of wild – with no high-rises littering the view and the jungles fare never far away. Take a trip to the Semenggoh Wildlife centre for the increasingly rare opportunity to see orang-utans in their natural habitat. The creatures roam free in the jungle surrounding the rehabilitation centre, though daily feeding routines allow for sightings if you’re lucky. Bako National Park is the oldest and smallest national park in the surrounding area; accessible only by boat, its remote location adds to the allure. Several jungle trails give way to waterfalls, mangrove swamps and dense tropical vegetation, home to wild proboscis monkeys who hide in the canopies. Most trails lead to the South China sea, where you can hail down a local fisherman near the shore for a boat ride around the island’s infamous sea stacks.

Discover the Street Art of Penang

Most travellers use Georgetown Penang as a stopover destination to the glistening island of Langkawi, but those who stay a while will be rewarded. Penang is a town to lose yourself in. A potent injection of Asian culture and creativity, colourful Chinese shop houses blend with old colonial architecture, wherein a jumble of old-world Asian influences collide with an increasingly cosmopolitan urban centre. Georgetown offers a unique cultural vibrancy made possible through the influx of migrants from China, India and Indonesia in the 19th century, allowing for a diverse local identity. The winding roads of Little India, littered with trishaws and roadside restaurants, brim with gusts of Indian spices and fragrant incense. Turn a corner, and the towering Mosques and Sari shops give way to Chinese temples and red paper lanterns, which line the chaotic cobbled streets of Chinatown. Following the annual Georgetown Festival in 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic decorated the city with interactive street murals depicting Georgetown life. The engaging art pieces have put Georgetown on the map as a creative hub and an art tour across the city will reward you with kaleidoscope streets sprawling with colour and originality.

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Australia

Best airlines for air travel in 2019

It’s a fact that air travel is one of the most glamorous experiences but at the same time, we have also heard many stories about abstruse delays, inappropriate meals, lost luggage incidents, etc. whereas, many airlines are trying hard to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience to their customers. In such a scenario, deciding on the best airlines among the list of hundreds is a tough task.

With the intention to help travellers to decide on which airlines is the best for the memorable journey we have considered various factors like comfort, safety, timeliness, cabin features, fees, customer satisfaction, loyalty programs, any other benefits given to customers, etc. Mr. Das an expert at accounting assignment help,whoused to travel frequently due to his work, says he relies more on the airline ratings given by AirlineRatings.com rather than any other things. Like this, we have also covered many customers and noted their remarks before jumping to the conclusion.

Singapore Airlines

No doubt that Singapore Airline comes in the first place due to its comfort and luxurious offerings. Singapore Airlines flies in thirty countries on six continents. It is ranked the as world’s best airline since 2018. The airline has also recognised for world’s “Best First Class”, “Best First Class Airline Seat” and “Best Airliner in Asia” for 2018. Singapore Airline has the world’s largest passenger aircraft – Airbus A380, Airbus A350- 900. It has five classes of service including – Suites, First class, Business class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class, available in different airbuses. Alex an expert at essay writing help online says, the airline offers good legroom; seat is very comfortable, In-flight entertainment (*including Wifi, TV, films) are available, food & beverages availability, cleanliness is also recommendable. The overall experience with Singapore Airline is considered as value for money.

Air New Zealand

This is the national airline of New Zealand. It operates near to 20 domestic and 31 international destinations in 19 countries. As the member of the star alliance network, Air New Zealand is able to provide access to almost any country in the world. This airline along with its other subsidiaries operates around 115 aircraft. The airline has four classes of service including – Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy, and Economy SkyCouch. In Business Premier Class each seat is wide near to 22 inches with an ottoman footrest that doubles as a visitor seat. Skycouch is only available on longer routes much comfortable than any ordinary seat. The onboard and customer service experience is great.

Every year regular upgradation makes this flight more premium and value for money.

Qantas Airlines

Qantas is Australia’s most iconic brand and largest airline by fleet size. This airline has nickname also, it’s also called “The Flying Kangaroo”. Qantas group has both domestic and international services. Qantas Airlines has Jetstar, its low-cost carrier group, as well as Qantas Loyalty which is Australia’s largest Frequent Flyer program. This program has more than 12.5 million members. Qantas, with all its subsidiaries and partners, operates around 7500 flights a week which covers around 1000 destinations around the glfobe. Ground staff and crew members are attentive and customer friendly. The flight interiors are good and comfortable for long sitting. Overall legroom, seat comfort, In-flight entertainment, onboard and customer service experience is considered as good. Mr. Mike a frequent traveler and an online expert at buy term papers online says; for more understanding on customer friendliness and their live travel experiences checking the reviews over the website like Tripadvisor, helps a lot.

Emirates

Emirates Airlines is the brand of the United Arab Emirates which is based in Dubai, fully owned by the Dubai government. This is the largest airline in the Middle East. Emirates have a direct flight to 140 destinations covering 78 countries. This is among the rare airlines flying to all six continents. The airline’s fleet of aircraft consists primarily of three-class cabin configurations – First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. There are some two-class aircraft also for – Business Class and Economy Class. The overall experience including in-flight entertainment, legroom, seat comfort, onboard experience, customer service, food, and beverages, etc. are above than average.

Qatar Airways

This year Quarter Airways couldn’t beat the first three positions. However, it still considered as the best service provider internationally. Qatar Airways is the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar and a member of the Oneworld alliance. With a fleet of more than 200 aircrafts Qatar Airways links over 150 international destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and America. Qatar Airways has three cabin arrangements in their aircrafts – First Class, Business Class and Economy Class. Qatar Airways also runs a loyalty program names as “Privilege Club”. With discussion with many happy customers in this club, we concluded that this loyalty program adds more value to this airline. Checking & boarding, customer service, and cleanliness has got more vote whether legroom, seat comfort, In-flight entertainment onboard experience is as good as in other airways.

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