Rockstar takes on New York City

Rockstar goes to Bali, to Los Angeles, and then to Seoul...

This week, we relive our ultimate city experience - in none other than the gigantic melting pot of New York City. Romanticised in all forms imaginable - Film (Gangs of New York), musicals (West Side Story), books (Bright Lights, Big City) and into the radio airwaves with no mercy (Empire State of.. wait. Do we really have to list this one?). Now it's time we put our own spin to it.

This is a city that demands all of you. Feel the non-stop rumble of ill-maintained subways speeding impatiently beneath your feet. The ambulance sirens wail deep into the night - You eventually learn to sleep on it. Up in SoHo, rub shoulders with angsty New Yorkers sashaying ruthlessly past you. They are also probably not one to hide what they think about all that picture-taking. Stepping into Bergdorfs is akin to stepping into a world of (extremely perfumed) excess - which revolts yet inspires - all at the very same time.

A multi-sensory overload - Blink and you miss it. This is why we love the Big Apple.

So here now, take our hand. But before we start, plug in your earphones and soak it all in with this ♫ Made for New York playlist ♫ put together by the good people over at Bandwagon Singapore.













If you have time to spare -
- Mascot Mafias on Times Square
- Think you've seen it all from local MRT commuters on STOMP? Think again...
- The Circus of Fashion Shows

Don't miss our NYC selects in our next post!

Seoul Obsessed : We Interview our Apparel Visual Merchandiser

When it comes time for a holiday, most of us jump at the chance of visiting an unfamiliar terrain. An up-and-coming beach destination, a city that's generating interesting buzz or an exotic land now made so accessible via crazy flight promos.

On the other hand, we all know a handful of people who are drawn back to the same city, every chance they get, time and time again. It's like they've fallen under a spell they can't get out of. We know exactly a person like that in Rockstar who's gotten herself very tightly wrapped around Seoul's finger... Having visited the capital of South Korea only 2 years ago, and paying her 5th visit this May, she lives, breathes and eats All Things Seoul.

Today, we sit down and have a chat with our Apparel Visual Merchandiser, Zhiwei, to find out exactly what it is about Seoul that has gotten her head over heels in love.

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♫ In the Mood for Seoul - Bandwagon has again put together a 10-track playlist (Sounds like Grimes, Phoenix & The Magnetic Fields) to get you in the mood for Seoul.


Hello Zhiwei!

Hi!




So Zhiwei, we couldn't help but notice your obsession with Seoul. During dinner breaks, it's common sight to see you plugged into a Korean drama, bursting into 'Big Bang' debates, all that while eating takeaway Bibimbap. How did this happen?

(Laughs) I first starting paying attention to this city when a cousin of mine was there for awhile to pick up the Korean language. And then my sister followed suit, flying to Seoul a little too often, and it made me curious. Almost exactly 2 years ago, I finally booked my tickets to Seoul to find out for myself what the obsession was all about.


Well little did you know. Now having been there, what is it that draws you back time and time again?

I love that Seoul is a modern metropolis, yet the traces of the past are still perfectly intact everywhere. One good example is the grand royal palaces sitting amidst skyscrapers. I also appreciate how Koreans are very supportive of their local art scene. And the food...


Ginseng Chicken on a chilly night


When is the best time to visit?

April for Spring, that's the season I always try to make it for. This is the perfect time to catch the cherry blossoms, and the weather is just lovely.




Where would you recommend lodging at?

The ample guesthouses & hostels all around. Not only can you find guesthouses in prime location for a good rate, they are extremely clean. I'm a no-frills kind of traveller, which is great because it means I don't care too much for housekeeping. Besides, these places are homely, and the laid-back atmosphere in the shared spaces makes it my favourite way to connect with other like-minded travellers.


Feels just like home


What is your #1 favourite thing to do when in Seoul?

Exploring the many quaint neighbourhoods that are filled with cool shops and independent cafes tucked within alleys. There are many cafes popping up all over Seoul, each with their very own distinctive character and flavor, and people-watching in these cafes is really my idea of a perfect afternoon. As an Apparel Visual Merchandiser, this is the most fun way to spot street trends, on top of visiting new retail spaces for inspiration.




If I'm just there for a weekend, what should I not miss?

Hands down, the Free Market in Hongdae. This is an artist flea market held every Saturday, but only from March to around November. The vibe is chill, accompanied with sounds drifting in from the local bands playing nearby, lovely for spending an afternoon looking for one-of-a-kind souvenirs for loved ones back home. Hongdae is also a neighbourhood known for its urban arts and indie music culture, partly due to the influence of the nearby Hongik University, well known for its Fine Arts school. You should really take your time to explore this area!




At this very moment, tell us one thing you are craving from your last trip there -

The waffles from Beans Bins! Beans Bins is a popular cafe chain, and their waffles are simply the best. You have to have it with a cup of piping hot coffee.


The best waffles with a generous serving of fresh strawberries


If I'm tired of shopping and eating, what else is there to do in Seoul?

Well then you have to set a weekend for the scenic Jeju Island. You can get there via a plane ride, just an hour and a half away. It's an idyllic getaway from the bustle of Seoul known for it’s natural wonders. When I was there last November, I spent my days visiting waterfalls, natural geological formations, and having long coastal walks. These are sights that can't be seen back home.




You mentioned that you will be visiting Seoul again this May. What are your plans?

I will be making my trip with two other friends, and exploring Busan as well this time round. One of the girls has lived there during a school exchange before, so she will be my tour guide, and in return I will be hers in Seoul. I'm also looking forward to meet the friends she made there.




Thank you for having us, Zhiwei!

What we'd pack for... Los Angeles!

In our last post, we picked out the top 7 highlights, along with the most dreamy playlist, from our trip to the coastal paradise of Los Angeles. Today, we're sorting things out for you and picking out the essentials we would pack.


We would totally pack...

These shoes for the Boardwalk

For Ladies -


'Alice' in Jaffa/Burnt Copper by Pointer


'Alice' in Peacoat/Burnt Copper by Pointer

This must be our favourite style for Women from Pointer's Sunbury Line. Made in a serious, studious boat-shoe silhouette, yet flirts with unexpected colours (hello, jaffa!), and made only in the softest, softest leather. The Alice is -hands down- the quintessential Pointer style.


Proudly Made-in-Portugal


For Men -


'Taylor' in French Roast/Burnt Copper by Pointer


'Taylor' in Stone/Burnt Copper by Pointer

Also from the Sunbury series, Taylor is a rugged, chunky style that balances out a looser, more casual outfit. Constructed out of a textural mixture of leather, suede and canvas, the Taylor also features a comfortable padded collar, and gives an otherwise plain and predictable outfit a laidback, scruffy vibe.





These Bags You Never Have to Worry About on a Surf Trip


A Baggu x MerBag collaboration

These are fun, loud, look-at-me bags you don't have to be gentle with. Fusing the signature Duck Bag silhouette from BAGGU with MerBag's utilitarian philosophy, this collaboration sees a heavyduty (and 100% waterproof) bag line that is the perfect size for wet equipment. This line is proudly Made in the USA.





These Watches for the Art Gallery
*Only at Rockstar (Orchard 22)*


'Black Panamerica', from the 'Wizard Print' series from Komono


The 'Fat Wizard' series from Komono

The Komono brand marches to the beat of their own drum. Combining the various elements of colour, design and a come-what-may attitude, they create timepieces that don't take themselves too seriously. A breath of fresh air. Also, all Komono timepieces are constructed with Japanese Quartz Movement.



The 'Magnus Print' series from Komono



These Easy Toiletry Bags





We love Maptote for their simple and uncomplicated illustrations. This series features a roomy cotton canvas pouch with fun drawings of all those toiletry items you don't want to forget. Helpful!


While you're at it, don't forget to pop by to both stores tomorrow, 20 March (Wed) - The newest arrival from TOMS' Spring'13 line finally touches down!

Rockstar ♥ Los Angeles -7 Highlights

Last week, we took you on a visual journey to Bali, as well as picked out Rockstar must-haves to complete the soul-searching experience. This week, we're taking on a different kind of coastal paradise, all the way on the other side of the globe. Welcome to the City of Angels.

There must be a reason why we feel so much affinity with Los Angeles. Maybe it is the familiarity of the year-round sunshine and its proximity to the sea, or the laid-back and overtly smiley nature of Angelinos that makes us feel all funky inside. Or it could also be the fact that when everything is so sprawled apart, going about on a seemingly normal activity (like getting a burger at a drive-through) can seem like
one big adventure.

This week, we bring you 7 highlights from our trip to the City of Angels - Visiting a legendary burger joint, renting a beautiful vacation loft without having to break the bank, and having the senses awakened at a
boardwalk freakshow.


1.




Admire Art, Architecture & Natural Beauty at the Getty Center

Exuding an aura too strong to ignore atop the Santa Monica mountains is the Getty Center. Spending a full day here is highly recommended. Soak in pre-20th century American & European art, as well as enjoy the amazing views surrounding it - the landscape of the big Pacific blue, and the flow of cars beneath.




♫ Sounds like L.A ♫ - A 10-track playlist (think How to Dress Well, Craftspells, Four Tet) compiled by our Bandwagon friends, that we can so imagine having it turned up, with our windows down, cruising down Sunset Strip...



The Getty is blessed with ample sunlight. Natural light is one of their most important architectural elements. The paintings galleries on the Museum's upper level are all naturally lit, with special filters to prevent damage to the artworks.


The plush greenery all around the Getty makes it the most ideal reading spot.




2.

Have a Legendary In'N'Out Burger
A trip to LA is not complete without a visit to this famed burger chain.
Get the extraordinary Double Double, with NO veggies.

*Fun Fact* In-N-Out prints discreet references to Bible verses on their paper containers.

Other worthy burger mentions : Mel's Drive-In & Hole in the Wall Burger Joint


3.



Put up at a Gorgeous Art Loft
LA is full of affordable vacation rentals, and we found one right up our alley at Angelus Place, a 10 minutes walk from Abbott Kinney. So you don't get all the fuss of room service and house-keeping, but intimate touches (personal CD collection to explore, old books) are hard to beat. Ours came with the most
interesting history.

Pictured is an art loft, envisioned by a famous architect who built this as a painting studio especially for his artist wife - The floors were filled with paint splatters. Airbnb is our best bet for vacation rentals, and a good place to get inspired for the next getaway.




4.



Shopping at Abbot Kinney
Dubbed the 'Coolest Block in America' by GQ magazine, Abbot Kinney is a treasure trove with a mix of commercial stores, independent cafes & world-class restaurants. We found stationery shops, vintage home furnishings, coffee joints, art galleries and hair salons.


We loved the unpretentious vibe at Abbot's Habit. Get their vanilla latte!


We found Jack Spade!

*Fun Fact* The Shirley Temple, a non-alcoholic cocktail, was invented in Los Angeles.


5.



Question your Sanity at Venice Beach Boardwalk
A place almost lost in time - Walk down this world-famous boardwalk and be prepared to be amused. You cannot find a more unique blend of people anywhere else - Hippies, hobos, lost travelers, green doctors, starlets, street performers - all vying for your undivided attention. We spotted a handful of traumatized tourists.


Head on over to Venice Beach for a calmer atmosphere after.


Venice beach - the coast that goes on for miles...



Look out for wistful old men still clinging on to their metal detectors.





6.


At Hollywood Improv

Visit a Comedy Club
Dave Chappelle & Andy Kaufman - they started their careers here. Comedians the world over find some way or another to make their way through LA's comedy clubs, hoping for an accidental stumble into fame and stardom. If you are a fan of stand-up comedy, this is something that is definitely not to be missed.


7.




Take a Walk Down Hollywood
And of course, who goes to LA and not visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame? It's not everyone's cup of tea, and cliche as it is, it's nice to take a moment and savour the thought of sharing the exact same spot Audrey Hepburn was on, albeit 50 years later.

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In our next post, we pick out our LA essentials - The best walking & trekking shoes, the most stylish (and affordable) timepieces and the most reliable gadget protective sleeves.