If you are a fan of the unique and luminous beauty of glass and crystal ware, look no further than French crystal house, Lalique. With its new store at Mandarin Gallery, we now have access to the wonderful legacy of René Lalique, the brand’s brilliant founder whose revolutionary creations and techniques made him the master of Art Nouveau jewellery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Taking his inspiration from nature and the sensual female form, Lalique’s designs were audaciously original for their time and won him the admiration of his contemporaries and the patronage of high society. Infusing his naturalist themes with magical and mythical symbolism, he managed to bring forth an unconventional beauty in his work that had not been seen before. This pursuit of creativity, coupled with a traditional know-how passed down over a hundred years, continued to be at the heart of Lalique.

One of the greatest contributions Lalique made to his craft of glass and crystal making was to make available his beautiful works of art to people of more modest means. Starting with the bottles he designed for the leading perfumers of the ‘20s and ‘30s, he cleverly combined mechanical processes with the immaterial presence of the human hand and was able to produce articles of artistic merit at a considerably lower price. It is this fusion of innovation, craftsmanship and impeccable style that has sustained Lalique’s success over the last century and it is also these traits that will see it into the next.

Today, Lalique crystal is still produced at the same factory that René Lalique built in the Alsace region back in 1921. For a piece of this amazing heritage, seek out the Lalique store at Mandarin Gallery.

LALIQUE is located at #01-16, Mandarin Gallery with prices starting from SGD235 for a crystal pendant

The idea of the concept store is an exciting one. You never know quite what to expect when anything and everything can possibly be part of the inventory – but that is precisely where its allure lies. Local lifestyle concept store Egg3 understands the modern consumer’s desire to be surprised and is hence designed to be a retail treasure trove of wonderfully eclectic wares where shoppers can experience the thrill of the hunt. From imported apparel and local labels to accessories, shoes, bags and fragrances, you are invited to browse the great mix of merchandise at Egg3. And here are our top picks.

Zkin Camera Bags
If you always have a camera with you to capture life’s moments, carrying it around in the unfashionable black pouch that came free with it is not an option. Zkin’s camera bags are the antithesis of that black pouch – stylish, functional and well made, they project an elusive, effortless preppy cool that manages to be at once trendy and classic. The Ropen E (SGD337) bag is sturdy and roomy enough for a DSLR and its accompanying accessories while the Rods case is perfect for a small pro-sumer (SGD187).

Etat Libre d’Orange Fragrances
Driven by the ambitious goal of revolutionising contemporary perfumery, Etat Libre d’Orange is an avant garde range of fragrances that strives to push the boundaries of olfactory conventions. There are no taboos or rules, just freedom of expression, raw sexuality and creativity, so if you enjoy the unique and are fiercely individualistic, they will be right up your alley. With names like Don’t Get Me Wrong Baby (I Don’t Swallow) and Jasmine Et Cigarette (SGD129), each bottle comes with its own saucy little tale that will have you enthralled.

Charity Robocards
Shopping need not only be a pursuit of self-gratification. Pick up a quirky Robocard (SGD200) designed by local artists and all proceeds will go directly to World Vision Singapore where they will be used to help less fortunate children all over the world. Not only will you get to own a one-of-a-kind piece of art, you will also be doing your part for charity. Two birds with one stone, so why not?

Egg3 is located at #04-26, Mandarin Gallery

The Natas Travel Fair was held last weekend and you may have bagged yourself an incredible travel deal to a wonderful, far-flung location. While you are looking forward to your trip, why not give some thought to what you should be putting into your suitcase? Packing smart is about sieving out the frills and sticking to the essentials (although necessity is often subjective). Whether you are a music junkie or a foodie with a voracious appetite, these items will serve you well wherever you go.

For Boys
Apple Magic Mouse (from Green Light, SGD98)
A wireless mouse is a must-have for surfing on the go, be it at the airport or the local Starbucks – and no other looks as stunningly beautiful as Apple’s Magic Mouse with its shiny multi-touch surface.

Tumi Toiletries Case (from Tumi, SGD320)
Forget flimsy, unsightly zip-lock bags. This handsome toiletries bag from Tumi is made of practical, waterproof nylon so feel free to leave it next to the sink. It comes with a handy hook and clear plastic compartments for easy viewing of its contents.

Samsonite Convertible Travel Comfort Pillow (from Samsonite, SGD80)
Tired of uncomfortable, Economy Class plane rides? Bring along this well-designed travel pillow the next time you board and you will be sleeping soundly from take-off to touch-down. You can even adjust its shape and firmness with the drawstring pulls!

For Girls
X-Mini Hello Kitty Capsule Speakers (from Green Light, SGD79)
The X-Mini capsule speakers won the coveted reddot design award in 2008 with its innovative design that promises ‘sound beyond size’. It now comes in an ultra-cute, limited edition Hello Kitty version, which is perfect for pumping out your favourite tracks as you sit with a cocktail next to the pool.

Eat Me: The Journal (from .woodwould.., SGD30)
For the food-obsessed who travel to eat, this food journal is an absolute must to keep track of dining experiences, food memories and even beloved recipes. A hardy vinyl cover keeps it safe from food stains and wine spills.

Bvlgari sunglasses (from OJO Optometry, SGD850)
Round, over-sized sunglasses bestow their wearer with an instant glamour. Whether you are heading for a sultry beach vacation or a fast-paced city retreat, channel your inner Audrey Hepburn with these retro cream shades from Bvlgari!

The next time you find yourself at Mandarin Gallery, you may like to give the shopping a break and art a chance. The private Museum of Art & Design (M.A.D) located on the third floor of the mall is a must-visit for fans of contemporary art. Housing rare and usually inaccessible pieces, M.A.D’s objective is to create excitement and awareness among those who have little exposure to and experience with modern art. With an impressive line-up of exhibitions and events relating to fashion, art, design and life, the museum is meant for both art lovers and amateurs.

Passionate about what they do, you can count on the people behind M.A.D to bring you the latest happenings in the art scene. For instance, the museum will be presenting high profile Chinese contemporary artists, Zeng Fanzhi and Ai Weiwei, at the annual Art Stage which officially kicks off today at Marina Bay Sands.

For those who enjoy the childlike appeal of cartoonish pop art, Yoshitomo Nara is one artist that you should not miss. Having burst onto the scene during the Japanese Pop Art Movement in the 1990s, Nara is known for his intriguing children characters. At first glance, these children may seem simple and cute but a closer look will reveal that they may not be so innocent. Usually portrayed with expressions of irritation and annoyance (maybe even hate), they are often drawn with objects like weapons and cigarettes in hand. These bizarrely incongruent details in his art, in the form of sculptures, paintings and even street art, have won Nara a strong cult following among art critics and artsy hipsters alike.

Nara’s framed prints are available for sale at SGD450 each at M.A.D Museum of Art & Design, #03-01, Mandarin Gallery