A popular ad jingle sings ‘the men don’t get it’. The fact is, this gender stereotype can go both ways. Sometimes, it is the women who don’t get it and this is especially true when it comes to boys’ toys, the mythical objects that men are obsessively passionate about. From cult plastic figurines to the perfect pair of running shoes, here are just some of the things that will make the average guy on the street hot under the collar. There is no need for you to understand the mysterious attractive forces at work here – just buy them for him!

Original Fake X Kaws Companion Bearbrick
There is always a little boy in all grown men, which explains their enduring love for toys. First launched as part of Original Fake’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection, the morbidly comical Dissected Companion Bearbrick remains very much coveted among toy figurines collectors the world over. Available in varying sizes (i.e. 100%, 200%, 400% and 1000%), it is modelled after the infamous character by artist Kaws and features exposed innards and muscular tissues. All that two-dimensional blood and gore – no wonder the boys are stirred into such a frenzy.

The Kaws Companion Bearbrick retails from SGD50 to SGD300 at Ambush, #03-14, Mandarin Gallery

Bose SoundDock II
For a music junkie, there are few things as sacred as a good sound system. With the digitalisation of music, this translates to an iPod compatible dock and Bose’s SoundDock II is arguable one of the best machines on the market. With the same award-winning performance of the original SoundDock, this improved version boasts enhanced and additional features. For instance, you can now navigate your playlists with the remote control.

The Bose SoundDock II (SGD599 to SGD749) can be found at Green Light, #03-15, Mandarin Gallery

Rolex Deepsea
Men usually accessorise sparingly and often a good watch is all he needs. Designed for extreme underwater exploration, the Rolex Deepsea is made for the professional diver and those who like to push boundaries. A strikingly handsome timepiece, it is equipped with a unique chain bracelet, a bezel inlaid with virtually scratch-resistant black Cerachrom disc and a titanium caseback. Whether he is a diver or not, this will definitely win his heart.

The Rolex Deepsea is available at E’COLLEZIONE for SGD29,800

Terra Plana Evo Running Shoes
If he is addicted to the runner’s high, a good pair of running shoes is absolutely necessary to keep him injury-free. The Evo has an ultra-thin, puncture resistant sole that is ideal for urban environments. It is also lightweight and very breathable, making the running experience a stress-free one. Stripped of any frills, it simply allows your feet to move the way they are supposed to move.

The Evo retails for SGD229 at Terra Plana, #02-04, Mandarin Gallery

Even as a heightened environmental consciousness has taken the rest of the fashion world by storm in recent years, it appears that eco-fashion has not quite caught on in Singapore. Home-grown, eco-friendly fashion label, Jujube, aims to bring the Green Movement to our fashion scene with its latest collection, Bird Of Paradise. As the latest addition to the Friends of Terra Plana initiative, the collection was presented in the Terra Plana store at Mandarin Gallery last Saturday to the delight of local fashionistas who care about Mother Earth.

Designer and brand owner, Jujube Li, was on hand at the soft launch event to share on the design process and philosophy behind the collection. Fiercely dedicated to the eco cause, Li (who was originally trained in architecture) goes to great lengths to ensure that her entire business cycle adheres to strict eco-certification standards. Using 100% ecological and biodegradable textiles in her designs, Li believes that style and eco-friendliness are not mutually exclusive. Contrary to the hippie, “tree-hugger” aesthetics of yesteryear, eco-fashion of today can be well designed, sophisticated and chic.

Utilising the brand’s patented G.R.O.W Modulated Clothing Design System, Bird Of Paradise consists of 12 designs, including 6 modulated pieces that can be taken apart and put together (with the aid of nifty zippers) to create interesting new combinations. Not only will these clothes offer increased sartorial mileage, they also help to reduce material wastage. Along the same principle, Jujube is very particular about the raw materials used in its designs. The collection is made entirely from Modal, which is produced by the only fibre production company that has been awarded with the European Ecolabel for its high environmental standards.

Famed for its exquisite plumage and regal aura, the beautiful Bird Of Paradise is the inspiration for the collection. It features the summery hues of the tropical rainforest and a masterful draping technique that creates a rich texture and modern, sleek silhouette. Designed with Singapore’s heat and humidity in mind, the pieces celebrate our eternal summer. Warm and vivacious, it is truly reflective of our equatorial climate.

Birds Of Paradise is retailing from SGD208 to SGD828 at Terra Plana (#02-02), Mandarin Gallery

The fashion industry has been going green for years. Everyone is talking about sustainability and shopping the eco-friendly way. Yet, despite all that hype, few brands are actually walking the talk. Other than the occasional re-useable canvas tote, there is little real effort made to help save the earth. Terra Plana, on the other hand, is very whole-hearted about this mission.
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