We’re partial to the cool, multi-sensorial confines of shopping malls. This is especially the case over the festive period, where their fizzy atmosphere and familiar soundtracks beckon like the embrace of your favourite aunt.
According to a recent report by consulting firm Deloitte, the mall of the future will feed the consumer’s desire for social experience. Here’s how you can spend quality time with your family and friends at Raffles City Singapore.
01 | Count pink feathered friends at Tipsy Flamingo
Venture a guess as to the number of flamingos splashed across the walls of this cheery beach-themed bar with an Art Deco aesthetic, while you’re not trying to spot actors Pierre Png and Andrea De Cruz. The celebrity couple is the soul behind the neon-seeped space, which they conceived together with Tipsy Collective – known for their elevated pub grub and wallet-friendly prices. Expect nothing less here, with highlights including the Lobster and Crabmeat Roll and Baked Miso Codfish with Pumpkin Foam, alongside playful cocktails such as the Steady Pom P-P, shaken with gin, honey and peach bitters. Till the end of the year, half of the proceeds from Png’s signature cocktails will be donated to Cycling Without Age Singapore, a charity that enables active ageing.
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02 | Fake it as Nadiya Hussain at The Providore
You may not have the skills – nor the forbearance – of the TV chef and Great British Bakeoff winner, but that doesn’t mean your home should be devoid of crowd-winning baked treats this Christmas. Pop by The Providore for some festive pints with your colleagues and pick up goodies including panettone, fruitcakes, cookies and platters, as well as gift hampers. Because nobody wants to be that sheepish friend arriving at parties empty-handed.
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03 | Eat, drink and be merry at PS.Cafe
Nothing spreads festive cheer quite like breaking bread with loved ones, which you can do with panache at this brasserie-style eatery at the mall’s sky-lit top-floor. While their healthy salads are ever popular, cast aside your insipid diet and feast on the PS Traditional Christmas Dinner, which stars an oven-roasted turkey layered with an apricot-glazed leg ham and chestnut and sage stuffing; Pulled Lamb Shoulder Shawarma or Apricot Glazed Borrowdale Pork Chop. Other Christmas specials include Oyster Shooters, Grilled Half-shell Scallops, and decadent desserts such as the mousse-lashed Christmas Chocolate Nougatine.
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04 | Pay it forward at Acqua di Parma
With the pandemic magnifying inequality worldwide, you may want to eschew cold consumerism by purchasing gifts that count. Pick something from the Emilio Pucci x Acqua di Parma Collection, with a percentage of the production cost of each product donated to Save The Children’s Rewrite the Future campaign. The charity works across areas from healthcare to education, to improve the lives of marginalised children. This collection includes the Le Nobili and Blu Mediterraneo ranges and – if you fancy splashing out – a beautiful advent calendar with delightful surprises including Arancia di Capri Body Lotion, Magnolia Nobile Hair Mist, and Colonia, the company’s iconic fragrance.
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05 | Earn street cred at the Steven Harrington exhibition
Los Angeles-based artist Steven Harrington is known for his loud, psychedelic pop aesthetic that pays homage to his city’s street art. Emblazoned across everything from skateboards to clothing and lamps, his funky prints reflect his upbringing immersed in the urban skate and music scene. You can now admire his quirky illustrations, which cover a special commemorative ActionCity 21st Anniversary BE@RBRICK, as well as make a fashion statement by purchasing merchandise at the exhibition held till 26 December.
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06 | Discover the art of personalisation at RATIONALE
Founded by a cosmetic chemist, cult Australian luxury skincare brand RATIONALE espouses individualised facial regimens and treatments over one-size-fits-all magical formulas. Pop by their gleaming flagship boutique on 11 December (1-4pm), to get those niggling skin issues treated, and have a Christmas greeting card personalised for you by local artist Wu Yanrong. The label recently launched a limited-edition Radiance Ampoules set, and you can snag the limited-edition Illuminating Hand Balm with every purchase above $500.
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07 | Glow up at ELEMIS
Step into the Home of British skincare to check “radiant, healthy-looking skin” off your holiday wish list. Open the door to the No.25 Beauty Advent Calendar and discover their world-renowned formulas for the perfect seasonal surprise. If you’re on the hunt for stocking stuffers, they have a Best of ELEMIS Mini Set that features a curated collection of everything you need for your morning cleanse to your evening boost.
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08 | Follow the scent of royalty at Penhaligon’s
Contemplate in redolent bliss, over scents with intriguing names – does The Tragedy of Lord George ring a bell? – at the vaunted British perfume house. See if you can sniff out the intoxicatingly floral scent that was specially created for a Raja in India. And, cosset the perfect lads and ladies in your life with gifts including sets of fragrances in mini bottles. Luna, The Favourite and Empressa are among the smorgasbord of exotic scents, to name a few.
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09 | Find the most expensive bottle of whisky at The Whisky Distillery
From rare single malt Scotches to fine Japanese whiskies, The Whisky Distillery is to anoraks what the chocolate factory was to fictional character Charlie Bucket from the beloved Roald Dahl tale. Separate the ultra-coveted from the rare whiskies to ferret out their most expensive bottle. And there are sets to stir excitement even in those who purport to be connoisseurs – splurge on the Hakushu 25 Years, Hibiki 30 Years, and Yamazaki 25 Years, and receive a complimentary Hibiki Harmony 2021 Limited Edition, a pair of St. Louis crystal primo tumblers and a pair of The Whisky Distillery copita glasses with lids.
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10 | Travel back in time at SK-II Boutique Spa by Senze Salus
While the mythical fountain of youth may elude us, the futuristic skincare treatments offered at this spa are designed to at least create the illusion that you’ve stepped through a Tardis to emerge a younger version of yourself. Grab your best friend or mother to try their Heavenly Christmas Package, which includes the SK-II Discovery Facial with oxygen inhalation therapy to boost your well-being Or, Gleaming Christmas Package that includes Senze Awakening Face Add-on. You can also get the limited-edition SK-II Facial Treatment Essence, Andy Warhol pouch and more at the store.
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11 | Pose with the world’s tallest BE@RBRICK
As part of its Love, BE@RBRICK Christmas campaign that’s running till 26 December, Raffles City will be presided over by a massive 5.6m BE@RBRICK 8000%, along with the all-new Raffles City BE@RBRICK CANDY CANE 2000%, designed exclusively by ActionCity in partnership with Medicom Toy. Pose with the adorable giants for Insta-cuteness overload, and photograph 100 BE@RBRICK 1000% collectibles, at local toy retailer ActionCity’s pop-up gallery at level one. Key objects d’art on display include the BE@RBRICK Hajime Sorayama X Marvel Iron Man 1000 and the BE@RBRICK Fragment Design x Mickey Mouse 1000%.
12 | Make a wish at the fountain by Da Paolo Gastronomia
The past two years have been challenging, to say the least. Amid the happy bustle of last-minute Christmas shopping, make a pit stop at Da Paolo Gastronomia for a scoop of gelato and make a wish for good health, swift global recovery from the pandemic and the realisation of that long-awaited trip overseas at the fountain bordering the restaurant. While you’re there, pick up goodies for your year-end party, from a gingerbread house to win over the little ones, to panettone in different flavours and Christmas breakfast hampers for sustenance post-revelry.
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