Whether it’s escaping the dreaded haze which has been hanging over Singapore for the past couple of months, or escaping the chaos that surrounds Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai……Forty Red Bangles’s new beach-inspired pure cotton nightwear collection has you covered!
Whether your young or older…a trip to the beach and a good dose of Vitamin D, always lifts the spirits. Whether building sandcastles, whale watching or simply taking a stroll on the beach is your thing….you will fall in love with our new prints.
Available in sizes 1-2 years up to 9-10 years and women’s extra small to large. Cheaper than flying to Goa or Bali….make everyday a beach day with our new collection! Available online now at http://www.fortyredbangles.com or email ramona@fortyredbangles.com for further details.
It’s that time of the year in Singapore when there is wave of new expats arriving and other’s are repatriating to new shores. A time to say goodbye to friends and to leave for new adventures. The little red dot holds a very special place in everyone’s heart who has been fortunate enough to experience living here. It is true that life on the Island City is like living in a bubble…but what a lovely space to be in. Life here can be so easy in many ways…the cleanliness, convenience and safety…are all things we probably take for granted until the bubble bursts!
For many of us we search for the little keepsake to take with us to remind us of our time here. For other’s we are looking for the perfect leaving gift to give to our friend which reflects their time spent here.
Here at Forty Red Bangles we have been busy putting together the I Love Singapore collection, which celebrates and encapsulates the icons and symbols that we have all become familiar with. There is something for everybody with our kids pure cotton night suits, women’s night wear, handmade toys and gorgeous bookmarks and keychains. Each collection has been put together with lots of love and attention to detail to ensure that they will be treasured for a long while to come. All our clothing is pure cotton and printed using low impact eco-friendly dyes. Our handmade toys are made by the women of Sambhali Trust, which runs a women’s empowerment centre in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, India.
I have been living in Singapore for coming up to 2 years now and decided it was time to dig a little deeper into the history and cultural roots of this little island. Singapore is a melting pot of many different ethnic groups each of which has influenced life as we know it today. I decided to go on an adventure to the Peranakan Museum to learn more and to find inspiration for a new collection.
So now it’s your turn to meet the Peranakans. Installed in the former Tao Nan Chinese School, built in 1912, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. Galleries on three floors illustrate the cultural traditions and the distinctive visual arts of the Peranakans. The Peranakan culture is a unique hybrid culture that is still part of Singapore’s living heritage.
The term ‘Peranakan’ is commonly known as ‘local born’ or ‘local descendants’ and is thought to have been used by the local people of the Straits Settlement and Malay Archipelagos to address foreign immigrants whom established families and businesses in the Straits of Southeast Asia.
During the late nineteenth century, Chinese communities who settled in Southeast Asia adopted the term Peranakan to distinguish themselves from the new immigrants, whom they referred to as Sinkeh (new guest) or, in Indonesia, as totok(migrant). More specifically, male descendants were called Babas and female descendants Nyonyas. Most of these descendants, although retaining their Chinese beliefs, also adopted local indigenous lifestyles. Thus, giving birth to the unique practices of the Peranakans and even their own variation of the Malay language called Baba Malay.
While the term Peranakan is most commonly used among the ethnic Chinese for those of Chinese descent also known as Straits Chinese, there are also other, comparatively small Peranakan communities, such as Indian Hindu Peranakans (Chitty), Indian Muslim Peranakans (Jawi Pekan) and Eurasian Peranakans.
The family unit is an important facet of the Peranakans, and family members within the same tree can usually be found living under one roof much like their Chinese counterparts.
Nevertheless, the true feature that defines the Peranakans is their ability to embrace modern thinking. For instance, unlike the traditional Chinese who in the past, favored male offspring, Peranakans deemed both sons and daughters equal rights to the family fortune.
Peranakan food is probably the most diverse and distinctive of all local cuisines. A marriage of cooking styles, Nyonya cuisines combine the preparation techniques of both traditional Chinese and Malay cooking. This unusual marriage gives Nyonya cuisine its distinctive taste, filled with exciting flavours from the use of local herbs and spices, and more often than not spicier and hotter than Chinese food.
A typical Nyonya kitchen would not be without condiments like turmeric, ginger, galangal shallots, chives and shrimp paste. Lemon, limes, tamarinds, green mangoes, citrus leaves and coconut milk are also used to up the epicurean experience. Rempah, an exciting blend of ingredients pounded together in a mortar and cooked in oil to release its flavour is used for a variety of dishes. It’s this special combination that sets Peranakan food apart from the rest. And because of their ingenuity to improvise traditional dishes with spices and herbs, Peranakans have produced tasty local treats like achar, curry fish in banana leaves, buah keluak, chendol, Nyonya kuehs and many other delights.
The Peranakan culture shares great nostalgia and significance to our local communities in Singapore, and is an attraction for many of our foreign visitors who wish to discover and experience the unique Southeast Asian culture.
With this vibrant mix, a unique cultural group has been formed. Arts and crafts have been passed down through the generations. Delicately embroidered glass beaded slippers, elaborate patterns in pastel shades and decorative tiles are some of the treasures of this rich culture.
We have fallen in love with the geometric prints and vibrant colours which are reminiscent of Moghul designs in many ways. Our new women’s pyjama collection will feature a Peranakan influence and will exude the richness and beauty of this amazing community. Launching at the end of April, here is a little sneak peak.
One of the really nice things about living in Singapore, is the exposure to so many different festivals celebrated around the world. The next big one for this year is Lunar Chinese New Year (CNY), celebrating the year of the Goat. Here’s a little more about CNY, which falls on 19 February this year.
It marks the start of the new year for the Chinese calendar, beginning of the second new moon after the winer solstice and ending on the full moon fifteen days later. It is marked by visits to family and friends, special meals, fireworks, and gift giving. Before the celebration, people will normally completely clean the house and display traditional New Year decorations, very similar to Diwali.
Red is undoubtedly the colour of the season. You’ll see it in the scarlet paper packets filled with money that are given to children and younger relatives. You’ll see it in the bright hues of the brand new clothes people are wearing. Most of all, you’ll see it in homes all over Singapore, thoroughly spring-cleaned and decorated with touches of crimson everywhere – in the lanterns hung by the gates, in the spring couplets adorning doorways and in the bright ribbons adorning kumquat plants, their yellow fruit symbolising ‘gold’ or prosperity.
The heart of Chinese New Year is ultimately a celebration of home and family, hence gatherings with family and relatives around the dining table are de rigueur.
And nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the tradition of Reunion Dinner, held on the eve of the new year. Family members rush back home (sometimes from very far away) in order to share this one most important meal of the year with loved ones.
Chinese New Year 2015 is the year of the Goat. For people born in the year of the Goat (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 ), 2015 is considered an auspicious year. Some random facts for those born under the goat sign (we know it sounds so uncool)-
Lucky Colors: brown, red, purple
Lucky Numbers: 2, 7
Lucky Flowers: carnation, primrose
If you know a Goat, then maybe this may resonate with you, we’ll let you be the judge.
People born in a year of the Goat are generally believed to be gentle mild-mannered, shy, stable, sympathetic, amicable, and brimming with a strong sense of kindheartedness and justice.
They have very delicate thoughts, strong creativity, and perseverance, and acquire professional skills well. Although they look gentle on the surface, they are tough on the inside, always insisting on their own opinions in their minds. They have strong inner resilience and excellent defensive instincts.
Though they prefer to be in groups, they do not want to be the center of attention. They are reserved and quiet, most likely because they like spending much time in their thoughts. Goats like to spend money on fashionable things that give them a first class appearance. Although goats enjoy spending money on the finer things in life, they are not snobbish.
The Goats display in Chinatown. Didn’t know goats could look so impressive.Auspicious gold coins and goats lined up in Chinatown.
This blog I am super lucky to have a guest appearance blogger, my gorgeous 8 year old daughter, Arshia, who is going to give you her take on CNY.
Hi every body I am Arshia and I am going to write about Chinese new year.
This year it will be the year of the goat. It will take place next wednesday.
Why do they have the year of the goat and other years you ask I will tell you why.
Many many years ago there was a Chinese Emperor and he said that all the animals that he knew of will have a race. So all the animals started the race and the rat said to the cat that there is a fish in the lake but the cat did not know how to swim but went in the water anyway and drowned.
So that is why they have all the years in Chinese new year. Now why do the young give oranges to there elders, well they give the oranges to elders to wish them good luck and the elders give the red packet called “hong bao” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope) in Chinese to young to wish them good luck to. Okay now that is all of it for Chinese new year but yesterday I went to Chinatown and got all cool magic tricks it is lots of fun and all you guys should go there.They have a big goats and little goats in the picture above it is good and fun for your kids and you well I have to go now so bye!
So here is wishing all of you a very prosperous and joyous Chinese New Year, whether you are a Goat or not, eat, drink and be merry! Gong Xi Fai Cai from all of us at Forty Red Bangles.
Where has the beginning of 2015 gone?? Hope you have all had a super start to the New Year. We had a busy festive season with family visiting from Oz, then traveling to Mumbai together and further celebrations in Jodhpur. The kids had such a fun time spending time with the extended family and being totally showered with love.
Whenever we come back to Mumbai….we always run out of time. There never feels like we have enough time to squeeze in everything….from a visit to our favourite Swati Snacks for some suva pankhi, moorish kebabs from Kakori House and not to mention all the yummy street food, particularly the good old classic Mumbai vegetable grilled sandwich with Amul cheese! Oh yes and of course there is also work to catch up on!!
Melt in the mouth kebabsSteaming hot suva pankhi (rice pancake laced with fresh dill)
We have lots of new products in the pipe lines, so there was so many people to touch base with and to brief about all the new plans for Forty Red Bangles this year! I was super fortunate to have my sister and her gorgeous daughter also visiting from Melbourne. So it was a perfect opportunity to have Sammy together with my little rat bag Omaira in a photo-shoot for the two new designs launching soon. They say never work with kids or animals…yet we managed to pull this one off and the results were seriously too cute! The new collection will be launching in April 2015.
It has been a hectic start to 2015…and doesn’t look like it will slow down either. We are so grateful for all the wonderful time we had with our family and all the moments we shared. Now it is time to get focused on producing some rocking collections and getting them to you asap! Watch this space.
What a crazy 2014 it has been….and there are still a few days to go! Don’t know about you guys….but here at Forty Red Bangles, we have seen the highs, felts the lows and learn’t so much along the way. We are still smiling and geared up for 2015…so we either must be nuts, love what we do or both! We wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for the love you have shared over the year. We launched in Singapore this year with our I Love Singapore collection. After a slight hiccup of an event, we powered on and came back for what truly was a bumper festive season. We are so grateful for all the amazing experiences we have had this year and can’t wait to get working on new collections. We wanted to share a few highlights from 2014. Wishing you all a super start to 2015….stay happy and see you on the other side!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! And although there’s no chill in the air for miles around (just the usual hot humidity!) you can’t blame us for getting into the festive spirit. People seem jollier, the air smells like pumpkin spice and everything looks a bit more red-white-and-green. Our favorite festive event of the season has got to be Boutiques at the Pit Building. It’s a time to meet our lovely Singapore peeps and celebrate with the best curated retail this side of the island.
Boutiques Singapore is the original, curated, Singapore based boutique fair featuring independent vendors specializing in bespoke creations, designs and collections in fashion, jewellery, bags & accessories, gifts, contemporary home décor, art and children’s clothes, toys and accessories.
Founded in 2002, Boutiques has established itself as the only curated boutique fair in Singapore focusing on independent designers, unique high-quality products and its strong support in regional charities. The fair takes place twice a year, each having a sound presentation of designs. The Spring & Summer edition features fresh fashion, jewellery, bags & accessory collections while the Christmas edition features the most unique gifts, home décor and fashion. Set in one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, the F1 Pit Building is the perfect setting to savour a day filled with superb shopping, gourmet bites & coffee and mingle with friends.
For us it was the perfect time to unveil all the Singapore-centric goodies we have been working on throughout the year. The perfect souvenirs, the perfect gifts for loved ones and the perfect treat to spoil yourself! Inspired by the life and times of Singapore, we have translated the cityscape into vibrant prints adorning a line of leisurewear and accessories. The collection also includes intricate charm jewelry influenced by traditional oriental symbols of good fortune combined with Indian design elements and other wearable souvenirs such as “I Love Singapore” nightwear and bags to take home a little part of Singapore to your loved ones. Our gorgeous Christmas decorations were a big hit and in case you missed them, we’re taking orders at info@fortyredbangles.com!
Xmas Decorations!
Did you get a chance to pick up some festive goodies? We have a whole calendar of events lined up so do catch us the next time! Check out our Facebook page for details.
When we first moved to Singapore, we were caught up in a whirlwind of activity. Not only were we trying to get settled and find our footing, but we we also couldn’t wait to absorb as much as the city had to offer. The sights, sounds and smells drove us crazy with inspiration and we couldn’t wait to get started on this leg of our journey. While our beginnings in Melbourne were quaint, quiet and minimalistic, our lives in India were bright, crazy and loud. Singapore seems to have the best of both worlds, with enough clean and streamlined design to quell our OCD but with so much funk and quirk from the orient to excite our desi sensibilities. So we set about being inspired and discovering the Singaporean side of Forty Red Bangles.
After our adventures, what we found was missing the most were cute and quality souvenirs and gifts to take back home for friends and family. Keychains, mugs and all that tat was just not for us. Neither were the strange white, fluffy, indiscernible Merlion toys, thought to be a bunny/polar bear by the little ones. So we did what we do best and explored the city inside out to pick out the best that Singapore has to offer. And thus was born the “I Love Singapore” Collection.
Forty Red Bangles presents a truly novel way in which to discover the island city of Singapore. Inspired by the life and times of Singapore, this collection plays with prints and colors to create a vibrant line of organic nightwear specially for your little ones. The print is a play on the ubiquitous “I Love Singapore” symbol that declares your love for the city and we’ve taken it one step further to celebrate its most famous icons. Reminisce about your time atop the grand Marina Bay Sands hotel as you watched the sun set across the horizon, reflected in the ripples of the luxurious infinity pool, or recall the day spent shopping and frolicking at Sentosa, in the shadow of the grand Merlion- a reminder of the city’s origins as a fishing village and a symbol of its majesty today as the Lion City.
The Skypark atop the Marina Bay Sands The majestic Merlion at Sentosa
Singapore serves as bridge between the west and the east, a modern city with its traditions rooted in the ancient orient. We relish the thought of celebrating the Lantern Festival, with its strings of glowing lights and stacks of delicious mooncakes; and where would we be without the famous fan, an object as relevant now as it was yesterday as a way to deal with the tropical heat. The favorite with our little ones is the ‘Maneki Neko’ or lucky cat whose beckoning paw is a constant attraction in shop windows and restaurants.
Symbols of Singaporean life
So come explore Singapore with our “I Love Singapore” collection- seriously cute souvenirs and the perfect presents for friends and family.
“I Love Singapore” Pyjamas available at http://www.fortyredbangles.comThe collection of toys including “Merl the Lionfish”, “Baloo the Bear”, “Sam the Camel”, “Bhali the Elephant” and “Shaadi Horse”
The “I Love Singapore” collection is now available on www.fortyredbangles.com and you may contact us at info@fortyredbangles.com for further details or to place an order.
Another season has come and gone and it’s time to refresh our offerings to you! We have worked tirelessly to create a capsule collection for the grand Lion City of Singapore. Those of you following us on Facebook would have been kept up to date on our launch at the Blueprint 2014 expo, and what an event it was! We debuted our colorful collection designed specifically for Singapore.
Kids were delighted with our “I Love Singapore” organic cotton pyjamas and our “Class of 2014” toys including new avatars of old favorites Sam the Camel, Bhali the Elephant and the all new Merl the Lionfish, Shaadi Horse and Baloo the Teddy. For the grown-ups we designed a “Don’t be Koi” range of Nightwear and delicate and drool-worthy jewelry as a part of our “Charmed” collection.
With great products comes great responsibility- to showcase them brilliantly that is! So we set up another photo shoot with our amazing photographer and got to work trying to capture Teddys best side for the world to see! Before we unveil the collection in all it’s glory, here are a few behind the scenes looks and a few outtakes to whet your appetite!
How cute are they?Merl the Lionfish steals the showTime for a close-up!Our little models are at it again!Ladies and Gentlemen…The Class of 2014!Pretty horses all in a rowSlightly NSFWReal men are overrated anyway
Watch this space for the final shots of our Singapore Collection and to know how you can get your hands on some exclusive pieces!
We are ever so proud of our revamped “From India with Love” Candle Collection. Not only are they bigger and better, but we’ve added two new fragrances too! We’ve spent months developing the perfectly sized, reusable tins and testing waxes, wicks and essential oils for the smoothest, most fragrant and clean burning combination possible. As you can imagine this left us with a bunch of empty tins waiting to test our “reusable” theory. Well, the scientific brains behind FRB are seldom wrong and we have found hundreds of different uses for these tins! If you are ever to visit our office or homes, you can play a fun game of “Spot the tins!”, which you will find disguised as a pretty pen stand or a quirky sugar dispenser!
Once your own candles have come to end, simply wash out the tin with cleaning fluid and put it to one of the many uses below:
1. Make-up Organizer
If, like me, you have amassed more lip glosses and eyeliners than you could ever hope to use, the tins come in handy as organizers for your make up! Store your lip pencils, glosses, mascaras, eyeliners, nail paints and more in these tins that serve the additional purple of prettying up your dressing table! They can also be used to store hair clips, rubber bands and other odds and ends.
2. Window-sill Garden
Make a few holes in the bottom of the tin (to drain out water), add some soil and plant delicate herbs for a window-sill garden in your kitchen. Pluck a few leaves of fresh basil for your pesto or sprinkle fresh coriander atop your curry! Impressive, green and economical, these micro herb gardens are a must have for everyone from the amateur cook to the seasoned chef.
3. Beverage Cooler
By sheer coincidence (or is it?), the tins are the perfect size to accommodate a drink can or bottle. Stick the tins in the freezer and use them as innovative drink holders when you have guests over. It keeps your drink cool longer, saves you the washing up of glasses and is an interesting conversation starter!
4. Sewing Box
I’m sure everyone has a childhood memory of sneakily opening a tin of shortbread cookies, only to find it filled with sewing odds and ends! End the confusion and use our candle tins to store all your sewing bits. We like to color coordinate our thread spools with the color of the tins but you could use them anyway you like to store your needles, buttons and yarn!
5. Salt and Pepper Shakers
Make some holes in the lid and voila- you have instant salt and pepper shakers! The vacuum seal lid ensures that moisture doesn’t creep into the tins, making them almost ideal as spice dispensers. You can also use them to store your various spices and add a splash of color to your kitchen.
6. Cookie-cutter
One of the more imaginative uses uses of our tins is as a cookie cutter! Achieve a perfect biscuit circle with the lids of our tins or use them to wrap the dough around to shape cookie cups for sweet tartlets or to serve ice cream in!
These are just a few of the things we came up with. The ideas are endless, limited only by your imagination! Do you have any ideas for how we could put these tins to use? Let us know and we’d love to feature you on our blog!
Forty Red Bangles 