Design News: Cocktails inspired by Singapore architecture, Namiki’s cherry blossom fountain pen

Bombay Sapphire’s cocktails inspired by Singapore architecture

English gin brand Bombay Sapphire has tasked bartenders from Singapore bars to create unique cocktails inspired by the country’s landmarks as part of its Saw This, Made This global campaign. 

Eight cocktails were created altogether, but three are particular standouts as creative design endeavours.

One of them is Flowing Still ($25++), designed by Mr Jimmy Kok of The Elephant Room.

Just one glance makes it clear that the blue-hued drink – which gets its colour via spirulina cordial, and has a lotus-shaped white chocolate garnish – brings to mind the image of the ArtScience Museum seemingly floating above the water off Marina Bay.

Meanwhile, The 1979 ($26++) designed by Mr Nazri Zurimi of Sago House uses sour belt candy to mimic the image of the beloved dragon playground in Toa Payoh, tapping childhood nostalgia in two ways.

The Supertree ($26++) designed by Mr Nicholas Leong of Analogue Initiative is also visually arresting, with its bright purple hue and intricate garnish, which is made from kuzu root starch and coconut sugar. The drink takes inspiration from the distinctive Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, particularly how they appear when viewed at night.

Info: The three cocktails are available at their respective bars until Aug 31. Atlas, Employees Only, Nutmeg & Clove, Stay Gold Flamingo and Writers Bar have also created their own concoctions inspired by Singapore landmarks. Go to their respective social media profiles for more details on the drinks and their availability.  

Namiki’s cherry blossom-inspired fountain pen

Fountain pen brand Namiki, which is owned by Japanese stationery giant Pilot, is releasing a new writing instrument inspired by the cherry blossom, one of Japan’s most enduring symbols. 

The Cherry Blossoms At Night ($4,000 excluding GST) features an artful design of cherry blossom petals in pink lacquer against a base colour of charcoal. 

Like all of Namiki’s fountain pens, the Cherry Blossoms At Night pens are hand-crafted by the Kokkokai group of artisans skilled in the ancient Japanese art form of maki-e – a technique through which lacquerware is decorated with imagery and lettering using lacquer and metal powder.  

Using this technique, Kokkokai artisans individually painted each blossom on the pens, with the process taking more than three months from start to finish. 

The overall effect of the delicate pink blossoms on the dark lacquer is intended to evoke the hana akari – meaning “flower light” in Japanese – of the beloved cherry blossom, and how they are able to evoke tranquillity and peace even during the darkest hour of night. 

Info: Available from authorised Namiki dealers, including Aesthetic Bay (aestheticbay.com), Elephant & Coral (elephant-coral.com) and Fook Hing Trading Co (fookhing.com.sg) from Aug 1.

Pop Toy Show returns to Singapore in August

Chinese toy company Pop Mart, which is known for its cute wide-eyed collectibles, is bringing the Pop Toy Show back to Singapore for a second edition.

The event will take place at Sands Expo and Convention Centre from Aug 23 to 25.

Organisers say the show will be anchored by the cloud-headed character Dimoo, with at least four different show-exclusive drops awaiting attendees. 

More than 50 artists, toy designers and toy brands will be showcasing their works and wares over the three-day event, such as Filipino illustrator Quiccs, who is known for his street art as well as his TEQ63 character and collectible series.

Info: Tickets start at $28 for early-bird prices. Go to str.sg/uzk2