Staying true to your roots can feel difficult in a concrete jungle—but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Amongst the bustle of city life, this weekend offers a chance at a deeper connection, bringing us a chance to trace the ties of craftsmanship and storytelling across mediums. Whether it’s at a celebration of French couture or at the screening of a local indie flick, GRAZIA Singapore invites you to dive into history and storytelling this weekend.
UBS House of Craft brings us the Asian debut of an exhibition celebrating 75 years of Dior craftsmanship and history, curated by none other than industry legend and former Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld; the Asian Film Archive celebrates a local gem. On the food and wine front, an equally heartfelt showcase of craftsmanship awaits, be it through flame-grilled choice cuts at a Gemmill Lane eatery or at a landmark event for wine lovers.
Friday Night: Slice Into Flame-Grilled Choice Cuts At Il Toro
When Il Toro opened its doors along Gemmill Lane just a few months ago, it joined an already noteworthy lineup of steakhouses in the area. Luke’s gives us oysters on ice and 1960s-era sophistication, La Vache has its Parisian charm—so what does Il Toro bring to the table? The wood-fired grill finds its roots in Australia and its soul in Italy, and is a bold and rustic tribute to fire-led cooking. Helmed by Italian-Australian chef Drew Nocente, the space boasts an open-plan kitchen centred around a crackling wood-fired grill. The majority of dishes are cooked over the open flame, including a 650-gram Tomahawk pork chop and an Il Toro-exclusive cut of Blackmore MS9 Wagyu. If you do swing by, make sure it’s with an appetite.
Il Toro is located at 18 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069255.
Saturday Afternoon: Immerse Yourself In The World Of Fine Wine At The Shangri-La
Calling all oenophiles (or wine lovers, for the uninitiated). This weekend, Decanter is hosting the second Singapore edition of their popular Fine Wine Encounter, an immersive and extensive celebration of the world’s finest wines. Begin with a sweeping, bird’s-eye view of the wine world through the Grand Tasting, where you can sample pours from over 50 acclaimed producers; later, dive into the rich storytelling behind specific regions and producers through masterclasses spotlighting Chateau Margaux, Brunello di Montalcino, and Henschke. Editor’s Lunches, featuring multiple courses paired with specific regions, are also available for booking.
The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter 2025 will be held on 22 November at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore, 22 Orange Grove Road, Singapore 258350.
Saturday Night: Feel The Holiday Sparkle, From Orchard Road To Gardens By The Bay
Snow isn’t glistening anywhere this close to the equator, but we do have our own little winter wonderland to explore. Orchard Road’s annual sparkling light display is lighting up the night, and it blends its usual festive charm with a local twist this year, weaving in the SG60 logo and Merli the adorable mascot. If your idea of a holiday wonderland skews more natural than concrete jungle, Gardens by the Bay is also transforming into a Christmas extravaganza with installations, light displays, train shows, and more. Why not get into the festive spirit a little early this weekend?
Find information about Gardens by the Bay’s festive displays here.
Sunday Afternoon: Traverse 75 Years Of Fashion History At UBS House Of Craft x Dior
Not every exhibition can claim the couture pedigree of UBS House of Craft x Dior. Curated by industry giant Carine Roitfeld and brought to life through the photography of Brigitte Niedermair, the exhibition traces Dior history and craftsmanship across 75 years and 7 creative directors. For its Asian debut at the New Art Museum, the exhibition will also feature Singapore-exclusive displays that explore the French house’s ties to the region. Aside from the compelling collection of archival gowns, sketches, moodboards, photographs, and more, the space will also host public talks and demonstrations by Dior Atelier artisans.
The UBS House of Craft x Dior exhibition will run from 21-23 November at the New Art Museum, 39 Keppel Road, #05-03/06 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065. Register here.
Sunday Night: Celebrate The Small Things With The Asian Film Archive’s Exclusive Screenings
Following the loss of beloved cinema The Projector earlier this year, Singapore’s cinephiles should jump at any chance to support the city’s independent film scene. The Asian Film Archive have been quiet stalwarts of the city’s creative side for years, and this weekend sees them continue the good fight with exclusive screenings of City of Small Blessings. The 2024 film is based on Simon Tay’s novel of the same name, which won the Singapore Literature Prize in 2010, and it follows a retired civil servant in his quest to halt the demolition of his family home. The AFA will also host post-screening dialogues with the author, director, and cinematographer, allowing us to delve deeper into the film’s themes.
Find the Asian Film Archive’s events schedule here.
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