Asia Weekly

Fashionably Asian

New York's recent Fashion Week, Mecca to the world's "frockerati," saw a significant influx of designers from Asia, says Suzy Menkes in the International Herald Tribune. Models sporting styles from fresh names like Thai Thakoon Panichgul, Malaysian Zang Toi, Chinese-Americans Peter Som and Alexander Wang and Korean-American Richard Chai strutted down the hottest catwalks in town.

Singapore: A dog is for life, or a Christmas weekend

Those who doubt their commitment or competence when it comes to owning a canine companion should pop in to rent-a-pet service Easy Dogz, says Ho Lian-Yi for The New Paper. The company's 10 dogs will jump (or sit) to the command of just about anyone, having been rigorously trained by prisoners as part of a rehabilitation program.

Shopaholic

You might not be able to wear it for long, but the unique snake necklace currently touring the world transcends the known limits of temptation. Commissioned to celebrate the 150th anniversary of French jewellery maker Boucheron, the serpent hints at decadence with its 20.8 karat tinted diamond tongue, says Tom Wilkins for Lussorian.com. But its body is made entirely of chocolate, a "work of art" crafted by the creative director of La Maison Du Chocolat.

In Transit

The UK-based Virgin Galactic space travel firm turned down a $1 million offer from a adult film producer to help facilitate the first ever porn flick in space, says The Independent (UK).

Hong Kong approved the development of a cruise ship terminal scheduled to open in 2013, says eTravelBlackboard.com.

Kuala Lumpur's Subang International Airport

Periscope up in Papua

You don't have to strap on an oxygen tank to appreciate the aquatic life beneath Raja Ampat's "crystal clear waters," as it's easily seen with the aid of a snorkel, says Arief Suhardiman in The Jakarta Post. The area is "a haven for divers," with native fish species including goldies, cardinalfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and surgeonfish, as well as small sharks.

Casting call

Nestled near the marine-life-rich waters of Phuket, the Indigo Pearl Resort offers guests the opportunity to experience "deep-sea fishing in luxury," says the South China Morning Post. A four-night accommodation package includes a day-long outing on the Andaman Sea with a well-equipped vessel and a full crew.

The culinary heart of Saigon

Generous in presentation and "bold on the palate," canh chua ca, or sour fish soup, is the "culinary embodiment" of the "outsize boomtown spirit" of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), writes Robyn Eckhardt in The Wall Street Journal Asia.

Petite indulgences...

Self-indulgence is the key at Pinchos, says The New Paper. "It's all about nibbling on snacks while sipping wine in between." The food is served in small portions, but "don't scoff at their size," says the paper.

Soaking up Songkran

The Thai new year is an opportunity to beat the heat as the crowds celebrate Songkran by dousing everyone in sight with water, says Ron Emmons in the South China Morning Post's Post Magazine. Held from April 13-15, Songkran, literally "water-throwing festival," is a time when Thais let loose, and stepping outdoors is an invitation to get wet.