Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2023 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Hong Kong- and Milan-based interior architect and furniture designer Sean Dix took Tatler on a tour of his sun-drenched loft apartment, sharing his eclectic collection of mid-century furniture and curiosities. TATLER INDONESIA Pop phenom Raisa Andriana and actor Nicholas Saputra appear on the May cover, having worked on the music video for Raisa’s song Nyaman Tak Cukup. The pair spoke about their mutual respect, and their work beyond their respective day jobs. TATLER MALAYSIA Meet the six winners of the Front & Female Awards Malaysia 2023, including Xin Yu Lim, who co-founded The Asli Co, an accredited social enterprise that gives orang asli mothers the tools, resources and training to produce high-quality, handmade artisanal gifts and receive an income they wouldn’t otherwise. TATLER PHILIPPINES Eighteen-year-old racing star…

Carrie Chan, the co-founder and CEO of Avant Meats, is on track to set up the company’s pilot production plant this year, where it hopes to start rolling out fish fillet and fish maw by 2024. But the company won’t be sourcing its seafood traditionally. When consumers choose Avant seafood, they will be dining on cultivated fish protein, which is grown in a lab from fish cells. It is fish meat, but it does not come from an actual fish. Meat, as a video from the company explains, will in the future be made “just like yogurt or beer”, in an incubator. Avant does this by taking carefully selected fish starter cells and placing them in a warmed, nutrient-rich mixture made of glucose, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and protein powder.…

What draws you to Hong Kong? Hong Kong is one of the most cosmopolitan places in Asia. I spend my time between Los Angeles and Seoul, and I hadn’t been back to Hong Kong for four years. I’ve really missed it. I feel like Hong Kong’s energy is back. The feng shui and aura of the city are so good. Visually, it’s one of the most beautiful places, and it’s got the best food. Home is where your friends are, and Hong Kong is that for me. After I launched the brand in South Korea in August, the next obvious place was Hong Kong. What does Khee mean? My Korean name is Hee Kyung, and when I moved to the US as a teenager, people couldn’t pronounce Kyung. They used…

In 2018, Hong Kong-born-and-bred Anita Ellis launched the flower shop and NGO Blossom Minds. Offering flower arrangements made by young adults with special education needs (SEN), it has shops in Jordan and Kwun Tong, and is devoted to nurturing these young adults’ talents, developing their life skills—and is on a mission to offer opportunities to integrate them into the mainstream. “Young adults at Blossom Minds are assigned tasks based primarily on their strengths,” Ellis says. The NGO recruits these young adults from schools in Hong Kong—both mainstream and those for students with SEN—plus other NGOs and the government’s Labour Department. It provides them with on-the-job training, as well as ethics and soft skills, to help them better engage with colleagues and customers. Ellis wasn’t always in the flower business—she was…

It was tough for Zip Cheung when she first started Ohh Dear Communications, Hong Kong’s first modelling and marketing agency specialising in the over-50s, in 2016. Scouting for senior models on the streets of Hong Kong’s Wan Chai and Central districts, the response was consistent: who would want a senior as a model? Counting brands including Gucci, Bioderma and the MTR corporation among her clients, it was clear that there was demand, and luckily Cheung had some leads from her previous career as a journalist covering retirement topics. But it was more than the commercial opportunity that led Cheung to leave journalism. Having spent her days interviewing “young-olds”—those between 50 and 60 years old—she had become sensitive to the way these older people were presented, because the stereotype didn’t fit…

It’s the era of quiet luxury. If you hadn’t already picked up the theme from the hit HBO series Succession, you would have seen a surge in online searches for bags from The Row and Gwyneth Paltrow’s style choices. It’s not a new concept; the term has been used in every field from interiors to holidays as a way to emphasise niche tastes and unobtrusive displays of wealth. So why is it so applicable to fashion in 2023? The adoption of the trend can be seen in part as a wardrobe shift caused by the economic climate: a return to polished and refined designs, a cleaner, minimalistic aesthetic and preference for understated elegance and quality craftsmanship over flashy logos. And if you wanted to highlight one brand as the epitome…

Lights, camera, action! This is the story of Noel Wong: watch collector, filmmaker, journalist, auctioneer and author. His journey as a watch collector began with a ladies’ watch—a gift that remains his favourite in the well-honed collection he has nurtured over the last few decades. Stop. Rewind. Play. It all started when he was accepted to university in Australia to study journalism. His mother wanted to show her pride through a well-meaning gift, and bought Wong his very first watch, a Pasha C by Cartier. “I still remember, it was HK$15,000 after discount; getting it at that price today is impossible,” he says. Wong, a self-described “mama’s boy”, felt love at first sight, and is eternally grateful for the gift. “Because of that watch, I started getting interested [in luxury…

BEAUTIFUL CHAOS One of the hottest trends this summer is experimenting with mixing and matching unexpected colours and prints in a single outfit for a unique, eye-catching look. Floral prints, stripes, polka dots: throw them all together because anything goes. THE LIFE OF THE PARTY This season’s party dressing trends are once again all about making a statement. From Versace’s forever-glam dresses to Ferragamo’s tie-dye blouses, these rave-inspired items are all you need to turn heads on the dance floor. THROW SHADE The most stylish sunglasses for men and women are a mix of retro and modern styles: go for oversized frames, coloured lenses and aviator styles. A DELICATE SITUATION Think of it as the summer edition of the sheer trend: lace is in and more delightful than ever. As…

We have had a rough start to the year, with high inflation and rising interest rates. Startups are facing tougher fundraising conditions than last year, which has pushed many of them to focus more on generating revenue and controlling costs. But as we’ve seen throughout the pandemic, an economic slowdown doesn’t necessarily equate to a slowdown in innovation. In fact, you could argue that we’re advancing scarily fast right now. And the Leaders of Tomorrow on this year’s Gen.T List are some of those leading the charge. Whether it’s using artificial intelligence to make industries more efficient or tapping into nature’s resources for healthcare solutions, the honourees we recognise this year—and every year—have one goal in common: to create a positive difference in the lives of others and those that…

ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance) is a set of standards used to assess a company’s behaviour that’s fast becoming a norm in the financial sector. You can thank the general mindset shift of decision-makers who want to put the money where their mouth is—or where their values are. Traditionally, startups would consider risks involving finance, operations, technology, business model and market fit. In recent years, ESG risks have also come to the forefront. Paul Ark is a venture partner at The Radical Fund and previous head of ESG at Gobi Partners, a regional venture capital firm headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong that has invested in more than 320 startups, including Prenetics, Ecoinno and Animoca Brands. “Where baby boomers and Gen X had a clear separation between business…

With most major asset classes still flatlining after years of pandemic-induced shocks, the art market continues to stand out as the brightest in the investment landscape. Global art sales stood at US$65.1 billion in 2022, up 29 per cent year on year, with US$13.4 billion of that taking place in Greater China. The ultra-rich, moreover, have seen the way the wind is blowing: the median expenditure on art among high-net-worth collectors rose to US$274,000 in 2021, more than doubling the spending of the year before. As the value of collections increases, so does the need to protect those valuable items, which, unlike most physical assets, are more likely to be displayed in the family home than kept in storage. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in art…

It was Yayoi Kusama, I believe, dotty genius, celebrated artist and our cover star last November, who once said, “I have a flood of ideas in my mind. I just follow my vision.” She makes it sound so simple. Creativity, ideas and innovation are so often things that we grapple with, trying to make them fit into content and business strategies, trying to make them inspirational as well as relatable, that too often we forget that the purest way forward is simply to have a vision and follow it. Our June issue centres around the theme of Youth and Innovation, and for months, our team dug deep to find and celebrate the ambitious minds that are shaping our future, those who are thinking outside the proverbial box, and really, just…

SINGAPORE Jackson Aw is the founder and CEO of Singapore-based Mighty Jaxx, a technology-driven integrated future culture platform that designs and produces digital and phygital collectibles in partnership with some of the biggest brands in the world. The company has collaborated with global brands including Netflix, Formula One, Hasbro, Cartoon Network, Warner Brothers and Adidas, shipping millions of phygital collectibles to more than 80 countries yearly. A collector himself since he was young, the 2019 Gen.T honouree now focuses his time on Mighty Jaxx’s future growth and its mission to empower future pop culture brands with an end-to-end supply chain of collectibles, including artist development and incubation, proprietary IP operation and providing access to experiential retail for consumers around the world. TAIWAN Arthur Huang, co-founder and CEO of Miniwiz, is…

Is a college degree necessary for success in business? YES “I believe that education can and should take many forms, but the most common [qualification] an employer will look for on a résumé is a bachelor’s degree. In fact, a college degree is not only encouraged, but expected, by HR managers. Some positions require a master’s degree or higher. As a traditionalist, I’ll always answer ‘yes’ to this question because I believe a university degree provides students with a safety net to fall back on. A degree enables students to at least get their foot in the door—past the HR manager. Whether or not they find success will depend on how well they can learn on the job. The question ‘Is a college degree necessary for success in business?’ leads…

A SPECTACLE The Dior Fall 2023 collection, presented in Mumbai against the landmark Gateway of India monument, was one for the books. India is known for its intricate handicrafts and long-standing role in manufacturing European high fashion, and that artisanship was front and foremost throughout the collection. Maria Grazia Chiuri worked closely with Karishma Swali, director of Mumbai’s Chanakya Atelier and the Chanakya School of Craft, to create 99 looks that celebrate embroidery, Madras check and Benarasi brocade fabrics, mirror work, Nehru collars and kurta tailoring, as well as the revisited toile de Jouy in an India-inspired colour palette. Tatler’s top pics include silk blouses and dresses with decorative motifs and heavily embroidered handbags that carry the wealth of Indian savoir-faire. SEASONAL BREEZE While style should be timeless, there is…

Chopard has been the official partner of the Cannes Film Festival since 1998, and has left a trail of sparkles on the red carpet by draping Hollywood’s top stars in its high jewellery and watches. In keeping with tradition, the French maison’s Red Carpet Jewellery collection stole the show yet again this year: a pearl necklace with a floral theme made of Chopard’s Fairmined ethical 18-karat white gold and studded with beryls, opals, peridots, sapphires and tourmalines stood out to us, especially when paired with the matching earrings made of cascading strings of pearls. SMALL TALK MIMI SO Mimi So talks about her journey from starting her small, eponymous jewellery business in New York to selling it to the Richemont group—then buying it back to recapture her independence and creativity…

It’s 2023. Humankind has broken the shackles we once created for ourselves, and the concept of gender and our attitude towards identity is slowly evolving. In recent years, the fashion industry has taken note of this shift, with more brands offering unisex clothing lines. But what about jewellery? Can it be gender-free? And if so, how does a luxury brand cater to this new market without compromising on quality or style? A conversation with some of the most renowned names in the high jewellery industry helped Tatler realise that we are, in fact, returning to our roots. “Historically, men have worn jewellery in all different cultures: from kings in Europe to the maharajas in India, the tsars in Russia to the pharaohs in Egypt. Jewels and stones were dear to…

Chibo Tang could be called an aficionado of many things: biotech. Wristwatches. AI. A good game of pool. It’s a set of interests that perfectly suits this influential, 37-year old venture capitalist, whose restless curiosity and ambition have helped build the Greater Bay Area tech startup scene. As managing partner of Asia-Pacific venture capital firm Gobi Partners, Tang has funded 77 startups in the GBA since 2009. Of these, the vast majority have been funded through the Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, a not-for-profit initiative by the Alibaba Group to give young entrepreneurs investment capital and strategic guidance, which Gobi Partners exclusively manages. What you should not call Tang, however, is a champion of routine. “Each day is different, and that’s a big part of why I like what I do,” he…

Can you imagine wanting a good salad so badly that you launch a multimillion‑dollar urban farming company and develop groundbreaking technology that disrupts the farming industry? Benjamin Swan did exactly that. What started as a mission to grow delicious leaves became a rude awakening about the global food crisis, ultimately leading Swan to develop high‑tech systems to replicate—and, eventually, even improve—nature’s growing processes. It certainly helped that he is a trained engineer. Swan first moved to Singapore from Australia to lead the construction of the SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands (MBS). He then joined Citibank, where he oversaw the construction of its regional offices to meet sustainability standards. Accustomed to a wide range of local produce in his home country, Swan was frustrated with the quality of fruits and vegetables…

You would have to have been living under a rock to not have seen the ultra-viral image of Pope Francis rocking a trendy, oversized white puffer jacket. But dapper as he looks, make no mistake about it, this #ootd did not happen IRL; rather, it was generated by artificial intelligence (AI). It was created based on prompts, or instructions, which its creator had entered into the generative AI imaging tool Midjourney. That this hyper-realistic image hoodwinked many into thinking it’s real is just one of the reasons why the sudden proliferation of generative AI tools has become among the most hotly debated topics in technology in recent times. There have also been reports about how AI can be used to spread disinformation, with generative text tools like ChatGPT, for example,…

SCAN TO SEE THE OTHER HONOUREES FROM ACROSS ASIA ON THE GEN.T LIST 2023 ENTERTAINMENT Pass the mic: a new generation is taking over For pushing back the frontiers of sound Suda Jiang CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, KOLA LABS We’ve heard about AI identifying our faces, flagging our shopping, even writing our articles—but now it’s scoring our lives. Meet Kola Labs, the go-to provider of AI-based sound infrastructure, which is bent on creating alternate forms of interactive audio. Co-founder and CEO Suda Jiang’s company partners with industry experts to customise voice models, generate music based on image input and create dialogue for the metaverse. FASHION & BEAUTY Accelerating Asia’s ascent to global fashion domination For revolutionising the watch industry Austen Chu CO-FOUNDER AND CEO, WRISTCHECK Austen Chu has turned social media…

When it comes to applying business methods to solving the problems of climate change, not all approaches are born equal. Terms such as ESG, sustainability and impact investment are often used interchangeably, regardless of the investment strategy. However, as definitions solidify around increasing global regulations aimed at meeting the Paris Agreement target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, each of these approaches is emerging as very different. ESG investing is the process of investing in assets that currently meet a company’s goals, while sustainability is the capacity to invest in processes and products that can be maintained over time—hopefully generations. Impact investing, meanwhile, is investment with a measurable social and environmental effect that also turns a profit. While these three terms may overlap, it’s impact investment’s focus on financial…

OLIVIER YOAN French photographer Olivier Yoan has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo and Roger Vivier. He is also the creative director of online platform The Ené, a directory of eco-conscious businesses and retailers around Europe. For this issue, Yoan photographed the fashion shoot in southern France. (p.82) LYLA CHENG Taiwan-born fashion stylist Lyla Cheng is based between London and Asia. She specialises in photo shoots with storytelling elements, describing her style as “cool, edgy and feminine”, and has worked for publications including Vogue Portugal and Numero Tokyo. For Tatler, Cheng styled this month’s fashion shoot, which transforms the model into a contemporary elf. (p.82) KWANNAM CHU A fashion photographer who splits his time between Seoul and Hong Kong, Kwannam Chu’s whimsical work is influenced by both…

These days, it’s not enough to talk the talk—you need to walk the walk, too. On April 18, Tatler celebrated the release of its April issue with a cocktail party in honour of cover star Bosco Chan, conservation director of WWF in Hong Kong. The evening took place at Tatler’s VIP venue Tatler House at the Pacific Place Apartments, where 30 champions of sustainability from Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential and Gen.T communities were present to mark the occasion. Introducing Chan to the guests in attendance, Tatler’s features editor Zabrina Lo shared the sustainability expert’s background. “Bosco and his team have been crucial in safeguarding Hong Kong’s wildlife and protecting the city’s natural resources,” said Lo. “His work in sustainability dates back to 1996, when he joined the Kadoorie Farm and…

Having first joined Sotheby’s in 1997 to grow the business across Asia, US-raised, Taipei-based Wendy Lin left and returned to the company in 2013 to become the managing director of Sotheby’s Taiwan and subsequently deputy chairman of Asia in 2018. Before rejoining Sotheby’s, Lin worked for Chanel, growing its fine jewellery and watch business in Taiwan. Lin has played a key role in numerous record-breaking sales, including the auction debut of the late French Chinese painter Sanyu’s 1963 piece Branches, which went under the hammer for US$11.1 million in 2022. The auction house is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Asia this year, with a new house opening next year in Hong Kong. Here, Lin speaks to Tatler about her secrets for success. When did you realise you had a passion…

Alex Branczik is as elated as he is exhausted. Sotheby’s Asia’s senior director and chairman, modern & contemporary art, has a lot to be pleased about. Following a buzzy, event-filled Art Week hailing the return of Art Basel Hong Kong and international visitors, Sotheby’s spring marquee sales, which took place in April, hauled in HK$3.71 billion, and set 21 new auction records. Although it wasn’t anywhere near the HK$10 billion the auction house made from its record 2021 sales, it was still considered a post-pandemic victory and a cause for celebration. In fact, the pandemic seems to have had little negative effect on the art world or market. “The market was really robust in 2021 and 2022,” notes Yuki Terase, Sotheby’s former head of contemporary art, who now heads up…

“People may know me because I make costumes, but I have done a lot of arts and installations,” says Kit Wan. Indeed, if you had browsed the designer’s social media pages in 2016 when he founded his eponymous brand, you would have only seen high-tech mechanical installations and head pieces which would look more at home in a sci-fi movie than on the runway. Tatler visited Kit Wan Studios in Kwun Tong in March this year, two weeks after the opening of Canto-pop legend Aaron Kwok’s world tour, for which Wan worked as one of the costume designers. Located in an industrial area of Hong Kong, the studio houses working tables, sewing machines and all kinds of collectibles of Astro Boy, his favourite Japanese anime character. Littered throughout the space…

1 Rolex introduced an unexpected edition of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date at Watches and Wonders 2023 that it describes as “full of joy and energy”. Turn the crown and you’ll see why: You can choose to display one of 31 different emojis in the date counter, as well as encouraging words like “Peace”, “Faith” and “Gratitude” in the day counter. This whimsical attitude is emphasised by a vibrant dial constructed using champlevé enamelling in a jigsaw puzzle pattern. The hour markers are baguette-cut sapphires in colours that correspond to the dial. 2 Look closely at the face of the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Dual Moon Grand Complication and you will notice the range of complications housed within. This unique piece by the maison features a moon phase at its core,…

Used to make everything from co-ord jackets and skirts to dresses and bags, there is no Chanel fabric more iconic than tweed. Introduced in 1924, when Gabrielle Chanel enlisted a Scottish factory to produce a sophisticated version of the woollen material for the house’s designs, tweed became an integral part of both her personal wardrobe and the maison’s menswear and womenswear lines. A woven fabric, tweed can be produced to feature a number of effects, from tight to textured, plaited and twill. In 2020, Patrice Leguéreau, the director of Chanel’s fine jewellery creation studio, first took inspiration from the coarse material, reinventing tweed as we know it with gold, platinum and precious stones. A collection of 45 textured rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and watches made up Tweed de Chanel, each…

Victoria Sin came to life making a sandwich in a London drag club. Artist Sin Wai Kin’s first performance as what would become one of their best-known characters entailed wearing a sparkling, glamorous evening gown, blonde wig and dramatic make-up while putting a filling between slices of bread. In performing a seemingly banal task with exaggerated and comedic gestures, Sin subverted expectations of femininity and ideas about female labour. Says the artist of their first work, Sandwich (2015), “It was a take on that insult to women when a man might say, ‘Shut up and go make me a sandwich!’” Sin was and is interested in exploring how we are conditioned to perform and comprehend societal roles, whether they be related to gender or culture, and in exposing the false…

When Nelson Chow saw this Repulse Bay apartment for the first time, he was taken by its beautiful ocean views. “When you look outside, the sea is right in the middle,” says the designer, who is the founder of NC Design + Architecture. The scenery that surrounds his new home—which he has dubbed the Beach House—offers a feeling of protection: two islands in the ocean provide a natural shelter for the waters, meaning the view is almost always of calm seas. Meanwhile, the mountains behind the apartment “look like they are gradually wrapping and hugging you”, something Chow says is advantageous from a feng shui perspective; he consulted feng shui designer Thierry Chow, a close friend, who advised him to get the apartment. The 1,100 sq ft, two-bedroom, two-bathroom home…

Favourite book? Ender’s Game Your idol? Don’t have one. Favourite travel destination? The next one. Best business advice you’ve ever received? Every business boils down to sales. Worst business advice you’ve ever received? You could always go back to consulting. What would you be if you weren’t a VC? Maybe a farmer? Worst mistake you’ve ever made? I don’t remember. I have a horribly selective memory. Best compliment you’ve ever received? I don’t know; I try to tune out compliments. What might people be surprised to learn about you? I’m actually an introvert. “On the weekends, you’ll find me ...” Mostly chilling. Life motto? Life is too short. Live in each moment.…

MICHAEL LAU: “Art collection is a very personal sentiment. If artwork has historical value and needs to be handled with care, these pieces are best managed by professional art handlers and storage facilities to ensure the right conditions.” PATRICK SUN: “Recent activities in Hong Kong give me good reason to be optimistic about the market. The return of Chinese collectors and illustrious performances of galleries indicate a particularly healthy 2023.” LORRAINE KIANG: “The key with purchasing art is to find something that intrigues you. Insurance, transportation and storage are all issues that are important and part of the package of art collecting.” ELLEN PAU: “I think artworks are so coveted due to their potential for appreciation in value. However, with this increased investment comes the need for greater protection of…

LGT Private Banking has long combined innovation and responsibility in its investments. Nowhere is this more evident than in its approach to sustainable investing. An early adopter of sustainable investing, with its commitment stemming from the core values of the princely family of Liechtenstein who own it, LGT Private Banking has emphasised sustainability for over 15 years. Not only does the bank provide a suite of sustainable investment solutions across different asset classes, but its ESG Cockpit also offers clients access to proprietary analysis tools to help them meet their own sustainability goals. One such tool is the LGT Sustainability Rating, which helps to increase transparency in sustainable investments and prevent greenwashing. The tool produces ratings for companies based on a range of factors, including raw ESG data from recognised…

The magnificence of Cartier’s Splendens necklace isn’t just in the colours of its glittering gemstones, which ripple from cherry red to coral pink. It’s also found in the way they are arranged, which is so extraordinary that it gives the effect of Siamese fighting fish tussling in water. Fluidity and flexibility are achieved using a translucent setting, within which a shoal of spinel beads appear to glide with minimal effort. Forget cutesy florals—this ode to the natural world is remarkably organic, and each stone charmingly captures the energetic essence of these aquatic animals. Combining textures, colours and materials in new and unusual ways, Cartier’s craftspeople add contrast to the Splendens necklace’s bubble-like beads with nine oval and pear-shaped spinels that total 27.79 carats. A generous dusting of square- and lozenge-cut…