Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2023 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Watch collector Noel Wong was a news reporter covering the Middle East in the weeks following 9/11 before he turned his attention and skills to the world of horology and working with the likes of Sotheby’s, Panerai and A Lange & Söhne. TATLER INDONESIA We delve into the inspiring journey of Linda Anggrea, the visionary CEO behind Buttonscarves. As a trailblazer in the modest fashion industry, Linda has achieved remarkable success. From her humble beginnings to becoming a true game-changer, we explore the pivotal moments and bold decisions that propelled her to the forefront of the industry. TATLER MALAYSIA Hakken, one of Asia’s most successful cosplayers, spoke to Tatler about being inspired by their parents’ love of manga and anime, their journey of self-discovery, their favourite character…

In the early nineties, Catherine Kwai bid adieu to a comfortable career in finance to take on a new role as a gallerist. With no background in the arts, Kwai had her work cut out for her. “When you work for a bank, you don’t leave to open another bank. I didn’t want to work for other people, so I became an entrepreneur,” she says. The gallery became known for its representation of leading Chinese artists like Zao Wou-ki, Ju Ming and Li Huayi, and has also been a champion of new talents. Over three decades, Kwai Fung Hin has staged hundreds of exhibitions, with Kwai curating more than 100 of them. These include collaborations with the Shanghai Art Museum, Suzhou Museum and Asia Society Hong Kong. In 2021, the…

Gigi Chao is the executive vice-chairman of Cheuk Nang Holdings, an investment holding company specialising in property; the founder of Faith in Love Foundation, a charity she established in 2008 to support underprivileged children in Hong Kong; an architect, coder, and outspoken LGBTQ+ advocate. Here, she speaks to Tatler about learning from the younger generation, making business fun and cutting through the noise. Describe what you do in one sentence. I build social capital by bridging the divide between traditional industries, technology and social movements. How does your business make a difference? I think about what makes business fun. For me, it’s doing something new, creative and impactful. With that in mind, I can galvanise people to participate at different levels of the community. What’s the secret of your success?…

FLOWER.JPG From the Miley Cyrus hit to the most trending Reels to the rosette obsession seen on the runway, flowers seem to be the star of every show this season, and Jean Paul Gaultier got the memo. Under the guidance of creative director Florence Tétier, the brand’s latest collection—fronted by Kylie Jenner—pays tribute to the French couturier’s unmistakable hijacks and the vibrant beauty of blossoming blooms. The contemporary-meets-2000s-archives collection, which features a mix of body-hugging dresses, conical corsets, semi-sheer tops and daring bikinis, has made its floral-centric presence felt for this hot girl summer. OH, NEW YORK First presented during Fendi’s Resort 2023 New York Fashion Week show, the Fendi by Marc Jacobs collection is officially in stores. The collaboration was put together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the…

Well before he dressed some of the world’s most powerful women or launched his namesake fashion brand in Paris, before he assisted the legendary French fashion designer Emanuel Ungaro, or even moved to London to study at the prestigious Central Saint Martins, Andrew Gn’s initiation into fashion took place in a library. Gn reveals that in his childhood home in Singapore, where he lived with his merchant father, homemaker mother and four siblings, “my dad kept a huge library of books. There were a lot of classical Chinese novels. We also had a lot of art books ... My first time seeing Picasso was not in a museum, but in a book.” The library was a universe of inspiration, housing his parents’ collections of classical Chinese furniture, calligraphy, paintings and…

How important is culture when planning IWC’s design strategy? And how does it affect decision-making when launching a new watch? I think anything that is a nonessential, emotional product that our customers buy for joy, for self-expression, is ultimately very closely rooted in culture. And for us, this is always the starting point. To feel where the global market is at, to feel where the trends are at, you really have to travel, you have to be curious and explore what makes people tick. That’s why a lot of these cross influences are coming in our watch design. Today, people are reconnecting with the analogue even though they are surrounded by digital, AI and the metaverse. And that really formed the context for the Ingenieur watch created by Gérald Genta…

While he has been fascinated by watches from a young age thanks to his watchmaker father, it wasn’t until Jackie Ho bought a timepiece as a reward to himself for a promotion that his passion for horology was truly ignited. Opening the box of his first significant watch purchase—a Panerai—in 2012 gave him enough of a thrill that he decided to become a serious collector. As he began collecting more watches such as an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, a vintage double-signed Girard Perregaux and a vintage Omega Seamaster, he developed an interest in vintage Rolexes and neo-vintage independent brands like Daniel Roth. Ho, who works in finance, was born in Hong Kong but moved to Ireland with his family in 1985. He returned to the city in 2018 to pursue…

Dr Dennis Lo has won some of science’s highest honours. In just the past three years, he has been granted The Breakthrough Prize, the Royal Medal and the Lasker-DeBakey award—an honour often seen as a precursor to winning a Nobel prize. There is a good reason for this: Lo is the inventor of a genetic testing technology that has revolutionised prenatal care for millions of women around the world. It has also been found to have promising applications in the detection of cancer. If that wasn’t enough, he’s also a delightful storyteller. As he shares highlights from a remarkable career, he can recall the smallest of details: The name of a biology textbook from childhood. The knot in his stomach, over 30 years ago, as he waited to meet with…

When Sandrine Zerbib and Simon Wang decided to relocate to Europe from Shanghai, they visited some 70 houses and apartments in search of their dream home—and without success. That was until they saw photos of this magnificent apartment in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, inside an hôtel particulier—a grand townhouse—that dates back to 1668. “We immediately wanted to visit it, as we felt that this was going to be ‘the one’,” says Zerbib, who is the founder of the brand management and digital agency Full Jet. A French native, she spent 28 years in mainland China—mainly in Shanghai—and between the 1990s and 2007 was the president of Adidas Greater China. “And it was love at first sight,” adds Wang, who is a lawyer, originally from the Chinese province of Hebei.…

In one of the more hilarious but alarming comments made in the office on the day I wrote this editor’s letter, someone joked that we should just use AI to replace an upcoming cover star in a real-life musical performance. Such is the prevalence and popularity of artificial intelligence today that this idea—unthinkable even a year or two ago—had actually popped into our minds with relative ease during a brainstorming session. It is important that we remember AI isn’t a new thing; we’ve been using it in various forms and for various functions for years, be it for audio transcription, chatbot creation or even predictive script. What has made it especially intriguing over the past year in particular is how the technology has made significant advances in content creation, specifically…

The French May Arts Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. On May 18, members of the Tatler community celebrated the occasion with a gala dinner that brought together star power like no other. The celebration, which highlighted the milestones of the arts and culture exchange platform between France and Hong Kong, took place at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, and raised funds to support cultural and educational development as well as local artists. Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee and Christile Drulhe, the consul general of France in Hong Kong and Macau, officiated the gala alongside French May Arts Festival co-chairmen Pansy Ho and Mignonne Cheng. More than 200 people, including event chairs, patrons and guests Francis Lui, Michelle Cheng-Chan, Sonia Cheng, Canning Fok and William Ma were…

Is it acceptable to use artificial intelligence to solve your problems? YAT SIU YES “Yes, but only if we think of AI as a companion tool to enhance our human potential, not as a replacement. AI will eventually help us solve problems better and more thoughtfully, but it shouldn’t solve the problem outright. People don’t solve problems the same way, and that’s the beauty of divergent thinking and diverse backgrounds. In the future, what will matter more is authenticity and provenance, rather than just the answer. It will be about what you can do with the tool, not what the tool can do by itself. AI is not an end in itself. When the internet was born, some lamented that knowledge was no longer special—but what was important was the…

SINGAPORE The Projector occupies a peculiar space in the cultural landscape, far beyond its claim to be Singapore’s only indie cinema. Since its establishment in 2014, it has also become a safe haven not just for cinemaphiles, but for the LGBTQ+ community and “woke-ass individuals who know a thing or two about fun”. Karen Tan, an architect and economist, opened The Projector with her younger sister Sharon Tan and business partner Blaise Trigg-Smith. It has hosted arthouse films alongside blockbusters, and has become the go-to venue for film festivals, literary events and live performances. Though its existence was threatened by pandemic restrictions, the scrappy cinema has beaten the odds and emerged with two pop-up locations that are bringing it closer—both geographically and psychologically—to the mainstream. PHILIPPINES Senator Risa Hontiveros, the…

Let’s start from the beginning. What brought you to Hong Kong? Hong Kong has always been one of my favourite cities in the world. I used to travel here frequently for business and leisure, and it always reminded me of Beirut—with its bustling streets, terrains and authentic eateries on narrow streets. I quickly grew an attachment and connection to Hong Kong, because of its familiar warmth and energy. I moved here 12 years ago. How did you get into the restaurant business? I have a deep attachment to my home country of Lebanon. One of the things we are most proud of as a country is our cuisine. Lebanese culture is deep and rich, and its cuisine resembles its culture and diversity. Sumac was always my favourite Lebanese restaurant in…

CAMERA WOMEN Cinematography was once considered a male-only profession due to the physical demands and technicality. But women are working hard to upend this stereotype. Hong Kong Arts Centre’s moving image programme is a series of screenings accompanied by talks with cinematographers and designers. It spotlights five female cinematographers, some award-winning, others pioneering: Claire Mathon, who won the César Award for Best Cinematography for Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019); Judith Kaufmann, who shot The Divine Order (2017) which was Switzerland’s submission for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film; and Caroline Guimbal, Virginie Surdej and Gabriela Betschart. Until September 23, 2023. Louis Koo Cinema, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai HOPE A mix of a grotesque, cutesy and hyperrealistic, Australian artist Patricia Piccini’s sculptures always elicit strong reactions.…

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SMALL TALK NADINE GHOSN The founder of the eponymous jewellery label is known for designs that are characterised by bold shapes, intricate details and high-quality materials. She speaks to Tatler about her journey and shares some advice for budding jewellery designers who did not go to design school How did you begin your journey into the world of jewellery? As a kid I would always gravitate towards jewellery: my sisters would ask for dolls or books, and I would ask for earrings! I never set myself up to be a jewellery designer—I was pretty much on a corporate journey. After graduating from Stanford with a dual degree in economics and art, I began working for Boston Consulting Group in New York. I later joined the luxury house Hermès; the creativity…

New Yorkers trying to navigate past the corner of 5th Avenue and 57th Street would have found it even more gridlocked than usual on the evening of April 27—the city block was packed with shouting fans making heart shapes with their fingers, smartphones waving haphazardly in the air and enough stars on the red carpet (it was actually blue) to make up their own glitzy constellation. After four years of renovation, Tiffany & Co has finally reopened its doors. The brand’s flagship where Audrey Hepburn famously chewed on a croissant in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is now christened The Landmark, and the rebirth—the venue’s first transformation since it opened in 1940—is meant to mark a “new era” for the retailer, according to Alexandre Arnault, Tiffany’s executive vice president of product and…

OLD WINE, YOUNG BLOOD A cocktail pop-up set to the thumping beats of a DJ on the pool level of Soho House Hong Kong might not be the first image that comes to mind when it comes to a 181-year-old Chinese cooking wine, yet for 26-year-olds Elaine Chen and Maia Mah, respectively the regional director and creative director of Fukien Old Wine, it’s exactly this sort of cognitive dissonance that they relish. “We’re headquartered in mainland China with a pretty big sales and marketing team that’s all led by men,” says Chen, whose father bought the then-state-owned distillery of the Fukien Old Wine Group in 1993. “[The head office has] always been very fixed on the chain of command—they don’t really adapt to how society has changed over the past…

What’s your favourite place in Hong Kong? Avenue of Stars. Got any secret talents? Playing video games. Name one thing you couldn’t live without. Coke Zero. Who’s your personal idol? Arnold Schwarzenegger—I love the Terminator movies. What is the best advice you have ever received? To continue my education at Cambridge. And what is the worst advice you have ever received? Investment advice from my bankers. What travel destination is still on your bucket list? The Galapagos Islands. What’s your favourite Hong Kong comfort food? Luncheon meat, egg and instant noodles. What’s your personal motto? Treat each day as if it were my last.…

WINNIE AU New York-based photographer Winnie Au specialises in photographing people, food, interiors and animals for editorial and commercial clients. She has photographed actors Fala Chen and Billy Porter and restaurateur Kwame Onwuachi, and her works have been published by The New York Times, Vanity Fair UK and Elle Décor. Au captured artist Angel Otero’s signature wave motif in his latest exhibition, which features in this issue. (p.160) ATHUL PRASAD Athul Prasad is a photographer based out of Mumbai who specialises in travel photos and portraiture, and whose photos have been published in Condé Nast Traveller, Architectural Digest and National Geographic. Prasad shot this month’s fashion feature, where he had fun playing with light and shadow to create a cinematic atelier for Rahul Mishra’s outfits. (p.80) ANNA KOUSTAS Since moving…

“Financial literacy can be life-saving,” says Lucinda Pike, executive director of award-winning economic empowerment NGO Enrich. “Think about a woman who is in an abusive relationship: if she has financial literacy and the knowledge of control and choice over her money, she can leave [that] relationship. At Enrich, I see the power of that for women, who are able to change the trajectory of their lives. Financial literacy is a life skill which women do not have enough access to.” Limited financial literacy is not the purview of only those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Christine Yu, the co-founder of financial education platform Sophia, spent more than a decade working in global banking, advising companies, hedge funds, asset managers and pension funds on money matters, yet that didn’t mean she felt…

Inspired by his struggle to fit in at school due to childhood illness, Michael Chan established Companion HK in 2020 to campaign against mental health stigma and encourage discussion around mental health in Hong Kong. One in seven people in the city will develop a mental disorder during their lifetime, and where mental wellbeing is still recovering to pre-pandemic levels, according to mental health charity Mind HK. Here, Chan explains how his mission has helped him overcome his own barriers. Many people with emotional problems are willing to share their stories,but because of stigma, others misunderstand and discriminate against them and do not want to communicate with them. Companion HK interviews people with mental health conditions to share their stories with the public and reduce misunderstanding and discrimination in the…

SEASONAL STYLE WOO CHEONG TEA HOUSE Located inside a century-old former pawn shop in bustling Wan Chai, Woo Cheong Tea House is a place where old meets new, and where tradition blends with innovation. For the new season, chef Ben Chan has created two menus for dinner, adding a touch of modernity to traditional Cantonese cuisine in terms of both preparation and presentation. Dishes include classics such as Woo Cheong’s signature barbecued pork, bird’s nest soup with king crab, and stir-fried pork ribs that are glazed in aged mandarin peel and balsamic vinegar. woocheongteahouse.com REFRESHED CLASSICS SING YIN CANTONESE DINING Sing Yin offers an elevated Chinese dining experience in contemporary surrounds, and chef Simon Wong makes it a point to offer Cantonese fare that reflects this and the freshness of…

Rahul Mishra considers himself to be a persuasive storyteller, seeing his words as having a similar effect to a religious leader’s sermon. “If I get goosebumps looking at a flower, everyone else better get goosebumps too after I finish describing its beauty,” the New Delhi-based designer says of inspiring his team. “If I cry, they too have to cry with me.” Mishra sees his work as more than a job: he believes he has a duty to convey beauty, translate its inspiration, and ultimately share his vision. “It’s what I do and I’m fully hands-on about it. “If I can successfully convince those who haven’t seen its beauty [that it’s beautiful],” the designer says, referring to that same flower, “then they’ll feel inspired and contribute better. And everybody—from the craftsmen…

TREND Eat your salmon and wear it too! QUICK TIME Roger Dubuis has launched the Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium watch, made from titanium grade five, a metal which is 33 per cent lighter than stainless steel and has hypoallergenic and anti-corrosion properties. The watch features the brand’s complex signature shape, despite the challenges of working with a soft metal like titanium grade five which is known for its low ductility. The interchangeable bracelet is also made of titanium and features shortened links and a quick release system. The watch is run by the automatic RD720SQ movement with 72 hours power reserve and a skeletonised micro-rotor. SPORTING GOOD The Happy Sport watch from Chopard is now available in Lucent Steel or two-tone Lucent Steel and ethical 18-karat rose gold. The 25mm case…

HELD TIGHT Whether you’re off to more summer weddings than you can count or ready for a cultural exploration of a bucket-list destination, there is one cut you can always trust—the halter neckline. The shoulder-baring option is synonymous with elegance, and is equally suited to sleek bodysuits, flowy minidresses and satin gowns—whatever your summer calls for. CRAFTY & COLOURFUL Boho style is returning to the forefront of the world of accessories. With fringed accents, tie-dye patterns and crochet detailing, these bags have been refreshed with new silhouettes and styling that make them feel modern and free-spirited. MAKE A SPLASH Thanks to The Little Mermaid, mermaidcore is set to stay with us all summer long. Designers have been obsessed with sheer clothing and sequins for a while now, so dive in…

One of Angel Otero’s first drawings was of Hello Kitty. At the age of six, the Puerto Rican artist saw his neighbour, a young girl, drawing a perfect copy of the cartoon character. He was fascinated by what he saw and wanted to try it for himself. “It wasn’t because I was into Hello Kitty or anything,” he’s quick to clarify. “I was just amazed that she was able to draw perfectly from memory, and I wanted to learn how to do it.” Otero has since moved on to more challenging characters and motifs, and developed his well-recognised abstract collage aesthetic. In his high-ceilinged industrial Brooklyn studio, paint-speckled tools, collaged memorabilia and vibrant, chaotic canvases fill an otherwise clean and organised space. Most prominently, three canvases featuring three singular waves…

Hotels don’t typically invite anything remotely controversial, serving instead as sanctuaries and safe havens where guests can forget the outside world. But a growing number of hotels—and hotel groups—are speaking to the intelligence of their guests, and catering to their desire to deepen their understanding of the social, cultural and political nuances of the places they visit. And many of them are opting to inspire those conversations through art. “Great art captures you, animates you, questions you. It can be in a positive or negative way, but it moves you some way,” says Lorenzo Fiaschi, director of Galleria Continua which represents a roster of avant-garde artists such as Ai Weiwei, Eva Jospin, Anish Kapoor and Cai Guo-Qiang. Last year, the gallery partnered with luxury hotel group Belmond to launch Mitico—the…