Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2024 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG The eponymous founder of Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewellery talked about her connection to Asia and why lacking formal design training is a blessing, not a burden. TATLER MALAYSIA Author Vanessa Chan spoke to Tatler about her debut novel The Storm We Made, her decision to write historical fiction, and how writing helped her manage her grief. TATLER PHILIPPINES Josef Werker, a Gen.T honouree and the co-founder and CEO of Humble, a circular economy solutions start-up, told Tatler how his company aims to prolong the lifespan of consumer products, reducing their impact on the environment. TATLER TAIWAN Sky Yen, the founder and CEO of the non-profit Learning Is Science Education (LIS) and an Asia’s Most Influential honouree, has been on a quest to improve Taiwanese education. Through the…

With a passion for cultivating talent and collaboration, Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly leads Jebsen Group, which includes four business lines: Jebsen Motors, Jebsen Beverage, Jebsen Consumer and Jebsen Capital. With more than 200 brands in the portfolio, Mensdorff-Pouilly certainly has his hands full. He shares with Tatler his passion for sustainability and why family time is of utmost importance. How does your business make a difference? Jebsen has been committed to sustainability and community values for almost 130 years, and it’s something we’re really proud of. We’re honoured to be the caretakers of [Jebsen beer] Blue Girl, a brand that’s loved by people of all ages in Hong Kong. For us, it’s all about making a positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve. That’s what sets us apart. Who…

KENT HO Founder and general partner, S28 CapitalAsia’s Most Influential 2021 Over the course of a decade in venture capital, Kent Ho has invested in more than 70 pioneering companies, backing such successful companies as Palantir, JD.com, Coupang and Zoom. As founder of the multistage technology VC fund S28 Capital, Ho calls himself “a generalist investor”, focusing on areas where traditional industries can be revolutionised through software. While the fund is focused on western markets, particularly the United States, Ho keeps the door open, hoping to find technology leaders wherever they may emerge. Ho sits on the boards of Grace Vineyard, and Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation. He was formerly a member of the innovation and technology advisory committee of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and an…

Is formal education necessary for designers? OTTO NG YES “Anyone with a friend in design school knows the intensity is real. Those all-nighters and rigorous critiques are no joke. They are part of a mind-blowing pedagogy that reprogrammes your thought process in profound ways. Reflecting on my studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it’s clear that my formal education was not just essential, but pivotal in shaping my career in architecture and design. My MIT experience redefined my design philosophy with a robust focus on critical thinking. This journey dispelled the prevailing concept that creativity is merely an inborn talent; instead, I came to understand that it’s a finely honed craft. Creativity is cultivated through relentless effort and deep philosophical inquiry, and it is sharpened by a demanding…

Hong Kong director Ray Yeung has been defying expectations most of his life. “I [used to be] a good Chinese boy, so I did law to make my family happy, but that was never really something I wanted to do,” he says. So after just two years in the legal profession, he moved on to advertising and then, in 2007, relocated to New York to study film. And even now he’s working in his dream industry, Yeung still isn’t taking the conventional path. His third feature film, Suk Suk (2019), shook up the local scene with its focus on the romance of two gay men in their twilight years—a topic still seen as unorthodox in Hong Kong. His fourth feature film, All Shall Be Well, which is slated for release…

CHINESOLOGY BYGONE BITES Snack on the flavours of yesteryear with the Back to the ’80s dim sum brunch at Chinesology. Featuring bygone classics like siu mai with quail egg, egg yolk cornstarch pudding, and fried wonton with sweet and sour sauce, it’s a nostalgic look at what was loved on tables during Hong Kong’s golden era—and maybe an attempt to bring such old-school dishes back into favour. chinesology.com NOBU BIG IN JAPAN Situated on the Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront (with one of the best views in the city), you’ll find the reopened Nobu, which has recently unveiled a Saturday brunch menu comprising founder Nobu Matsuhisa’s greatest hits. Tuck into unlimited shuko snacks, fresh nigiri and just-caught sashimi, and a choice of two mains from a selection of crowd favourites. As…

EVENTS As if Hongkongers weren’t already in a celebratory mood ahead of Easter weekend, they were spoiled rotten by one of the most exciting Art Basel fairs in recent years. As the doors flung open for the VIP preview of the 2024 Art Basel fair on March 26 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the crowd clamoured to get a taste of countless works by local and international artists. The event, which was open to the public from March 28 to 30, featured more than 240 leading galleries from 40 countries and territories. It was a grand showcase of Asia’s diversity, as well as global artistic perspectives, through modern and contemporary works. It also marked the show’s return to pre-pandemic scale, with 65 additional exhibitors participating in…

COLLECTOR’S CORNER “My grandfathers on both sides of the family were very exploratory about the food,” says chef Christopher Ho, tracing the origins of his culinary journey, which began in the UK during his university days, when necessity transformed into passion. “I learnt how to cook everything [from] YouTube; I was at college and there was no Chinese food on the internet at the time, so all my food was more western style.” It wasn’t until his return to Hong Kong in 2016 that his culinary path truly took shape. Here, Ho immersed himself in professional kitchens, learning the rhythms and rituals that would take him from serving intimate groups to running pop-ups for more than 100 diners at a time. With the advent of Covid and the world retreating…

On March 27, an exclusive fireside talk curated by Tatler Hong Kong at Art Basel Hong Kong delved into the interplay between artistic expression and jewellery, while exploring the emotive narratives that surround cherished keepsakes. Moderator Ahy Choi, Tatler’s editor-in-chief, led a conversation with jewellery designer and digital cover star Christine Dai, alongside guest speaker Beatrice Ho, a jewellery connoisseur renowned for her collection of story-rich pieces. The talk began by offering an intimate group of distinguished guests a primer on Dai’s eponymous brand’s unique creative point of view. Rooted in her early immersion in an artistic environment, Dai’s creations capture the interplay of light and shadow, sculptural dimensions and personal emotions. Her pieces, which pulsate with rarity and creativity, are heirloom-worthy artworks rich with history, culture and aesthetics. As…

Betty Ng was already one of the most respected architects in the region when Collective, the international architectural firm she co-founded in 2015, won the tender to build the auction house Christie’s new Asia-Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong. “It’s like a Swiss army knife—it’s so small, but how do you pack everything in it?” says Ng, a Tatler’s Asia’s Most Influential honouree, of the project. It takes up a space at The Henderson, the highly anticipated Central skyscraper designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (see p.144). Work on the auction house’s new headquarters began in 2021 and it is set to open in September. “The brief was very simple, so we dived much deeper—what does an auction house encompass? It is more than an exhibition space and [a place that offers]…

ARTS There’s far more to be found in translation than lost. This isn’t only applicable to spoken and written languages, but also to the gamut of creative media: music, films, literature, food, fashion and visual arts. After painting for decades, in 2021, husband-and-wife artists Manu and Madhvi Parekh, who are now in their eighties, embarked on a creative partnership with Karishma Swali, managing and creative director of Mumbai-based atelier Chanakya International and Chanakya School of Craft, to transform their signature paintings and sculptures into tapestries. “There was a chamatkaar quality in that instance,” says Manu Parekh, using a word that technically means “miracle”, but also suggests a sense of marvel or magic, to describe the moment that sparked the idea of adaptating his painting The Gate of the Cosmic Garden…

1. BOOK ME IN Amalfi Coast published by Assouline is a wonderful book capturing the essence of one of my favourite destinations, providing endless inspiration and visual delight. 2. FINISHING TOUCHES Apparatus’s furniture (the brand’s console at Hoppen’s Cotswolds home is pictured) and lighting exude sublime texture and form, adding a touch of sophistication to any space. 3. ART HOUSE Iconic and unique, Fornasetti’s designs always evoke a sense of wonder and elegance. 4. ONE OF A KIND Every piece by Studio Twenty Seven is unique and coveted, making them a staple for both myself and my clients. 5. THE MOUSE THAT ROARED Playful and unique, the Leblon Delienne x Kelly Hoppen Mickey Mouse statue injects a sense of whimsy into any design scheme.…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It’s not every day, even as an EIC, that you meet a legend, let alone have a conversation with one. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the Tatler team was particularly excited to speak to the cover star for our design-themed May issue. Henry Steiner arrived in our city in 1961, an era exemplified by another Hong Kong cultural legend, the movie In the Mood for Love by renowned local director Wong Kar Wai. It was a time marked by men in suits and women in cheongsam—when Chinese aesthetics were prominent, but Western culture was rapidly penetrating society. It was also an era when Hong Kong was starting to shape its own identity. Homegrown companies which have since become influential corporations that continue to impact our lives…

Twelve years ago, Alia Eyres, who was then a corporate lawyer in a large global firm in Hong Kong, experienced an epiphany. “I still remember the moment,” she recalls. “I was in a coffee shop in Pacific Place and I was waiting for my coffee and reading the classifieds section of the newspaper.” There, she saw an advertisement for the role of CEO of Mother’s Choice. The advert wasn’t a surprise. After all, it was her parents, Ranjan and Phyllis Marwah, and their friends Gary and Helen Stephens who established the organisation in 1987. “But when I read it in that moment, I realised this was what I wanted to do with my life. And the reason why I was willing to walk away from my career in corporate law…

Call it fate. In 2017, the lives of two women—Nicole “Nic” Mott, an advertising, retail and tech industry professional, and Debbie “Deb” Wong, a TV chef—were about to intertwine in the most unexpected way. In 2015, Mott’s husband received a job offer in Asia; the couple packed their bags and moved from San Francisco to Hong Kong. During those initial months in the city, while living at company-provided accommodation at the Island Shangri-La, Mott was lonely and found solace in watching Wong, a presenter on the Asian Food Network, on TV. “I remember my husband would come home from work every day and ask me how my day was, and I’d tell him about what I learnt from watching Deb on TV [laughs]. She got me through some tough first…

Today, when we talk about the qualities of a gentleman, chivalry is often a word that comes into play. Extending far beyond contemporary clichés such as opening a door for a lady, it’s a concept that dates back to the knights of medieval times, in Europe from the 11th to the 15th century. The original definition of chivalry placed an emphasis on bravery, honour and loyalty. Essentially aristocratic warriors, knights of the time swore allegiance to their lords and kings in exchange for rewards of land, titles and glory. Many of these knights embarked upon quests and crusades at the order of the church or their liege lords. Chivalry also integrated the concept of courtly love—idealised (and often chaste) romantic relationships between knights and noblewomen. In all its forms, chivalry…

Swan Lake’s heart-wrenching love story of the swan queen Odette and Prince Siegfried, Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s beautiful choreography, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s iconic music have dazzled audiences around the world since its 1887 premiere at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. This year, Yuri Possokhov, a former principal dancer at the Bolshoi Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Royal Danish Ballet, and now the choreographer-in-residence of the San Francisco Ballet, will collaborate with the Hong Kong Ballet on a new interpretation of the classic, slated for its world premiere on May 31. Tatler sat down for a chat over video with Possokhov and Septime Webre, the artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet, to talk about their vision for this version of the all-time classic. How is this version different from the…

On March 26, ahead of Art Basel’s official opening, jeweller to the stars Nadine Ghosn participated in a talk with Tatler’s head of VIP content and community, Tara Sobti, at The Upper House’s Sky Lounge. Ghosn was in town to showcase her jewellery—the first time she had done so in Hong Kong. The pair spoke about Ghosn’s transition from a corporate career to jewellery-making, and Ghosn gave the audience a sneak peek into her upcoming projects. Tatler’s arts and culture editor Aaina Bhargava sat down with renowned artist Marilyn Minter at Art Basel’s Exchange Circle. Minter, who shot an exclusive self-portrait for Tatler’s March issue, is known for upending expectations around conventional beauty standards. The pair spoke about Minter’s newly opened exhibition at Lehmann Maupin in Seoul and her works…

ARTISANAL FUTURISM Still dreaming about Maison Margiela’s spring-summer 2024 artisanal show? Experience a touch of its magic in the form of sunglasses: the latest chapter in the ongoing eyewear collaboration between Maison Margiela and Gentle Monster. Designed by the former’s creative director John Galliano, the experimental collection consists of ten sunglasses styles, as well as seven spectacles. The avant-garde, mask-like MM101 and MM102 styles are proposed with rubber-wrapped or rimless frames, and bolted temples adorned with the house’s signature four white stitches. Additionally, there are acetate frames in various colours and a selection of leather-framed editions in black, ivory, khaki and blue tones. GREEN CITIZENS Emporio Armani’s capsule collection for spring-summer 2024 emphasises sustainability as well as a stylish urban life. Made exclusively from organic or recycled materials, the collection…

The Shanghai Exhibition Centre was the stage for a treasure hunt in late March. Loewe held Crafted World, its first-ever exhibition paying tribute to its Spanish heritage, celebrating 178 years of craft-making and all the memorable results of a decade of creative direction by Jonathan Anderson. Wandering through the wing of the famed landmark—an example of 1950s Sino-Soviet architecture—transformed into a series of interactive roomscapes is like opening one chocolate box after another. At the exit of the exhibition, where a larger-than-life raffia Loewe logo took over the centre between the stairs, Tatler sat down with Ellen van Loon, who led the design team behind the show, to discuss how it came together. It’s not the first time Van Loon, the only female partner at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture…

We’re getting choked up over our favourite jewels this summer TIED IN TRADITION The Cartier Agrafe collection, with its Pluie de Cartier bracelet, marries the craftsmanship of haute couture with the art of fine jewellery. Drawing on the iconic corset clasps that sculpted the quintessential Parisian figures, this piece boasts 342 brilliant-cut diamonds and nine square-cut gems, totalling 14.83 carats. Set in white gold, its design embodies a heritage of sophistication, making it more than an accessory—it’s a wearable piece of history. ONWARDS AND UPWARDS The Lucky Arrows collection by Mikimoto marries features the Yaguruma motif, revered in Japanese culture. “Yaguruma” combines the words ya, or arrow, and guruma, which means wheel, and can be interpreted as a quiver with arrows. Central to this line is the pendant, made of…

GOLDEN HOUR Metallics were the main event on many runways this season, with gold taking pride of place at Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Miu Miu. The epitome of glamour and opulence, gold is the ultimate must-have of the season, not only when it comes to show-stopping evening gowns and sleek, modern formal jackets but also chic footwear and statement bags. THE GREAT DRAPE Graceful folds and pleats have long adorned the runway and red carpets, bestowing an air of effortless elegance on every ensemble. The art of manipulating fabric to create fluid, sculptural silhouettes makes the drape dress a perfect option for the summer. TWEED FOR ALL This season, classic tweed is having its moment. Designers have embraced its versatility, as seen in the tailored shapes showcased at Dsquared2.…

SHAPE OF YOU Designers are moving away from home furnishings with sharp angles and towards bold, organic, nature-inspired shapes. Curved sofas and geometric tables create a sense of intrigue and bring drama. Add visual interest to homes with structured, rigid lines featuring sweeping curves—think the likes of Louis Vuitton’s Bomboca sofa and Lodes’s Random Cloud light fixture. BACK TO THE FUTURE Move over, minimalism—metal is reclaiming its place as a must-have in interiors today and redefining the concept of modern, chic design. Add a touch of Space Age chic to your living spaces with chrome-plated metal and stainless steel alike.…

Stamba in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a former publishing house-turned-hotel that boasts a stunning brutalist design, where a soaring five-storey-high “jungle atrium” features foliage that cascades over the old print-drying beam. In Amsterdam, the Sir Albert Hotel occupies a 19th-century diamond factory; now a 90-key hotel, it boasts a different kind of treasure: limited-edition works by renowned Dutch designers such as Piet Hein Eek and Joy van Erven. Nous on Greece’s Santorini island offers an escape from the Instagramming crowds. Instead, it’s a humble retreat similar to those of days gone by where artists, writers and poets would go to find inspiration and create. Its owner, Cypriot art collector Dakis Joannou, says his “main interest is to share ideas, engage in dialogue and offer opportunities for people to see things from…

First impression of Hong Kong when you arrived in 1961? So busy; what was nice about it was that there was no MTR, so you had to take the ferry and walk. Favourite Hong Kong building? HSBC Favourite thing to do in Hong Kong? Crossing the harbour on Star Ferry and taking the Peak Tram Ultimate comfort dish? Scrambled eggs and prawns Favourite restaurant in Hong Kong? I don’t want to be snobbish, but I do like the Hong Kong Club restaurants. Favourite travel destination? Vienna; but also [returning] to Hong Kong Favourite artist or designer of all time? Designer Paul Rand and artist Paul Klee The best advice you’ve ever received? Go to Yale and study graphic design. Favourite logo you’ve designed? The next one Life Motto? Get it…

TENZIN IHAGYAL Born in Tibet and raised in India, Tenzin Ihagyal is currently based in Delhi and specialises in fashion and portrait photography for media and brands. “It was truly enjoyable photographing Madhavi and Manu Parekh,” he says of shooting the Indian artists behind a satellite exhibition at this year’s Venice Biennale, who are featured in Tatler this month. LYN ALUMNO Lyn Alumno is a freelance fashion stylist based in Manila. She previously worked as a fashion and beauty editor for Nylon Manila and Mega magazine. She has worked with brands including Celine, Nike and Louis Vuitton, and styled international artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Jordan Alexander, as well as Filipino stars such as Dolly de Leon, Anne Curtis and Nadine Lustre. She styled this month’s fashion shoot. JAMES J…

When we think of the people who are propelling the world into the bright future that we all hope for, we look to the inventors, the entrepreneurs, the changemakers and the engineers of exciting new technologies. But a share of the glory also belongs to the financiers who provide the fuel for these ventures, the ones who help connect concept with much-needed capital. The Wealth Builders on the Asia’s Most Influential list are the venture capitalists, financiers, bankers and other pillars of the economy who shape the world by directing the flow of resources where capital might have the most impact. Those who work in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area further find themselves in a position where their decisions can ripple out to the region and to the…

Several years ago, Jacqueline Chak read something that shook her: by the year 2050, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish. Thwarting that prediction is core to her sustainable design mission: to change our production methods, so that future generations and nature can still coexist. This year marks the tenth anniversary of Editecture, the studio Chak co-founded with fellow Gen.T honouree Genevieve Chew. What began with just these two has since blossomed into a team of 25 and a 3,000 sq ft lab containing the city’s largest in-house 3D printer. It has also expanded philosophically, adding education to its mandate. The studio’s Edit Academy is already informing young people about sustainability and community empathy, and its Re-Edit Lab education truck will soon spread awareness about waste to…

FACTORY OF TOMORROW The Centre for Heritage Art and Textile (CHAT) is celebrating its five-year anniversary with a special exhibition, Factory of Tomorrow, which charts the former textile mill-turned-art institution’s genealogy. The exhibition features works by 19 Asian artists and reflects on the role that textiles have played in Hong Kong’s industrial past. Featuring a range of media, from textile art and sculptures to immersive installations and videos, the artworks explore diverse perspectives on textile technology, materials and climate change. Participating artists include Ei Arakawa-Nash, Movana Chen, Ade Darmawan, Rui An Ho, Yin Xiuzhen and Song Dong. Popular Hong Kong artist Frog King will kick off the exhibition with a special performance. Until July 14. The Mills, 45 Pak Tin Par Street, Tsuen Wan FRENCH MAY Organised by Association Culturelle…

In the kaleidoscopic realm of haute couture, where creativity and imagination know no bounds, Gaurav Gupta sets himself apart with a design language rooted in surrealism and fantasy. “What is amazing about being from somewhere like India is that you are able to see the endlessness and vastness of the universe in a very absolute way. That’s what I tried to reflect in my artistic expression,” the Indian couturier says. Indeed, Gupta’s creations evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty. They have carved out a world that is Indian at its core while remaining boundless in its forms—merging indigenous construction and embellishment techniques with a future-primitive aesthetic. The visionary designer also holds the distinction of being the third Indian ever to present at the prestigious Paris Couture Week. Tatler spoke exclusively…

Hypnotised by tourbillons? EAST MEETS WEST The Corum Golden Bridge Dragon watch features a stunning 18-karat gold dragon that writhes around an in-house baguette movement, a hallmark of the collection. This 43mm timepiece merges Swiss precision with Asian artistry, offering a movement consisting of 190 parts and hand-engraved details. With customisable Pantone colours for the dragon, each watch becomes an exclusive piece of art for the wrist. HAPPY TIMES Chopard unveiled the Happy Sport Rose de Caroline earlier this year in conjunction with International Day of Happiness, which takes place on March 20. This timepiece, inspired by a world blooming with roses, is a masterclass in gem setting: pink sapphires and rubies encircle the dance of Chopard’s signature diamonds atop ethical 18-karat rose gold. Underneath, a precision self-winding movement animates…

Tell us about your early years before you joined John Hardy. My career in luxury started with a pretty well-known pen maker [Montblanc], which has grown over 100 years into a wonderful luxury brand. I started off my career in my hometown in Germany; I was born, raised and educated in Germany and then the United States. I started off with [Montblanc in 1994], but very quickly, I moved to Asia: first [in 1996] to Hong Kong, and then to Japan. I worked with this pen maker for over 20 years and even launched their jewellery line. I ended up staying for over six years [in Hong Kong] and I deeply fell in love with [Asian] countries. I learnt a lot about how diverse and wonderful the world is, when…

A Spartan handshake isn’t exactly what you would expect when meeting Henry Steiner. Rather than taking your hand, the nonagenarian will graspw your forearm and urge you to do the same. It’s a gesture said to have been conceived during ancient Greek times (or, at least, that’s how it’s portrayed in the film 300), symbolising peace, with the added function of proving the greeter hasn’t concealed a weapon up his sleeves. It’s apt for Steiner, who looks for meaning and purpose in symbols and gestures. This constant search is also one of the reasons he never pursued a career in art. Long before he came to be known as the “father of Hong Kong design”, Steiner studied visual art, the culmination of which was a painting he’d rather forget. “It…

Half-Chinese, half-Japanese American producer and writer Julie Wong recalls the day her “Chinese American, risk-averse engineer dad suggested that I try my hand at TV writing” after she had been working in politics in the US for 15 years. “I was shocked,” she says. “But he pointed out that I loved TV and I loved to write, so why not?” A few weeks later, she signed up for her first TV writing class at an NGO called Cape—the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment. It was a decision that changed her life—in 2018, her talent would lead to her being hired as a staff writer and later on co-executive producer of the hugely popular television series Grey’s Anatomy—season 20 was released in March this year. Wong wasn’t wrong to have…

Designer to the stars, lauded entrepreneur, author of 13 books—Kelly Hoppen is the epitome of a multi-hyphenate, and was even before the term was coined. More impressively, she has been at the pinnacle of the design industry for the last 45 years, winning almost every possible accolade including being named Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2009 for services to interior design. Born in South Africa and raised in the UK, Hoppen’s design journey began with her leaving school to design a family friend’s kitchen aged just 16. This marked the start of her eponymous firm, and since then she has worked on the homes of notable personalities ranging from the Beckhams to Boy George, employing the signature clean lines and neutral palette that have earned…