Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Gen.T honouree Natalie Chow explained how her Australian upbringing and becoming a mother prompted her to create her sustainable sneaker brand. TATLER PHILIPPINES James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Abi Balingit shared sweet secrets about the support of her family and how baking got her through the pandemic. TATLER MALAYSIA Laurence Si, the newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia, opened up about his leadership style and what he sees as the future of AI. TATLER TAIWAN Long-time film critic and writer Kuang-Chueh Lee, widely known by his pen name “Knee Joint”, looked back at the film industry’s development and ahead at new possibilities. TATLER THAILAND Designer Ou Noppadol Baholyodhin transformed his natural creativity into a thriving restaurant and bar empire with the Rongros Dining Group. He explained…

On September 3, the fashion world turned its eyes to the Hong Kong Palace Museum, where renowned designer Robert Wun brought his London-based label back to Hong Kong, staging a spectacular homecoming show in celebration of its tenth anniversary. In partnership with Tatler and Centrestage, an annual fashion showcase organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the event marked a significant milestone for Wun, who made history in 2023 as the first Hong Kong designer to present at Haute Couture Week in Paris. Since the brand’s inception, Wun has been creating custom pieces for celebrities from Lady Gaga to Priyanka Chopra, who gravitate towards his signature power shoulders, sharp pleating and fantastical designs. The museum buzzed with excitement, reflecting the designer’s remarkable journey from Hong Kong to the global…

When James Thomson-Sakhrani was 14, he was tasked with creating a service project to become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America’s programme. He noticed his family often collected hotel toiletries and airline kits from their travels and kept them at home. After realising that many of his relatives and family had the same habit, he gathered the products from them. At his apartment, Thomson-Sakhrani and several of his friends from the troop unpacked the kits they had received, and then reorganised and assembled them into hygiene kits. Each kit contains basic toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. They then distributed these kits to the homeless community in Hong Kong with the assistance of a local Hindu group. The project was…

When the He Art Museum opened in 2020 in Foshan, it caused quite a stir in the Greater Bay Area’s (GBA) art scene. Not only does it boast an impressive design, by award-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando; it also features world-class exhibitions with a unique perspective: as well as showcasing local historical research and the museum director He Jianfeng’s family collection, the 86,000 sq ft private museum has also been the stage for local and global contemporary artists. On top of this, it houses Pablo Picasso’s 1968 painting Homme et Femme Nus and Bernar Venet’s 1974 sculpture Three Indeterminate Lines. He Art Museum is one of a slew of state-of-the-art galleries, museums and art centres popping up in the GBA since the 2010s, including Guangzhou’s Bai’etan GBA Art Center in…

FASHION SHOOT…

Reach for the skies with the moon on your wrist…

At 9.20am precisely on August 16, Anya Taylor-Joy, the global ambassador for Jaeger-LeCoultre, made time for a 20-minute chat with Tatler, despite being in the middle of a photoshoot. Though her agenda was packed, the 28-year-old actress exuded warmth and genuine enthusiasm during our video call. As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that her punctuality and outlook on life embody the values of the Swiss watchmaker she endorses. The award-winning The Queen’s Gambit and Furiosa actor spoke about being a third-culture kid, time travel and how she secured her place as a standout star in an industry where success doesn’t come easy. Tell us about that turning point or moment in your life when you felt everything just fell in place in your career? Oh, my God, it was…

Your exhibition Wallace Chan: Half a Century at the Shanghai Museum spans 50 years of your career. How does it feel to see your life’s work displayed in such a comprehensive manner? This exhibition covers not only my life experiences from the past 50 years but also incorporates natural materials that have existed for ages, waiting for us to unearth them and utilise them to realise our creative visions. The Chinese name of the exhibition translates to “thousand years and millions of thoughts”, which encapsulates this concept of bridging timeless materials with new-age creativity. Tell us about the exhibition themes. The first theme is Engraving & Embodying. For me, sculpting is a form of spiritual practice—it’s not merely carving with one’s hands, but also sculpting with one’s memory and willpower.…

Our October issue celebrates the theme of Legacy—a concept that intertwines the past, present and future. This month, we explore how legacies are not just inherited but actively shaped by visionaries who dare to redefine boundaries. Gracing our cover is the indomitable Carina Lau, an icon of Hong Kong cinema, fashion and entertainment. Her journey from ingenue to a powerhouse of talent and influence epitomises the evolution of legacy. But she’s not finished growing as an artist: in December, she will appear in the highly anticipated play The Truth About Lying, co-starring veteran actor Dayo Wong. This latest venture not only showcases Lau’s versatility but also reaffirms her commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new performance avenues. In this exclusive shoot and interview with Tatler, Lau’s candid reflections on her…

What drew you to art? I was privileged to be surrounded by art growing up. My grandfather was an art dealer and a collector. One of my earliest memories is rolling around on a carpet on the floor of my grandparents’ home in Geneva, looking up at vitrines of brilliant blue, yellow and white porcelain. My father studied painting at L’Académie de la Grande Chaumière in Paris and both my parents paint. I went to law school, then shifted my interest towards sinology and, after a summer internship at Sotheby’s, I was hooked. My only responsibility that summer was to reorganise and relabel the vast library of Chinese art books. I had an incredible time getting acquainted with all the literature, while eavesdropping on all the specialists’ conversations. The mix…

Tarmo Peltokoski is a man of few words. At a Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPhil) press conference in early July, where his appointment as the orchestra’s music director designate for the 2025/26 season and music director in 2026/27 was announced, concertmaster Jing Wang remarked how rare and interesting it was to see someone as young as Peltokoski, 24, take on such a role. Peltokoski, clad in a simple dark grey suit and rectangular, black-framed glasses, responded in a blunt tone, “I’m only getting older, and better, I hope. That’s really all I have to say.” When he’s onstage, however, his emotional expressiveness seems to belong to a completely different person. In the season finale on the day after the press conference, he hopped on to the conductor’s podium, picked up…

Given K-pop’s undeniable influence on the world beyond music, ambassadorships with the genre’s stars have become crucial for luxury brands. In February, Versace added Ningning, a Chinese member of SM Entertainment girl band Aespa, to their line-up of global ambassadors. “Ningning is not only a brilliantly talented star, she is also a wonderful person,” Donatella Versace, the creative director of the Italian house, said at the time. “She has a strong, confident vision, incredible energy and talent and she looks amazing wearing our clothes.” Ningning says, “What stands out the most is meeting Donatella backstage at the Versace fall-winter 2024 show last February. Despite the impending big show, my conversation with Donatella backstage was very natural and warm. I was impressed by her open-mindedness and kindness. I was a bit…

BLEEDING BLUE Tudor could have rested on its laurels after the launch of the Black Bay 58 GMT and the Pink Panda, but the watchmaker is on a roll this year. Enter the Black Bay Chrono Blue, a boutique exclusive that reintroduces the beloved Tudor Blue dial, which was first seen on the 1976 Tudor Prince Oysterdate Chronograph, often referred to as the “Big Block”. The new model celebrates the brand’s rich heritage in motorsport and diving and features a 41mm stainless steel case, contrasting sub-counters and the ever-reliable calibre MT5813. It wraps around the wrist in a classic five-link, stainless steel, Jubilee-style bracelet and is water resistant down to 200m. NEO VINTAGE Meet the Fiftysix Self-Winding, your stylish passport to the 1950s. This 40mm pink gold model, with a…

Nostalgic charms to pamper your inner child…

OBJECTS OF DESIRE LA VIE EN ROSE Pink had a major moment last year, thanks to the Barbiecore craze—and it’s not going anywhere. After all, it’s Pink October, the month when awareness and funds are raised for breast cancer, so embrace the rosy hue and show your support. (Bonus: there’s a majorly flattering shade for every skin tone.) SCOTTISH CHARM Through the Eighties and Nineties, tartan built a reputation as being the signature of grunge and rebellion, thanks in no small part to Vivienne Westwood. This season, it’s shed its rebellious image—although it’s still making a statement, taking centre stage at shows like Dior, Acne Studios and Altuzarra. Forget staying home, bundled up a tartan blanket; this iconic Scottish print wants to be seen. TIE THE KNOT The tie is…

Many people would be unlikely to take up the chance to drink water that’s billions of years old water out of an ancient geode lined with amethysts—but then, performance artist Marina Abramović isn’t most people. In her own words, she “is all about the experience”. The compulsion came about from an insatiable curiosity, a love of crystals and an innate desire to test the limits of the human body and experience transformation. “I drank it thinking it was the most primordial water on the planet. I mean, can you imagine having something in your body that old?” she says, describing the water as a kind of elixir. “I wouldn’t recommend it, though, because I got really sick,” she admits. “But I drank it anyway because I was so excited to…

20s I was rushing from one drama to the next, barely catching my breath. Despite the constant work, I missed opportunities for deeper learning and personal growth. There was so little time to truly absorb and reflect. If only I had carved out more moments to immerse myself in films and literature, to broaden my horizons and deepen my understanding of the craft. Knowledge, I’ve come to realise, is an actor’s most valuable asset. 30s Looking back at my 30s, I realise I was still squandering time on socialising and indulging in frivolous pastimes. I should have been arming myself with skills and knowledge for my work. But I don’t regret it entirely—I simply didn’t have the energy for that then, and everything felt so chaotic and noisy. At the…

TENZIN LHAGYAL Born in Tibet and raised in India, Tenzin Lhagyal is currently based in Delhi and specialises in fashion and portrait photography for media and brands. For Tatler this month, he photographed Indian fashion designer Anamika Khanna at her atelier in Kolkata. (p.82) ALEXANDER YEUNG Hong Kong-based photographer Alexander Yeung specialises in fashion, art and commercial photography. Notable projects include the 2022 Chow Tai Fook campaign and Centrestage campaign for 2023-24, while his work has appeared in magazines including Harper’s Bazaar and Wonderland. Yeung, who “aims to create visually compelling narratives that capture the essence of my subjects”, photographed the bridal fashion and jewellery shoot for Tatler this month. (p.134) TAWFICK ESPRIELLA Colombian photographer and filmmaker Tawfick Espriella, who splits his time between New York and Washington DC, has…

Charmaine Li is the co-CEO and chairman of milk-product giant Kowloon Dairy in Guangzhou, along with her first cousin, co-CEO Erica Li, who serves as chairman in Hong Kong. “She’s like the sister I never had. We excel in different areas, and we work together fairly and with a lot of respect,” Li says. Entering the family business wasn’t a given. In June 2010, Li founded her own film production company, Tiberius Productions, which has released films across a wide variety of genres and subjects—including cookery, sports, nature, travel and human-interest documentaries—for broadcasters including the BBC, National Geographic and Cartoon Network. The company, for which she remains the managing director and producer, has also made commercials and events for luxury clients including Versace, Bulgari and Van Cleef & Arpels. She…

Should the next generation be obliged to continue their family’s business or legacy? ROMAN CHAO YES “I believe we have an obligation to contribute towards our family business and legacy. For me, contributing to Cheuk Nang is a way to honour my family and show appreciation. The weight of family responsibility can be quite heavy, and I understand others may have vastly different circumstances and relationships with their parents. Relationships aside, I believe we should give back [by honouring] the privileges that our family has given us growing up. As the newest Cheuk Nang team member, I’m honoured to be mentored by my father, as well as my siblings Gigi and Howard. Their deep expertise and knowledge have been instrumental in my development. Continuing the family’s legacy, when possible, is…

You blend Swiss chocolate-making traditions with Mediterranean spices and herbs. How do your heritages influence the flavours and products you create? Amit Oz: My family cooks food with an abundance of spices. My grandfather ran a restaurant in Tel Aviv for 60 years and I was inspired by the fresh and strong flavours. My grandmother cooked a lot of North African, Jewish and Arabic food using another set of spices—lots of heat and earthy, fruity flavours. Celine’s family is Swiss and their cooking is very much driven by nature, with health at the centre. Today, our chocolate takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Asian cuisine. Our oolong, Sichuan peppercorn, genmaicha [Japanese brown rice green tea], miso ganache, dashi ganache and salted egg ganache are our bestsellers. Living in Hong Kong has…

MARK BRADFORD, EXOTICA, HAUSER & WIRTH American artist Mark Bradford’s solo exhibition Exotica, at Hauser & Wirth, features 20 new paintings created with the artist’s signature technique, which involves using caulk to create shadow-like imprints. A group of paintings on view are centred around a specific agave plant that blooms only once at the end of its life; on a conceptual level, the work deals with the idea of otherness. The exhibition’s title draws from a 1970s academic text that catalogued “exotic” plants from a western perspective. With this exhibition, Bradford prompts us to think about how we classify, perceive and define ideas, people and places we don’t necessarily understand. A special programme, featuring a series of workshops designed by Bradford and the gallery for young people aged 16-18 from…

News of Anamika Khanna’s collaboration with high street brand H&M broke just hours before Tatler’s interview with the designer. After days of scheduling, having the opportunity to speak to Khanna shortly after the announcement felt like fate. Designers are often inundated with commitments following major news like this, and being able to access a creative mind at a pivotal moment in their career felt truly special. Khanna spoke from her serene atelier in Kolkata—a place that is widely regarded as the cultural capital of India, less frenetic than the fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai and away from the hustle and bustle of Bollywood. Cool and composed, she reflected on how the east coast city allows her the freedom to focus. “Kolkata gives me space to put my head down and work.…

The Clarks story began in the UK in 1825 near the mystical Glastonbury Tor, where brothers Cyrus and James Clark crafted the Brown Petersburg slipper from sheepskin off-cuts. This humble beginning laid the foundation for a legacy of quality, innovation and timeless appeal. This rich history is woven seamlessly into Clarks’s exclusive series with singer-songwriter Tyson Yoshi, which was unveiled on September 4 at the brand’s flagship on Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard, marking the fifth standalone Clarks Originals store in Asia after Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Beijing. The store design superbly merges British heritage with modern innovation. An authentic English ambiance is created through the use of various textures and materials; for example, stone flooring, which takes inspiration from the landscape of Somerset and transports guests to the streets of…

The Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater is such a beautiful watch, and showcases a contemporary design while also paying tribute to Moser’s signature style. How difficult is it to balance these two elements? Thank you! We like to say that Moser is a bridge between traditional and modern watchmaking. In every product, we reinterpret this. For the minute repeater, we took inspiration from old pocket minute repeaters with the movement at the back and an enamel dial. Here, we decided to create an enamel dial with a modern steel integrated bracelet, almost sporty, with water resistance of 5 ATM [50 metres], which is unique for a minute repeater. The enamel itself is also very modern. It’s about understanding what it means to be traditional and modern, and then mixing these elements…

Bella Hadid has graced an astounding 147 magazine covers, served as a muse to clothing and beauty brands and become an essential indicator of a campaign’s success. A prime example is her role in the Coperni spring-summer 2023 show in Paris, when a dress was spraypainted onto her body, live on the runway. Brand performance analysis firm Launchmetrics estimates the event generated a media impact value of US$26.3 million. Her unique facial features have unsurprisingly made her a favourite with photographers and designers alike. And while there’s no such thing as perfection, London-based cosmetic surgeon Dr Julian De Silva declared her face to be 94.35 per cent “accurate” to the golden ratio—the concept Leonardo da Vinci used to create the Mona Lisa. But 27-year-old’s influence—with an Instagram following of 61.3…

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