Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Award-winning CNN anchor Kristie Lu Stout talked to Tatler about the power of storytelling and the importance of self-awareness. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN Ahead of the spring opening of Kazakhstan’s Almaty Museum of Arts, the first private museum of contemporary art in Central Asia, we met with its founder Nurlan Smagulov, who is also the president of Astana Group. TATLER MALAYSIA Counsellor Sangheeta Sidhu talked about how she is pushing to destigmatise mental healthcare in Malaysia and how her personal experience of suppressing grief informs her work. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler caught up with Nico Santos, who opened up about representation, his unexpected Hollywood success, and being unapologetically Filipino. SHANGLIU TATLER Japanese visual artist Miwa Komatsu, known for her bold, dynamic paintings that often explores Japanese mythology, shared insights into…

Imran Amed, CEO and founder of fashion website The Business of Fashion (BoF), has solidified his place as an authority in the global fashion and luxury industries. At the Tatler Best of Asia event in November in Bangkok, he offered insights on the evolving landscape of luxury, from the meteoric rise of Southeast Asia to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. Amed, who was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for his contributions to the fashion world, explained luxury brands must now strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity and reinvention while delving into how hospitality, technology and shifting consumer values are reshaping the industry. “In Southeast Asia, you have all of these economies that are fast-growing, young populations and curious…

Refugee needs are infamously underserved, and when conservative values, xenophobia and recession are on the rise globally, they place even lower down the list of priorities. This is especially true when it comes to needs linked to menstruation. For Hong Kong-born product designer Cheuk Laam Wong, the urgency of the situation has never been greater—but she also believes the solutions have never been closer. “Almost 60 per cent of female refugees suffer from period poverty,” Wong tells Tatler, “and that’s because they prioritise essential needs over menstrual hygiene.” Wong graduated with a bachelor’s degree in product design from London’s Central Saint Martins in 2021, a time when the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted deep structural problems in refugee camps. It usually goes that way: NGOs only distribute resources once they’ve secured enough…

What shaped your passion for tequila? Eddie Li: Fifteen years ago, after many shots of random tequila, salt and lime, I drank Patrón Tequila for the first time and realised I didn’t need the salt and lime—and that sparked my curiosity. Christopher Poon: I was introduced to Don Julio 1942 Tequila quite early on. It started as a healthy appreciation for tequila, but then I experimented with new tequilas and learnt more about its [manufacturing] processes with Eddie. Damith Weerakoon: We’ve all had the common experience of excessive tequila drinking in our youth and the stories of forgotten nights and interesting consequences—but my general passion for drinks pushed forward in a positive way. I probably drank bad tequila for 20 years. Twelve years ago, a Mexican colleague took me to…

The new Parmigiani Fleurier Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse tells time with sound, not visuals. Made to commemorate founder Michel Parmigiani’s birthday in December, this piece features a 42mm white gold case and draws inspiration from classical architecture, featuring intricate guilloché patterns and grand feu enamel that echo the Fibonacci sequence. What distinguishes this timepiece is its secret dial, cleverly concealed on the reverse side, showcasing rose gold hands against a backdrop of Guatemalan jade. The minute repeater mechanism, with cathedral gongs that produce a rich, deep tone, invites wearers to experience time through sound. It’s run by the PF355 manual winding movement and a 72-hour power reserve. Slither into the new year in style with these Year of the Snake timepieces…

James Li’s obsession with luxury watches began not in the nerve-wracking halls of auction houses nor the gleaming boutiques of luxury brands, but rather in the confines of his father’s wardrobe in his home in mainland China. It was there, among the “big, chunky, military-style watches from Russia”, that Li’s fascination began. “That is my first memory of any watches,” he says. As China’s economy flourished, so too did the range of watches available to the young Li. From Omega to Cartier, his taste in timepieces became refined and sophisticated. At the same time, he was developing an interest in mechanical gadgets and technology sparked by his enthusiasm for film cameras. This soon translated into curiosity about the intricate workings of horological treasures—which were also easier to transport. He says,…

Which three pieces from the exhibition are most significant for you? One piece that stands out is the Panther on Sapphire. Working on this exhibition revealed a new dimension to the Panther symbol—it represents protection, much like a dragon [does]. And in this particular jewel, she’s on top of the Earth, protecting it. Another [example] I loved is the two Jade clocks. These extraordinary creations are unique and represent a cultural exchange between east and west. Originally used by scholars to inspire creativity, they evoke a sense of dreaming when viewed. The third piece, and one of the most striking for me is the snake. Also relevant for the Year of the Snake, [it showcases] the magic of Cartier. It looks so real. [Actress] Gong Li has a special bond…

LET IT SNOW Sure, the technical side of skiwear is important—you want to be warm—but we’re equally focused on stylish collections that keep you looking your best from the chalet all the way down the slope to the après-ski bar. From the perfect cold-beating boots to matching attire from head to toe, these are the outfits that will have you gliding in style, whether you’re in Gstaad or Niseko. TAILORED TO THRIVE As memories of the Christmas holidays slip away and the last red packets have been given and received, we in Asia are experiencing a post-Lunar New Year shift. It’s time to trade festive wear for tailored suits and heels that click with purpose. The office is calling, and our wardrobes are ready to step into the spotlight—chic, elevated…

THE TABLE EDIT Forget ordinary table settings—this is the moment to transform your dining space. Picture elegant plates with striking textures, glassware that adds personality and polished finishes that make every meal at home feel like a celebration. BLUSH CRUSH Valentine’s Day is near—why not set the mood with a touch of pink? Fall in love with your space by adding plush blush sofas; glam up your bathroom with Dolce & Gabbana’s pink towels; and sprinkle charm in your living room with Bitossi Home accessories.…

You’re a few days into your holiday—days that have been busy with sightseeing, ticking items off your bucket list and eating at the restaurants you booked months in advance. It’s been exhilarating and exciting—but also exhausting. Then, your travel companion turns to you and asks, somewhat sheepishly, “What if we just stay in and order room service tonight?” Relief washes over you, like waves lapping on the shore at your resort’s private beach. A feeling of giddiness arises—akin to when your parents took you to Blockbuster on a Friday night as a kid (or let you take over Netflix, depending which generation you’re from), knowing what lies ahead is an evening of sitting in your pyjamas with pizza, movies and not a care in the world. There’s something about room…

There are moments when legend truly manifests, and one of them occurred when Jane Goodall, the 90-year-old ethologist and conservationist, walked into the Tatler Ball last November. The room hushed as all eyes focused on her. As the audience absorbed the gravity of the moment, they realised they were in the presence of a living legend. Emotions swelled—joy, reverence, admiration and, most importantly, hope. Hope because her lifelong dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental advocacy reminds us that one person’s unwavering commitment can indeed change the world. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Tatler team to sit with this remarkable human being, let alone to have her as our February cover star. For a full hour, we engaged in a profound conversation about climate action, during which she offered…

The Academy Ball 2024 was a resounding success—held on December 7 at the Lyric Theatre at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA). The event was organised by The Society of the Academy for Performing Arts (SAPA) and marked two significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of the HKAPA and the 35th Anniversary of SAPA. Sponsored by the Phoenix Yuen Foundation and jewellery brand Boghossian, the ball raised funds for student scholarships and the HKAPA’s continued development. Themed Voyage, the evening celebrated the remarkable journeys of HKAPA’s students past and present. The event also highlighted its status as a leading institution in Hong Kong and its partnership with SAPA. The latter contributes to the development of the HKAPA through the generosity of individuals and companies; it has raised over HK$100…

Hong Kong’s food and drink scene is a proving ground for ambition—it’s a city where ideas are tested in real time, where tradition and innovation collide with dizzying frequency, and where only the truly distinctive endure. In this dynamic landscape, three homegrown brands are doing just that. These innovators, of reimagined pastries, precision-engineered teas and unexpected gelato flavours, are shaping the future of what it means to be made in Hong Kong. TEEMTONEFAI Inspired by Pantone’s signature colour system, photographer and content creator Thomas Fung founded Teemtonefai to channel creativity into the world of frozen desserts. “The best part of being a Hong Kong brand is the freedom to launch any products I envision,” Fung says. And envision he does. “Teemtonefai features playful branding and explores unique gelato flavours like…

The founder of education start-up Press Start Academy and a Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow, Vincent “Vince” Siu, has been brimming with creative ideas since childhood. Instead of simply sitting through family dinners, he would often pull out some paper and start drawing. An avid reader, he also channelled his imagination into writing stories. With his sister and cousin, he invented an imaginary universe. “My planet was planet X2, and because I was younger than my cousin, he had planet X1. Whenever we went out, we would turn the skyscrapers of Hong Kong and building lobbies into our bases and scenarios,” he recalls. Little did he know that this imaginative spirit would fuel his entrepreneurial journey when he launched Press Start Academy in 2019. His start-up seeks to transform after-school learning…

One profile among the semi-finalists for the prestigious LVMH Prize 2024 caught our attention due to the designer’s multicultural upbringing. Yayi Chen Zhou, the founder of her eponymous brand Ya Yi, has navigated the complexities of cultural duality across Madrid, Shanghai and New York. Moreover, through her design and craft, she explores the experiences of Asian immigrant women, weaving their stories into her work. “Growing up in a Chinese immigrant community in Madrid, I spent much of my childhood in their working spaces, usually Chinese restaurants,” recalls Chen, who lived in the Spanish capital until she was ten years old. This early exposure to cultural duality became the foundation of her creative philosophy, sparking reflections on the gaps between first-generation immigrants and their descendants. “I feel like there are many…

SERPENTINE BEAUTY If you were born in the Year of the Snake, Harry Winston has crafted a timepiece that celebrates the mystique of your sign of the zodiac. The limited-edition 36mm Automatic timepiece is available in rose and white gold, and each version is restricted to just eight pieces worldwide. The dial features a lacquered snake peeking through lush vegetation, with intricate gemstone details including emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. Powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, the watch boasts a flat silicon balance spring and a skeletonised gold rotor. Adorned with 153 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 2.03 carats, it comes with a red alligator strap and is presented in a temple-inspired red box. TRUNK SHOW Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s legendary trunks, the Escale Platinum watch is a…

Bows have been interpreted and reinterpreted in the Graff universe for over half a century. In 2019, the maison launched a new collection inspired by the brand’s founder Laurence Graff and the bond he shares with his granddaughter. Each piece—from rings to watches—features pavé and custom-cut diamonds set to capture the moment a silk ribbon is tied. We love how the classic design is married with contemporary aesthetics in this heirloom piece. The Pantone colour of the year is Mocha mousse—one fad diet we actually encourage you to follow…

This season, luxury finds its muse in nature’s finest details. With the Pink Magnolia Earrings from Austy Lee Jewellery’s Chloris’ Yard Collection, jewellery becomes a bridge between botanical beauty and artisanal brilliance. Combining the elegance of magnolia blooms with the rarity of Caribbean conch pearls, these earrings redefine statement dressing. A BLOOM THAT’S ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY The magnolia liliiflora has long symbolised beauty and resilience, from the gardens of ancient China to ornamental trees gracing European landscapes. But Austy Lee’s reinterpretation of this flower is far more than a nod to tradition. These earrings are a bold reminder that luxury, like the magnolia itself, can bloom in unexpected ways. Think of them as a wearable ode to nature—a modern heirloom steeped in heritage yet designed for the present. THE PEARLS…

Japanese miniature artist Tatsuya Tanaka’s home in Kagoshima is just like any family’s, filled with ordinary, everyday objects. But while most of us consider these mundane, he sees them as the ingredients for his mitate (“look and compare pictures”, or analogues, in Japanese) art: translucent blue clothing hangers are stacked together to resemble waves; a disposable face mask mimics the lanes of a swimming pool; unfurled rolls of toilet paper are transformed into snowy ski pistes; and a rasher of bacon becomes the magic carpet for mini Aladdin and Jasmine toys. On his visit to Hong Kong before Christmas, Tanaka created 25 miniature scenes for The Big Little Christmas exhibition at Harbour City, stunning viewers with his humorous take on the city’s food and landscape. For instance, xiao long bao…

Australia is a pretty laid-back country, but if there’s anything they take seriously, it’s food. The local produce is phenomenal, and the chefs there—who come from all walks of life, and are often influenced by the country’s vibrant immigrant culture—treat it with utmost respect. I’ve been fortunate to have grown up between Melbourne and Hong Kong—two incredible dining destinations that approach food with such reverence you would think it’s religion. Living in the latter now, I look forward to heading back to Melbourne every Christmas, where a bulk of that time is spent reconnecting with loved ones over food. From cool neighbourhood wine bars to beloved institutions, cosy cocktail bars to lively hotel lounges that unite locals and visitors through music, use this guide to make the most of 48…

1 ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY Not only are we part of nature, we also depend on it for clean air, water—just about everything. We depend on healthy ecosystems. 2 ON THE ECOSYSTEM Think of the ecosystem as a beautiful tapestry. As a species vanishes from that particular ecosystem, it’s like a thread being pulled from a tapestry, and if enough threads are pulled, the eco tapestry will hang in tatters—and the ecosystem will collapse. That’s what’s happening around the world. 3 ON HER CHILDHOOD DREAM I wanted to live in the wild with animals in Africa ever since I was ten years old. 4 ON HOW SHE BECAME A RESPECTED PRIMATOLOGIST My mentor, Dr Louis Leakey, said to me: “Jane, I picked you [as my student to study chimpanzees]…

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 our cover star Jane Goodall. (p.102) IVAN WONG KA-WANG Ivan Wong Ka-wang, a Hong Kong-based photographer, specialises in editorial photography; his work has been featured in Ming’s, MRRM and Jet. Wong captures subjects with meticulous attention to detail, creating visually striking images that merge fashion, beauty and emotion. This month, he shot choregrapher Sang Jijia for Tatler. (p.34) AVANI RAI Avani Rai is a Mumbai-based photographer and filmmaker with a focus on both fictional…

With an illustrious career that spans decades, Janet Yang is not only a trailblazer but also a storyteller who has dedicated her life to amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. Yang’s love of film began early. “I grew up watching a lot of films and loving movies,” she says. But the idea of working in the industry felt like too distant a dream. Born to Chinese immigrant parents on the east coast of the United States, Yang’s upbringing was steeped in traditional expectations. “Of course, [my parents] fervently wished that their three children would be doctors, lawyers or engineers,” she says, laughing. While her siblings dutifully followed those paths, Yang’s rebellious streak led her to carve out a different destiny. “I think my parents knew from the start that…

The urban jungle of Hong Kong is a far cry from the lush plains and vast mountains of ethnic Tibetan choreographer Sang Jijia’s homeland in Gansu, north-central China. “I come from a herding family. Back in the 1980s, there were no telephones or TVs. We led a simple and innocent life. As children, we used to roam free on the plains with our buttocks exposed,” he recalls with a laugh. “I used to think the world beyond our lands was the same as ours.” And just as his upbringing contrasts with that of a city kid of his generation, so too does his introduction to dance; there was no dance school for him. “The concept of dance training was foreign to me,” he says. “My people would come together and…

Asia’s culinary scene is often framed by its heavy hitters. Tokyo dazzles with precision and artistry, Bangkok delivers the riotous kick of spice and street food chaos, and Hong Kong flaunts its cosmopolitan diversity. These top travel destinations often dominate the conversation—the darlings of globetrotting food lovers and social media feeds. But, for all their brilliance, they can sometimes feel a little too obvious. The real intrigue lies elsewhere—in places where food isn’t merely a commodity for tourism campaigns but an act of cultural preservation and everyday joy. These cities don’t clamour for global recognition; they simply get on with the business of being extraordinary. Their food speaks for itself—quietly, sometimes, but always with a sense of place and purpose that comes from generations of care. Together, they remind us…