Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Lawyer Kathryn Weaver, who has adopted two children, discussed interracial adoption, systemic barriers and her mission to reframe how society views family. TATLER INDONESIA Ratna Kartadjoemena is a sustainability advocate and entrepreneur creating meaningful environmental and social change. She co-founded Bicara Udara, a platform that raises awareness about air pollution. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN Saltanat Kazybayeva, race director of the Almaty Marathon, is making the race charitable—it raised more than US$150,000 in 2024—and proving how sports can empower individuals and communities. TATLER MALAYSIA This year’s Front & Female award winners include Aisya Rahman, who created the Women & Wealth Workshops to give women a safe space to turn financial trauma into empowerment. TATLER PHILIPPINES Businesswoman Loida Nicolas-Lewis talked about heading home to celebrate 25 years of Lewis College, which…

Lindsay Jang and Matt Abergel are famous for their renowned hotspot, Yardbird, which they opened in 2011. In 2013, they went on to open Ronin, a hugely popular izakaya-style 14-seater that closed in December. But just three months later, the pair opened their latest restaurant, Always Joy, right next to Yardbird. Always Joy marks the business partners’ first new venture together in 12 years. They speak to Tatler about what makes their partnership work. Always Joy is an evolution of what you built with Ronin. What does evolution mean to you? Matt Abergel: For me, it means freedom: the ability to do exactly what I want to do whenever I want to do it. Lindsay Jang: Always Joy is a much bigger space, [including a] bigger kitchen, but it still…

It’s been over a year since Tatler last sat down with Takashi Murakami, for our March 2024 cover story. At the time, the renowned Japanese artist and cultural figure, known for his eclectic motifs from happy flowers to a jagged-toothed cartoon character Mr Dob, had much to look forward to: Takashi Murakami Mononoke Kyoto, his first exhibition in Japan in eight years; a talk with fellow Japanese artist Shinro Otake at Art Basel Hong Kong; and more shows at London’s Gagosian gallery and New York’s Brooklyn Museum. A trip around the sun later, the larger-than-life 63-year-old returned to Hong Kong to put on a show. We met him at Art Basel Hong Kong where, just steps away from the main exhibition halls, an exclusive curation of Murakami’s celebrated artworks was…

We’ve all witnessed how innovation in watchmaking often means adding yet another complication to an already crowded dial. Thankfully, Richard Mille has taken a different tack with its latest creation—the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire. Beyond its sapphire-cased exterior, the RM 75-01 represents something more significant: a movement specifically conceived for sapphire housing rather than simply transplanted into it. The distinction might seem subtle but, as we know, in watchmaking, less is (almost always) more. Available in three expressions—two combining clear and coloured sapphire in limited runs of ten pieces each, and a third in pure clear sapphire limited to 15 pieces—the collection draws inspiration from water’s dual nature: both fluid and architectural. The aquatic theme carries through each variation in the form of the crystal-clear nature of the sapphire…

Forget quiet luxury—today’s jewels are loud, layered and unapologetically personal. These earrings are no exception. Austy Lee Jewellery has once again positioned itself as the storyteller du jour. The brand’s latest marvel, The Red Dust with Mountain and River Earrings, are not merely accessories—they’re a narrative painted in gold, enamel and the rarest of treasures: the kind that catches glances across rooms, sparks conversation and, occasionally, leaves you in wonder. Part of the house’s celebrated Kymatismōs Collection, these earrings dive beneath the surface. The hero is undoubtedly the abalone shell. Once the humble shield of a marine mollusc, it now finds itself reimagined in the language of luxury as nature’s fingerprint. Known for its iridescence, abalone captures light, movement and mood, bringing its prismatic glow to jewellery in a way…

BUTTERED UP Butter yellow is everywhere right now. It’s been doing the rounds on the red carpet, from actor Timothée Chalamet’s Oscars look to singer Lauren Hill’s debut at the Met Gala last month. The shade’s soft but sharp, and that’s exactly the point. This summer, be inspired by the butter-yellow suiting with a preppy twist at Brandon Maxwell or a floaty Genny dress made for city heat. ROOM TO MOVE Let loose for the summer and embrace the ease and comfort of wide-legged trousers. Easy and breezy doesn’t mean underdressed, though—dress up a denim pair with a high-shine collared shirt for a look that’s as suited to weekday coffee meetings as weekend cocktails. ALFRESCO ATTITUDE Collina Strada founder and creative director Hillary Taymour unveiled her spring-summer 2025 collection in a…

The wok disappears into the flames, only to reemerge, spitting smoke and sparks. The chef ’s hand flicks the pan forward and back with a rhythm so practised it seems unconscious, almost a heartbeat. I watch thin ribbons of beef catch against the metal, searing in seconds, the air around us thick with a smoky, slightly sweet aroma. It’s the smell of food on the verge of combustion. This is wok hei, the “breath of the wok”. Not a technique, but a moment; a whisper caught in the rush of fire and steel. In Hong Kong’s kitchens, where Cantonese heritage collides with modern ambition, wok hei remains a measure of mastery. Once the domain of open-air dai pai dongs, where cooks wrestled with coal fires and roaring gas burners, it…

Hong Kong is pulsing with renewed energy this summer, as we witness a renaissance of cultural dynamism that reaffirms the city’s position as Asia’s premier creative hub. The newly inaugurated Kai Tak Stadium has already become a symbol of Hong Kong’s cultural resurgence, and our cover star Jay Chou’s highly anticipated concert will only add to its reputation. Over the 25 years of his musical odyssey, Chou has redefined the boundaries of Mandopop, establishing himself not merely as Asia’s most influential musical polymath but also a cultural phenomenon who has transformed the landscape of contemporary Chinese entertainment. His innovative approach to music production—seamlessly weaving classical piano arrangements with jazz improvisation, R&B rhythms, rap and hip-hop beats—has created a distinctive sonic vocabulary that has revolutionised the music industry in Asia. In…

During Art Week in March, Hong Kong’s gourmands descended on Club Bâtard for ARTable, a one-of-a-kind soirée presented by DBS and Tatler that blurred the lines between gastronomy and art. The VIP affair featured chef Edward Lee, star of the hit South Korean cooking show Culinary Class Wars. ARTable was the inaugural signature event under DBS Culinary Delights, a new customer engagement initiative by the bank celebrating the art of gastronomy by introducing the city’s best dining experiences to its clientele. The celebrations didn’t stop there; in the same week, DBS also invited the chef to appear in an exclusive fireside chat at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, where he shared his journey in writing his 2024 book, Bourbon Land: A Spirited Love Letter to My Old Kentucky Whiskey,…

Even before Watches and Wonders 2025 officially opened this April, billboards offering glimpses of the Cartier Privé Tank à Guichets were already turning heads on the streets of Geneva. For those familiar with the 1928 original, it was a moment of recognition and excitement. This platinum revival, a nod to the art deco era, presents a demure 37.6 x 24.8mm profile, and just 6mm thick. Eschewing a traditional dial, golden-finished discs display burgundy numerals through small apertures. The manual-winding calibre 9755 MC beats within this limited edition of 200 pieces. Pastel watches that are mint to be yours…

Guillaume Chautru, the man in charge of gemstones at Piaget, has a background as vivid as the stones he hunts. Formerly a zoologist with a very specific focus, Chautru’s fascination with colour led him into the study of gemstones. Now, as Piaget’s head of gemmology, he combines scientific expertise with an adventurer’s spirit to source and shape extraordinary stones that define the maison’s bold and colourful identity. Tatler caught up with him over a video call to explore his journey from exotic terrains to exquisite creations. How did you get into gemmology? It’s a funny story. Before being a gemmologist, I was a herpetologist [an expert in amphibians and reptiles]. The common point between [my two] passions is colour. When I was a herpetologist, I was running after the most…

At the 43rd Hong Kong Film, best supporting actress Jo Koo made a quietly commanding style statement. Draped in Bulgari’s rose gold Tubogas and B.zero1 jewels—think pavé diamonds flirting with rubellite and chrysoprase—she proved that subtlety can still steal the spotlight. She also added a B.zero1 Design Legend four-band ring in rose gold with white ceramic, a piece that gives a modern twist to an ancient Roman-inspired design. Jet set in style: resort wear that takes you places…

World Ocean Day: the words conjure images of azure depths, vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine life. But the stark reality of that event marked on June 8 is that our oceans are in crisis. The good news is that luxury brands are stepping up—one of those leading the charge is Tiffany & Co. Through the Tiffany & Co Foundation, the brand’s philanthropic arm, the maison has donated over US$40 million to ocean conservation projects. One notable initiative is Love for Our Oceans, where sales of limited-edition T Smile bracelets, crafted from recycled ocean plastic, contribute to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), a global environmental non-profit organisation. Tatler speaks to Annika Dubrall, the brand’s director and head of global sustainability and philanthropy, about this longstanding commitment. What are some…

A WRISTED DEVELOPMENT Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense Purse Spray, a travel-sized version of the scent, is not only small enough to pop into a clutch or pocket, it’s wearable. With a double strap composed of a string of pearl-like beads and a golden chain, the receptacle becomes a stylish accessory designed to be worn on the wrist. We’re loving this shiny new arm candy. FLOWER POWER Dior’s scientists have been researching the benefits of roses growing on the cliffs of Granville in France—Christian Dior’s birthplace—for more than 20 years. The maison’s latest product spotlighting this flower is Dior Le Nectar Intégral serum. It contains the brand’s proprietary ingredient Rosapeptide Intégral, which is rich in 128 rose molecules, and is said to give the skin a nourished, revitalised…

There was huge—one might even say mastodonic—amount of online interest in Jurassic World Rebirth, months before the release of the action sci-fi movie in July this year. This is in no small part thanks to a trailer which features Scarlett Johansson morphing into a velociraptor that went viral in December 2024. Turns out the trailer was fake, generated by AI. This revelation sparked heated debates on the use of AI when it comes to creative content. French film composer Alexandre Desplat, a two-time recipient of the Oscar for best original score and man behind the new film’s score, has an unambiguous opinion: “I don’t see the point [of AI]. Being an artist is about using your imagination. That’s it.” He has certainly proved the power of his imagination during his…

Radha Arora and I meet in Tokyo during his first trip to the city in two years. There’s a spark in his eyes as he tells me about the places he had visited over the previous few days: bakeries, artisanal fragrance stores, and local neighbourhoods for leisurely walks. “In Japan, everything is art,” he says in a semi-hushed tone. “Just walking down the street, you see so many cool people, cool concepts … Japan is one of those countries that really allows you the freedom to master your craft.” Arora is in Tokyo to host an event celebrating Rosewood’s entry to Japan, ahead of the opening of Rosewood Miyakojima—a resort located on a tropical island one hour’s flight from Okinawa Main Island. The intimate gathering was hosted under the orange…

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 photographs that merge fashion, beauty and emotion. This month, he shot Patrick Sun for the inaugural edition of Tatler’s new art collectors column. (p.124) CHERYL TAN Based primarily in Sydney, stylist Cheryl Tan works on fashion and celebrity shoots for major titles including Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. Her favourite shoot to date featured US actor Laura Dern in 2020. For Tatler, she styled this month’s fashion shoot. (p.40) DAN ROBERTS Sydney-based photographer Dan Roberts specialises in fashion campaigns, editorial, portraiture and landscapes. He has shot the Met Gala for Vogue US; worked with Net-A-Porter and Chloe;…

Tokenism in the workplace refers to superficial efforts by companies to include members of underrepresented groups—often by hiring them—to project an image of inclusivity. While such gestures can seem disingenuous, Walter Tsui, co-founder and CEO of CareER Association, a charity which provides job-matching services for tertiary-educated students and graduates with disabilities, doesn’t believe tokenism is inherently “evil”. “If there isn’t tokenism, it suggests that awareness of including people with disabilities in the workplace is still very low. Hiring someone out of sympathy can also be seen as tokenism,” says Tsui, who established the charity in 2014. “But if companies that start this way eventually learn and improve, that’s a positive outcome.” Tsui’s organisation welcomes anyone with a higher diploma, associate degree or above educational qualification and a medically certified disability.…

In April, in the serene gardens of Kyoto’s To-ji Temple, Maria Grazia Chiuri unveiled the Dior autumn 2025 collection. Under the starry night sky, the five-storey pagoda served as the backdrop to a runway bordered by sakura, or cherry blossom trees, in full bloom. This idyllic setting was not, however, chosen with today’s rise of Japan-loving hodophiles and fashionistas in mind; the French fashion house’s enduring love affair with the Land of the Rising Sun goes back to the early 20th century. As a child, its founder Christian Dior was captivated by the Japanese prints of pagodas, flowers and birds that decorated his family home in Normandy, France. He wrote in his memoir Dior by Dior (1956): “Large panels painted in imitations of Japanese prints adored the whole staircase. These…

PIERCING CLARITY Hong Kong singer and actor MC Cheung wore Cartier’s Clash de Cartier mini pink gold earrings to this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards. It was a masterclass in men’s jewellery finesse: bold enough to catch the eye yet refined enough to sidestep cliché. In 2025, men’s earrings are no longer a rebellious afterthought but a polished statement of identity, confidence and style savvy, and Cartier’s deft craftsmanship makes the piece less accessory, more signature move. WE LOVE WULU The Qeelin Wulu Mini Solitaire ring in 18-karat rose gold is a modern talisman, representing good fortune and positive energy. CHANEL OR NOTHING Fala Chen at the Hong Kong Film Awards in April was a sight to behold. Draped head to toe in Chanel, she paired her outfit with the…

Flowers will never go out of style—especially if they’re immortalised in gemstones and set to sparkle long after the last petal has fallen. Among Harry Winston’s botanical treasures, Tatler explores the Sunflower watch and jewellery collections, an irresistible invitation to embrace summer’s optimism. First appearing in archival sketches dating back to the 1950s, the sunflower motif follows a renowned Harry Winston design aesthetic: marrying nature’s beauty with the world’s most exquisite diamonds. The Sunflower line includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings designed for versatile wear—from desk to date. Recent iterations have introduced more delicate proportions and expanded the range to include pendants and earrings. To create this motif, the maison uses a round brilliant-cut diamond to take centre stage outlined by eight smaller diamonds. The collection’s Yellow Diamond Sunflower Necklace…

Tatler is on a whirlwind two-day trip in Italy with Jay Chou, the King of Mando-pop, who is celebrating his 25th anniversary in showbiz this year, and who is set to perform in Hong Kong at the end of June. We head to Maranello—the Italian town, some 30km from Bologna, is famously the home of Ferrari—where Chou is co-creating a personalised, tailor-made supercar with the luxury sports car manufacturer. Cars have been a lifelong passion for Chou and a constant feature in his work throughout his artistic career, which launched with the 2000 release of his debut album, Jay. “My fans already know—cars are a recurring theme in my music,” he says. “Songs like Supercar Goddess [released in 2011] and Self-Directed Act [from 2010] feature them, and you’ll see various…

Two decades after his death, Hong Kong actor and singer Leslie Cheung remains an inspiration to many, including property developer and art collector Patrick Sun. While watching local TV programme Celebrity Talk Show in June 1989, Sun found himself admiring the pop icon’s confidence and outspokenness. “He casually mentioned his relationship with his boyfriend, Daffy Tong, in front of the three hosts. To me, that made him one of the bravest entertainers; to have come out to the public like that,” Sun says. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community—and talking about it—was considered taboo in the 1980s and 1990s, and for Cheung to openly talk about his sexuality could have been detrimental to his career. Sun feels that Cheung’s action was “so inspiring” because he showed the public that a…

1 ALBUM ACE Jay Chou’s 2022 record Greatest Works of Art was the best-selling album in the world that year, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. 2 ONE FOR THE BOOKS The Guinness World Records certified Chou’s 2004 album Common Jasmine Orange, which sold 2.6 million copies, as China’s best-selling physical album. 3 GOLDEN TOUCH The Guinness World Records also certified Chou the holder of the most Golden Melody Awards won for Album of the Year. He has won it three times: for Jay in 2001, Fantasy in 2002 and Yeh Hui-mei in 2004; he has a total of 15 Golden Melody Awards to date. The awards are presented by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture. 4 FAST TRACK Within 25 minutes of its release, Chou’s 2019 single Won’t…