Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Tatler Hong Kong

TATLER HONG KONG Gigi Chao explained why her organisation Hong Kong Marriage Equality is fighting so hard for the LGBTQ+ community. TATLER INDONESIA Michael Luhukay, the founder of luxury agency Lyonn & Eden, is also satiating Indonesia’s appetite for padel. He told Tatler how creativity and community are key to everything he does. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN With her husband Vladimir, Dilyara Mazhitova has built an incredible, one-of-a-kind house in Almaty that everyone is talking about. TATLER MALAYSIA Tony Ling, the CEO of IJM Land, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, explained how he is reimagining community and leadership. TATLER PHILIPPINES For Pride month, Tatler spoke to some of the resident queens at O Bar, one of Manila’s most popular drag venues. SHANGLIU TATLER Yifei Ye, Ferrari’s first Chinese driver, shared his…

Cold food has always lived in the shadow of the flame. It lacks drama. It doesn’t sizzle. It’s quieter—often dismissed as a prelude or a palate cleanser. But in Hong Kong, where summer is less a season and more a full-body assault, some chefs are embracing the chill, transforming cold dishes into a showcase of texture, balance and precision. The concept isn’t new. Long before modern refrigeration, people were finding ways to hold food at lower temperatures—for preservation, yes, but also for contrast. Cold introduces structure where heat blurs; it offers acidity to balance richness, tension where softness dominates. The cold makes you pay attention. Yong Fu, Hong Kong’s Ningbo fine-dining restaurant, presents cold dishes that are an integral part of the rhythm of the meal. The abalone in hua…

A century-old maison famed for its romantic spirit and technical mastery, Van Cleef & Arpels has long enchanted collectors and fashionistas alike. In September last year, the house welcomed a new CEO, Catherine Rénier, who brought with her both an insider’s reverence for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for the future. Rénier first joined Van Cleef & Arpels in 2003, and worked in a variety of roles until 2018, when she was appointed as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. A season into her return to the jewellery maison, she shares with Tatler her thoughts on legacy and innovation, and the emotional resonance of jewellery and timepieces that are designed to outlast generations. Van Cleef & Arpels has evolved significantly in recent years. What has changed since you first joined and what has…

What would you do if your childhood watch ran 15 minutes fast? Most people would fix it. But what if, instead, you embraced that quirk and let it shape your entire relationship with time—and eventually, with one of the world’s most prestigious watch brands? This is exactly what happened to the founder of the Cartier Collector’s Club Kaifeng Huang, whose unconventional journey from owning a misbehaving quartz timepiece to curating rare Cartier treasures challenges everything we think we know about luxury watch collecting. In an industry obsessed with Rolex’s dominance and investment returns, he has deliberately chosen the less-travelled road, seeking out Cartier’s most unusual and overlooked designs. His philosophy is refreshingly contrary: while most watch lovers chase the latest steel sports watches or blue-chip vintage pieces, he hunts for…

Your designs are a dialogue between eastern heritage and western minimalism. What inspires them? First and foremost, they’re about modernity … We are often inspired by our cultural heritage, but that heritage, especially in Chinese art and architecture, is quite heavy: [physically,] there’s a lot of ornamentation, and [metaphorically,] everything has a meaning. We really wanted to distil all these cultural meanings into pieces that are modern and that you can wear every day, but that can also be a part of you and your journey in life. How do you translate intangible things like memory, identity and aspirations into the tangible language of gold and diamonds? That’s not just down to me; there are big teams behind making these pieces, and I really need to pay homage to them.…

It’s as if Amanda Nguyen’s path to becoming the first Vietnamese female astronaut was fated even before she was born. The Washington-based bioastronautics researcher tells Tatler that it was a dark chapter of family history that planted in her the fascination with voyages beyond the sky: “My mum and her family are boat refugees. My uncle and cousin learnt how to sail and read the constellations to prepare for their boat refugee journey that my mother and aunt were on. My parents navigated and found freedom by learning about celestial navigation … the stars have always been their saviour.” Nguyen’s connection to space: in April, she was one of a historic six-person, all-female crew, which also included pop star Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King, on the Blue Origin suborbital…

A hypnotic rhythm emanated from a pulsating light installation while the beautiful crowd worked the room. The buzz of anticipation hung in the air, tempered only by the clinking of glasses and low thrum of ambient music. As the sun began to set, the tablescapes came alive. A flickering light installation, placed along the centre of the dining table, mimicked the soft pulse of fire. Beneath it, a rippling silver textile—reminiscent of moonlight on water—stretched the length of the table, its reflective surface catching the light like liquid mercury. This was the scene before us in March, as Tatler attended the first Asia event hosted by We Are Ona, when it took over a vacant office space at The Landmark, Hong Kong. For one night only, We Are Ona, which…

Anyone reading this article is probably also thinking about AI and how it’s already changing the way that we work. With all this transformation, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. It feels like there’s some new model coming out every week. Blink and you’ll miss the announcement of a feature that used to only be something imagined in science fiction. This is an opportunity for us to both draw on our humanity as a way of driving innovation and to find ways we can use these innovations to be more human. Three startup founders weigh in: Arvin Tang is founder and CEO of Akin, a digital agency focused on client growth while also being impact-driven; Dorothy Yiu is co-founder and CEO of EngageRocket, which uses technology for employee engagement and to…

In 2016, we began highlighting Asia’s most promising young leaders. While I wasn’t part of the founding team of the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, I attended the very first photo shoot for the list in Singapore that year. I recall feeling excited about the refreshing new initiative. Now, in 2025, as we unveil the 10th edition of the list, the landscape has evolved in ways we couldn’t have predicted—but in others, exactly as expected. This year, we’ve expanded our footprint, with Vietnam joining the roster for the first time, while Indonesia returns after a year’s hiatus. The numbers tell a compelling story: over one-fifth of our honourees this year are building or working within the AI ecosystem, from education to governance and robotics. It’s clear that AI has moved…

Once upon a time, an artist envisioned a creature inspired by his childhood memories of growing up in a city pulsing with energy and rapid transformation, intertwined with fantasies of another land filled with spirits and their mystical tales. This creature found its way into the hands of those who could amplify its magic—among them, global K-pop phenomenon Lisa from Blackpink, whose touch helped transform this whimsical creation into a worldwide sensation. It soon conquered nearly every corner of the Earth, becoming a coveted embellishment for the most prestigious luxury leather goods—sometimes even eclipsing the accessories themselves. The creature sparked an unprecedented economic wave, establishing itself as one of the most successful and profitable characters in recent years. Its name rolls off the tongue and lingers in memory: Labubu, Tatler’s…

Every fashion collection contains elements of storytelling, but for Private Policy New York, it’s at the crux of everything it does. For the independent label’s co-founders Haoran Li and Siying Qiu, its genderless designs are a vehicle to address hard-hitting topics, from enslaved South Asian fishermen to our future with AI and the pitfalls of the US’s big pharma industry. Taking an almost journalistic approach, the designers spotlight one pressing social topic each season: for example, their Not a Gun over-the-shoulder bag that comes in the shape of a gun holster is a nod to America’s ever-rising gun violence; and wide-brimmed hats in autumn-winter 2021 that pay tribute to immigrants from China’s Pearl River Delta, whose labour supported the 19th-century gold rush in the western US. And Private Policy New…

Tudor’s latest limited offering cleverly capitalises on cycling’s heritage while delivering genuine technical merit. The 43mm carbon composite case strikes the balance between robustness and wearability, eschewing the typical bulk of sports chronographs. Pink accents feel restrained rather than gimmicky, honouring the Maglia Rosa—the jersey worn by the leader in Italy’s Giro d’Italia bicycle race—without limiting appeal. The cycling-specific tachymeter spirals around the rehaut to accommodate realistic cycling speeds. Fun fact: while the “MT” in the MT5813 movement stands for Manufacture Tudor, it is born from a partnership between Breitling and Tudor, which was first announced in 2017. With 300 pieces, this targeted tribute succeeds where many sports collaborations fail—by prioritising function over mere marketing. Square watches that make the world go round…

The Keeper parure from Louis Vuitton’s latest high jewellery collection Virtuoso speaks to something primal—our need for protection, but also for beauty. The centre stone—a 10.12-carat blue sapphire cabochon—sits like a watchful eye, its cabochon cut revealing depths that seem almost liquid. The real genius lies in the V-construction chain. The diamond-set triangles flanking the stone are architectural elements that frame it perfectly. The trunk-like motifs throughout, including those nail-inspired diamond settings, give the piece an almost armour-like quality. It’s jewellery that feels substantial and meaningful—the kind of piece that becomes part of your story rather than simply embellishing it. If it doesn’t sparkle and make a statement, what’s the point?…

SHORE THING It’s not like we need an excuse to buy summer holiday gear, but the standout swimsuits, kaftans and accessories being offered up this season surely give us one. Versace remains a timeless staple, while a Tom Ford swimsuit with gold accents adds a touch of glam. And if you’re after this season’s super-fun must-have, Louis Vuitton x Murakami’s denim fan will take you from seaside frolicking to sunset cocktails. MOVE ON Messika is memorialising a new chapter, with Ezra Petronio behind the camera, a photographer who made his name with Polaroid portraits. The maison’s signature Move collection is celebrated in a campaign defined by Petronio’s bold lighting and sharp shadows, emphasising form and detail. BACK TO THE FUTURE K-pop star Jisoo returns for her third Self-Portrait campaign, Dreams…

London in December is cold, but not cold enough to explain the presence of icebergs in the Thames. Yet people walking past the city’s Tate Modern on December 11, 2018 would have seen 24 of these frozen masses on the river banks; a 20-minute walk away, across the river and north, at the office of media company Bloomberg, a further six massive blocks of ice could be found. “The icebergs were so isolated from their context that people were confused. When they put their hands on it, they exclaimed, ‘Oh my God, this is ice’,” says Olafur Eliasson, the artist behind this installation, Ice Watch. The millennia-old icebergs were extracted from a Greenland fjord and transported to London (and in 2014 to Copenhagen and 2015 to Paris) as a visual…

It was a wind-whipped evening in London—the kind that makes the Tate Modern’s monolithic concrete mass feel even more severe. But inside, the atmosphere softened. Light was low, the air was tinged with haze and spotlights cut clean paths through the dark as guests walked through. This wasn’t a traditional exhibition, nor anything the Tate Modern typically plays host to; this was Creation Is an Eternal Journey, hosted by Dom Pérignon as part of its 2025 Révélations, this year’s edition of the annual celebration that shone a light on the creative process behind the brand. The occasion also marked the unveiling of Dom Pérignon 2008 Plénitude 2; but it was never just about the wine. Instead, the maison used the occasion to express something broader: a redefinition of its core…

34 The average age of this year’s honourees 65% VS 33% VS 2% The percentage of male, female and non-binary honourees this year 70% 70 per cent of this year’s honourees are the owners of their companies 33 Our biggest category this year is Technology, with 33 honourees from across the region 159 MILLION The social following of the honourees this year collectively 9 The list covers nine locations: Hong Kong, Singapore, mainland China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam US$3 BILLION The total amount of disclosed funding that this year’s honourees’ companies have attracted since their founding 95% The majority of this year’s honourees—95 per cent of them—seek to expand their networks through the Gen.T community 18 The key criterion for the list is achievement in the last…

THE BUFFACOW The Buffacow, who has an MA from Central Saint Martins, is a multidisciplinary image maker specialising in fashion shoots, including campaigns for brands such as HSBC and editorial content for publications such as Elle and Harper’s Bazaar. For Tatler this month, he shot the three profiled Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow. (p.116) SARAH LAM Sarah Lam is a fashion director and consultant based in Paris. After nearly a decade working in the publishing industry in Hong Kong, she moved to the French capital to hone her skills working with industry leaders such as artistic director Suzanne Koller, while building her own client base. Known for her sense of timeless style, she specialises in shaping tailored silhouettes that create a sophisticated and elegant narrative. She styled this month’s fashion shoot.…

SYED ASIM HUSSAIN What qualities did you recognise in Marc that signalled he was ready to lead Jean-Pierre? I haven’t seen those qualities yet [laughs]. I’m kidding—the most beautiful thing about Marc, not just as a hospitality person but as a human being, is his tremendous sense of care. You can’t teach care. You either have this in your blood or you don’t. He’s worn different hats during his ten years at Black Sheep Restaurants [Hofmann started as an intern in 2015], and the care, effort and intention have been there since day zero. He’s going to stand up for what he believes in and do it in a manner that’s dignified. Did you think he’d still be a part of your team ten years later? No, I thought Marc…

When you think of functional clothing, the first thing to come to mind might be performance-optimised sportswear. For people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities, however, “functionality” can have a far higher bar: clothing designed for a specific need that allows them to move through life more easily. Enter the world of adaptive fashion. Unlike garments created to speak to the latest consumer trends or to reflect a creative director’s vision, adaptive fashion puts the unique medical needs of its wearer at the centre of the design process. Even if two people share the same diagnosis, their experiences are not identical, so garments in this category tend to be hyper-personalised. A 2023 United Nations Development Programme report suggests that there are more than a billion people with disabilities in the…

GEM TO WATCH Chaumet’s Joséphine Aigrette iteration cleverly repositions this jewellery watch from daytime accessory to evening statement piece. The deep sapphire-blue dial isn’t merely decorative—it’s strategic positioning that leverages Chaumet’s two-century relationship with Empress Joséphine, whose favourite pear-cut diamonds inspired this case shape. We love the openworked steel bracelet, where each V-shaped link subtly references the aigrette—feathered plumes that crowned imperial tiaras. This technical flourish transforms utilitarian steel into haute joaillerie vocabulary, while the buckle-free design speaks to comfort. MARBLE CITY Bulgari’s decision to celebrate the golden anniversary of its Bulgari Bulgari collection with Verde Alpi marble dials represents more than mere novelty. This 150-piece limited edition transforms the familiar into something cool, with each 0.6mm marble wafer requiring precision to avoid fractures during machining. The Verde Alpi stone,…

The Rolex GMT-Master exhibition Timezone to Timezone ran from May 26 to June 8 at Freespace in West Kowloon Cultural District. After successfully launching it in Geneva during this year’s edition of industry trade fair Watches and Wonders, Rolex chose Hong Kong to host the first international episode of this celebration of the GMT-Master’s seven-decade legacy. It brought together horological enthusiasts and collectors for a journey through one of watchmaking’s most iconic timepieces. On May 28, Tatler invited a carefully curated list of guests. They began the evening with a tour of the show, where they explored the evolution of the GMT-Master from its 1955 inception as a tool for commercial aviation to its current status as the ultimate cosmopolitan timepiece. The exhibition showcased rare vintage pieces from Rolex’s Heritage Department…

LIGHTS CAMERA CARTIER This bespoke Cartier rosary captures the intersection of cinematic storytelling and haute joaillerie craftsmanship. Director Wes Anderson tapped Cartier to transform a cross from its archives dating back to 1880 for his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The piece embodies Cartier’s Tutti Frutti DNA with its signature ruby-emerald contrast and geometric motifs, as well as rose-cut diamonds, while also perfectly reflecting Anderson’s instantly recognisable aesthetic. RAW POWER Brown diamonds’ 1980s resurgence in popularity marked one of jewellery’s most remarkable comeback stories. For decades, these warm-toned gems were relegated to industrial uses, considered inappropriate for fine jewellery, as the market demanded pristine white stones. But we love them in the new De Beers Forces of Nature collection. The Buffalo crown ring in particular, with the 2.01 carat fancy…

Nineteenth-century French architect Charles Garnier could never have imagined that his Palais Garnier, built for the Paris Opera, would one day host a concert attended by tennis players and Chinese filmmakers, but that’s exactly what happened in May at the opera house, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year. On May 11, as part of its milestone celebrations, Palais Garnier hosted the Rolex Ambassadors Concert, bringing together a constellation of the world’s most luminous classical music stars—all distinguished Rolex Testimonees—in partnership with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Guests included tennis superstar Roger Federer, Chinese filmmaker Chen Kaige and British racing driver Jenson Button. The event, supported by Rolex, featured a rich programme of extracts from operatic and orchestral favourites: Ravel’s Boléro, which premiered in the same building in November 1928; Bizet’s…

Which artist do you most look up to? Jean-Michel Basquiat. Which character from The Monsters, your series of characters, do you relate to most? Definitely Labubu, because she’s fearless and dares to act boldly. What is your go-to meal when you come back to Hong Kong? Wonton noodles. Which character from The Monsters would you bring to life? Labubu. You have a free day to yourself. How would you spend it? I would listen to music and watch films. What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Do what you love.…

Each year, the Tatler Gen.T team gets asked the same question: how can I or someone I know get on the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list? If you’re wondering what it takes to be part of this game-changing community of Asian leaders, here’s your inside guide, including the updates on what’s new this year. Since 2016, Gen.T has celebrated the most promising individuals shaping Asia’s future. From entrepreneurs and innovators to artists and athletes, we’ve spotlighted rising talents who are driving innovation, transforming their industries and creating meaningful impact in ways big and small. In 2025, the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow is changing to reflect the times. We’ve refined our selection criteria and doubled down on impact as a contributing factor to what makes a notable leader today. What…

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Scan to see the other Leaders of Tomorrow from across Asia on this year’s list ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN Creating the aesthetics, forms and functions of the future For connecting people, and humanising design and space planning Sarah Mui CO-FOUNDER AND DESIGN DIRECTOR, ONEBITE With a focus on public space, social design and cross-disciplinary creative strategy, Sarah Mui develops creative collaborations grounded in extensive research as co-founder and design director of Onebite, Hong Kong’s first certified B Corp architecture firm. To deliver a positive impact while reinventing spaces, her design vision is grounded in human design thinking that strengthens the social fabric by interconnecting people to spaces in their community. THE ARTS Exploring new frontiers in culture and artistic expression For redefining what’s possible in classical music Tarmo…