Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i Tatler Hong Kong

Louis Vuitton’s Savoir Rêver exhibition, which the brand interprets as “Crafting Dreams” in English, was a rare chance to be immersed in all that the historic French maison has to offer, from its signature trunks and elevated homeware to dazzling high jewellery and horology. This year’s edition was an ode to L’Âme du Voyage—”the spirit of travel”—that first defined the maison in 1854 when it introduced its revolutionary, flat-topped trunks during an era of steamship and railway journeys. Taking over an opulent multistorey mansion on 28 Po Shan Road in Mid-Levels, the Hong Kong-edition of Savoir Rêver 2025 paid tribute to this legacy with three immersive train-, plane- and cruise-inspired rooms. The first zone, Sail on the Ocean, was a homage to opulent cruise liners. With a backdrop of ocean…

There is a certain magic to arriving somewhere that feels both rooted and rarified. In the heart of Jakarta’s Sudirman Central Business District, that rare alchemy is realised with The Langham, Jakarta. From street level, The Langham exudes quiet confidence. But on ascending to the 62nd-floor Sky Lobby, guests are fully immersed in its majesty. Beneath a bespoke Lasvit chandelier of 1,800 handblown glass butterflies, there’s a sense you’ve arrived in a higher realm, in every sense. WELLNESS ABOVE THE CLOUDS The hotel’s 223 rooms and suites serve as private sanctuaries, with the Presidential Suite, spanning an impressive 3,600 sq ft, exemplifying modern opulence and utter calm. There’s also plenty of relaxation opportunities beyond the accomodation. Chuan Spa blends Chinese medicinal principles with contemporary therapeutic approaches, The Hampton Garden provides…

Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country that is about 80 per cent desert and that has limited direct flights, might not be the sort of place you’d imagine would host an art festival. But in recent years, it has been buzzing with excitement and flooded with tourists, thanks to Bukhara, a city in the southwest which was once a prominent stop on the ancient Silk Road. Centuries ago, it was the centre of commercial trade for silk and spices; this year, it will become home to a major new cultural event. The Bukhara Biennial is set to launch on September 5 and will run for ten weeks. It will bring together more than 70 projects by traditional Uzbek craftspeople and international contemporary artists, who are working together to create new artworks…

On the privilege of youth At 18, you should have a really high risk appetite. It’s one of the great privileges of being young—you can roll the dice and if you get a bad hand, you’re exactly where you were when you rolled the dice. You lose nothing. His favourite quote “Those who think they can and those who think they can’t are both usually right.” On managing it all The real game of business is to realise that you’re in the recruitment business and to spend as much time as you possibly can finding exceptional people and having the confidence to let them tell you what to do. On the person who has most impacted his life lately My girlfriend. On a daily basis, I’m reminded of the profound…

Suvarnabhumi Airport and its runways stretch endlessly before us; colossal airliners sit in a hangar awaiting maintenance as others soar in the distance; roaring engines, massive steel structures and unforgiving heat combine to create a claustrophobic, overbearing atmosphere. And yet, amid the frenzy, Kanawut Traipipattanapong—the Thai superstar better known as Gulf—poses quietly atop a staircase, looking cool and perfectly at ease despite being clad in a black leather coat, while the rest of us desperately wield battery-powered fans. Tatler Travel is at Bangkok’s main international airport to interview the actor and model—and hopefully absorb some of that effortless cool. An airport is the perfect backdrop for our conversation with the star, whose international popularity and busy schedule see him constantly jetting around the world, more often than not with his…

The drive to Splendido, a Belmond hotel, is a cinematic one—you cruise along Portofino’s coastline, dwarfed by the terracotta-hued villas teetering on towering green hillsides. And then, out of nowhere, there it is: the iconic hotel’s pastel façade, fronted by greenery-filled terraces, glowing pink in the Mediterranean sun. When we arrive, the leafy driveway is filled with a fleet of blacked-out Mercedes, porters buzzing around them to organise luggage. In the lobby, well-dressed guests excitedly check in, including a perfectly groomed Pomeranian I notice cooling itself on the black and white Carrara and Lavagna stone flooring. It’s a scorcher of a day—we’re at the peak of Europe’s unprecedented heatwave. Just weeks before our arrival, the hotel hosted the likes of American actor Jeff Goldblum, French model Tina Kunakey and Australian…

The 1990s in Paris were something of a golden age for the arts. It was an era that defined le savoir-faire à la Française for the modern age; some of the decade’s most famous fashion moments were Azzedine Alaïa’s sculpted collections, Jean Paul Gaultier’s tattoo prints and corsets, and the Galliano era at Dior. Parisian high-society soirées pulsed with La French Touch—Daft Punk and Bob Sinclar on the decks, and everyone dancing like they knew it mattered. Meanwhile, French cinema was making its mark abroad, with Isabelle Huppert, Juliette Binoche and Luc Besson at the forefront of a cultural moment when fashion, music and film collided. It was during this pivotal cultural moment that Prosper Assouline and Martine Buchet got married. He ran a creative agency; she headed communications at…

It’s a funny thing to reminisce about an era you never lived in. And yet, many find themselves romanticising the bygone glamour of travel—where hotel lobbies pulsed with energy, royalty and rock stars rubbed shoulders, dining was a spectacle and timeless, elegant design left one thinking, “ah yes, this must be the place.” Few hotels embody this era quite like Waldorf Astoria New York, which has opened following a meticulous restoration. More than just an opening, it’s the return of an icon, and to bring a property so culturally and historically significant into the now is no easy feat. So Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s luxury brand of iconic hotels, enlisted some of the best in the business to take on this coveted project. The restoration is led by Skidmore, Owings &…

DUBAI WHERE TO STAY Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Luxury hotels open all the time in Dubai, but this new arrival from homegrown hospitality brand Jumeirah is the most exciting right now. Its sleek, superyacht-inspired silhouette promises instant glamour, while the resort’s seaside location offers the perfect soft landing in this always-on city. It manages to combine a relaxed beach vibe with a sense of elegance, and a warm welcome without the slightest hint of snootiness. WHERE TO EAT Arabian Fish House With a menu of Emirati seafood and Levantine favourites, Arabian Fish House makes for a fantastic lunch spot on the water. Try fried hobool fish roe with tahini; hamsat robyan shrimps with potato, tomato, coriander and lemon; and the grilled catch of the day, best served simply, with olive…

On June 14, Hong Kong’s most coveted social calendar entry of the summer took place as Michelle Ong’s First Initiative Foundation (FIF) hosted an evening that had guests swooning. The gala dinner and concert, featuring the theme Dare With Flair, proved why some invitations are worth their weight in gold. The evening kicked off with a concert, titled Echoes of the Heart, at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, created by celebrated producer and composer Chiu Tsanghei. Here, Jay Fung and Joyce Jonathan serenaded concertgoers in Mandarin, French and English. Later, guests made a seamless migration to the Regent Hong Kong’s ballroom, where five decorated French chefs awaited. Marike van Beurden, Éric Bouchenoire, Christian Julliard, Sébastien Vauxion and Sylvestre Wahid had flown in from France especially for this collaboration, creating a thoughtful…

Preface founder and Gen.T honouree Tommie Lo officially launched the Just Start campaign on June 26 at the tech education company’s Causeway Bay headquarters, marking the beginning of an ambitious citywide initiative to deliver AI education to one million Hong Kong residents. The evening event brought together CEOs, business leaders and school principals to support what Lo described as a transformative movement for Hong Kong’s digital future. The campaign addresses widespread barriers to AI adoption, including time constraints and uncertainty about where to begin learning, with Lo’s straightforward message: “Just Start”. The launch commenced in Preface’s coffee shop, where guests gathered for refreshments and enjoyed live music before proceeding to the main presentation space. Lo then delivered his keynote address, which outlined the campaign’s scope and objectives. In a particularly…

Isabella Wei’s journey from curious teenager to international screen presence reads like a modern fairy tale. With the support of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential honouree Lindsey McAlister—founder of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, a performing arts initiative for young people that Wei first joined as a dancer—Wei auditioned for a television role on a whim while still at secondary school. Just months later, she was in Berlin, filming what would become 1899 (2022), a Netflix mystery thriller set in the 19th century. In the series, Wei portrayed Ling Yi, a 17-year-old from Hong Kong who is trafficked as a comfort woman disguised as a geisha. The breakout role showcased her ability to handle complex, hard-hitting material despite her youth and lack of professional experience. Following the success of 1899,…

There’s a particular thrill in fastening my Jaeger-LeCoultre onto my wrist before setting out for the maison’s manufacture in the Vallée de Joux. It provides a sense of connection to a lineage of innovation that began in 1833, when Antoine LeCoultre first set up his workshop in this remote Swiss valley. Our small group of editors left the frenetic energy of Watches and Wonders behind in Geneva and the city faded into the rolling green of the Jura—a gentle transition from the world of commerce to the world of craft. As the air grew crisper, the conversations in the car turned to the legends of Jaeger-LeCoultre: its more than 1,200 calibres, 430 patents and reputation as the “watchmaker of watchmakers”. We pull up to the complex with its historic façade,…

“Be yourself.” That’s the message from some of Hong Kong’s leading influencers to anyone who wants to maximise their online engagement. In fact, if anything, the evolution of the city’s creator economy in recent years is moving it in the direction of even more reality, even more authenticity—and away from the sort of heavy-handed marketing hook-ups that have the potential to turn viewers off. “At the beginning, when working with brands, there was sometimes tension about video concepts or things I would say in a sponsored video but nowadays brands trust the influencer more to showcase their product in a way that feels natural to them and their audience,” says lifestyle vlogger Taylor Richard, known online as Taylor R (@taytay_xx). “People know when something feels forced so it doesn’t work…

Three hundred guests from around the globe gathered at Osaka Expo Hall in late May to witness a convergence of cultures. Barefoot dancers, representing a tapestry of backgrounds, genders and ethnicities, moved in unison while humming a Japanese melody. Despite the language barrier, the performance had an emotional resonance that transcended words, stirring deep emotions and bringing tears to the eyes of many of those present. The performance marked the official opening ceremony of the Women’s Pavilion at Osaka Expo, curated and supported by Cartier. It is the second women-themed exhibition in World Expo history—the first was at Dubai Expo 2020—and it embodies a vision that Cyrille Vigneron, chairman of culture and philanthropy at Cartier, has long believed in and championed through all initiatives: when women thrive, humanity thrives. “The…

A painting might seem like an inappropriate 16th birthday gift. But not for Daphne King-Yao—after all, she’s the daughter of Alisan Fine Arts’ founder Alice King, a pioneer in promoting contemporary Chinese art in the 1980s, when Hong Kong’s art market was dominated by western canons. “Our family is not a big gift-giving family; We don’t do birthdays. But [that year,] my mother asked me what I wanted for my birthday,” King-Yao recalls. “I was still in school. I remember she was showing a lot of [Chinese-American painter] Walasse Ting’s works at the gallery; we probably had an exhibition of him almost every 18 months. I would always see his work, and I met him. I liked him; he was super cool. So I said, ‘Maybe a Walasse Ting painting.’…

TAKE-OFF World-class travel calls for a world-class wardrobe. We’re talking comfort, yes—but the kind that’s been scrupulously styled from head to toe. A Jacquemus cap pulled low, Gentle Monster sunglasses to hide red eyes after the red-eye, a Dior travel spray in your carry-on; and don’t forget a mid-flight Biodance collagen mask to ensure you glow your way through immigration. FIRST CLASS Luxury train travel made a serious comeback this year—and with it, the return of dressing for the occasion. Exceptional journeys call for an equally impeccable wardrobe. Think vintage-inspired tailoring that nods to the Gatsby era: a silk Etro scarf worn as a cravat for just the right flourish, and soft Loro Piana loafers paired with a sharply cut Prada suit. MILES OF STYLE This summer, hit the road…

“Shibuya has been a birthplace of cutting-edge culture ever since my childhood,” says Trunk(Hotel) founder Yoshitaka Nojiri, who grew up in these parts. Today, he’s made it his mission to “reignite the neighbourhood’s creative embers”, and he’s doing it through a series of very cool hotels under his brand, Trunk. The hotels—there are three in Tokyo, with two more properties under way, including one in Sapporo—have undeniably redefined luxury hospitality not just in Tokyo but also the whole of Japan, shifting the paradigm from traditional hotel models to a more authentic, community-centric and design-led experience. “We are focusing on places that offer both cultural richness and significant market potential, specifically prioritising cities where the Trunk brand can genuinely thrive and contribute in a meaningful way,” says Nojiri. “Our mission isn’t…

Just as every heartbroken Gen Z-er joins a running club to sweat out their demons, I decided I needed to run away—temporarily—from Hong Kong after going freelance in May. After years of working a 9-to-5 (or, let’s be honest, an 8-to-8) as a journalist, poised to cover a story at a moment’s notice, my brain needed absolute silence. I craved a reset—something breathtaking, raw, solitary and physically challenging. The answer? A solo trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC). And when I say solo, I mean solo: I would carry my own pack and follow downloaded, offline maps. The pre-trip euphoria carried me through goodbyes and administrative tasks until about a week before my flight, when it faded. Insomnia struck. Despite “only” going to the EBC, the mountain’s repute and staggering…

The hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the temples of Kyoto, the ski slopes of Niseko—the list of Japan’s most popular tourism destinations is a well-rehearsed one. But as a vast, mostly rural, largely mountainous nation with an excellent network of hiking trails, there’s so much more to it than that. Since 1992, Walk Japan has been showing guests from around the world a different side to the Land of the Rising Sun, allowing them to get up close and personal with sights, cultural treasures and communities they might otherwise never experience. Paul Christie, its president for more than two decades, tells Tatler what makes that so rewarding. Tell us about your personal history with Walk Japan. I joined Walk Japan as a tour leader in 1997, five years after the…

In a city known for its hectic energy, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Vignette Collection By IHG offers a tranquil, contemporary space for respite—one that’s grounded in Thai culture. The property is the first of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection in Asia—a luxury lifestyle brand that champions individuality over uniformity and is committed to creating sanctuaries in the heart of popular destinations. Vignette Collection is IHG’s answer to the luxury traveller’s growing desire for stays that are distinctly not cut from the same cloth. While each hotel in the portfolio is wholly unique, they share a commitment to cultural richness, community connection and meaningful moments. At Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, this is evident through both design and detail—an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere that reflects modern Bangkok without resorting to clichés.…

Just 30 minutes by high-speed rail from Beijing lies a metropolis that effortlessly balances centuries of history with cutting-edge modernity. While millions flock to Shanghai’s glittering skyline or head to experience the capital’s imperial grandeur, Tianjin tends to be lower down the list for international travellers. This port city of 15 million people offers something increasingly rare in China’s urban landscape: authentic cultural experiences. Tianjin’s story begins as a humble fishing village that became a transportation hub as early as the Sui Dynasty (581-618) and transformed into one of China’s most significant trading ports when the Treaty of Tianjin was signed in 1858; the city’s strategic position along the Grand Canal made it an essential gateway between northern China and the sea. Following the end of the Second Opium War…

On June 9, inside the grand ballroom of the Regent Hong Kong, the hospitality industry gathered for a landmark occasion: the first Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong and Macau. More than an industry event, it was a powerful expression of where hospitality stands in 2025—diverse, dynamic and deeply interconnected. Across restaurants, bars and hotels, this was a night that recognised the visionaries shaping not only how we dine and drink but also how we experience care, creativity and culture. As Tatler Asia’s regional editor for dining, I, alongside Tatler Asia’s regional editor for travel Coco Marett, hosted a ceremony that marked a new era. Evolving from Tatler’s long-running Dining Awards, Tatler Best now reflects a more complete view of modern hospitality—celebrating excellence across food, drink, design, service, innovation and the…

McDonald’s Hong Kong is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Under the leadership of CEO Randy Lai, McDonald’s Hong Kong has evolved far beyond its fast-food origins, building a reputation for bold ideas and unexpected collaborations. From teaming up with the renowned artist Verdy for the Shake & Dip Playground exhibition to a collaboration with fashion brand Coach and entrepreneur Kevin Poon for the McNugget Art World exhibition, McDonald’s continues to surprise and delight, proving that the golden arches can keep up with—and even shape—Hong Kong’s ever-shifting cultural landscape. In this exclusive interview, Lai discusses the significance of McDonald’s five-decade journey in Hong Kong, the secrets of her success and how the brand maintains its status while embracing creative partnerships that resonate with new generations of consumers. What inspired you…

SAIL AWAY In a world obsessed with complications, Panerai’s hand-wound PAM01653 champions simplicity. It cleverly bridges professional sailing heritage with everyday wearability—think board meetings, not just boat decks. It’s made from AISI 316LVM steel, a vacuum-remelted material, for superior corrosion resistance, meaning the watch is particularly well suited to Asia’s humid climate; while the grey sandwich dial with subtle Luna Rossa red accents feels refreshingly restrained. At 44mm, it’s substantial without being ostentatious. HOT AND SPICY Swiss maverick H Moser & Cie serves up a delicious paradox with its Pioneer Centre Seconds Spiced Aqua—a dive watch that’s far from ordinary. That orange fumé dial shifts from citrus-tree bright to sunrise hues depending on the light, while turquoise Super-LumiNova accents cool things down. In typical Moser style, there’s no logo to…

Two and a half minutes. That’s how long it takes for a tennis player in the final to walk from the All England Club’s changing room to Centre Court at Wimbledon, where 15,000 people hold their breath and which millions more are watching from their sofas around the world. Wimbledon, where Rolex Testimonees Iga Świątek and Jannik Sinner claimed the prestigious singles titles last month, beating Amanda Anisimova and Carlos Alcaraz respectively, has been crowning champions for nearly 150 years, and for almost half a century, Rolex has been there to time every critical second of it. Alcaraz is familiar with that walk—and will no doubt do it many times again. After all, while he had hoped for a different outcome this year, the two-time Wimbledon champion and four-time Grand…

Chow Tai Fook debuted its latest high jewellery collection, Timeless Harmony, at Hangzhou’s West Lake. But this was no ordinary launch—it was an exemplar of how cultural heritage can be honoured without resorting to cliche. Rather than relying on overt Chinese cultural symbols such as dragons or phoenixes, Chow Tai Fook’s creative director of high jewellery Nicholas Lieou crafted something far more nuanced. The Hong Kong-born jewellery designer presented a seven-part collection that draws inspiration from Chinese philosophy and architecture, translating concepts such as stillness, balance and structural harmony into wearable art. Despite being characterised by clean and precise forms, Timeless Harmony was several years in the making, with some of the pieces requiring hundreds or even thousands of hours to complete. The resulting 100-plus pieces—made from precious metals, such…

COOL IT If you have oily or combination skin, it can be hard to find a skincare solution that saves time but doesn’t skimp on results. MTM Labo’s new custom-blended Deep Cleansing Purimask promises to cleanse, hydrate and control sebum production, making it the go-to product for those struggling with oily, sticky skin. It has kaolin, a natural mineral, known for its cleansing and calming properties, and aloe vera, which provides hydration. The result? Skin that feels soft and cool. GOOD HAIR DAYS Increased sun exposure, humidity and heat can lead to dryness, hair damage and scalp concerns. Leonor Greyl’s Creme aux Fleurs is designed to addresses the root of this problem. Sage and chamomile extracts are said to reduce dandruff and soothe the scalp, while brown seaweed is known…

Of all the reactions we witnessed at the Cartier Women’s Initiative awards ceremony in Osaka, perhaps the most surprising was the sound of sobbing. Videos of people whose lives were touched by this year’s nine awardees, expressing their gratitude and sharing their transformative journeys, stirred profound emotions throughout the room. Founded in 2006, the Cartier Women’s Initiative was set up to support female entrepreneurs who leverage business as a force for good. To date, it has supported 330 women entrepreneurs across 66 countries through mentorship, funding and networking opportunities. The initiative has awarded more than US$12.2 million in grants, built a powerful network of more than 500 community members in nearly 80 countries, and created sustainable social and environmental impact worldwide. This year is a momentous one for the initiative:…

If you’re going to host your first Asian edition of a signature yachting event, you could do worse than Tokyo in late May. The skies are clear, the waters calm and the city hums with a kind of composed energy that feels perfect for a gathering where elegance, innovation and precision take centre stage—on sea and on land. Azimut Yachts, the Italian shipyard renowned for its bold designs and unmistakable Mediterranean spirit, chose the Japanese capital for its inaugural Asian Rendez-vous—an exclusive celebration that took place on May 23 and 24. It brought together more than 100 guests, including 50 yacht owners from across the region. Held in collaboration with Yasuda Shipyard, Azimut’s long-time Japanese dealer, the event was both a tribute to the brand’s growing presence in the Asia-Pacific…

TAIPEI: AN INFINITE JOURNEY OF ELEGANCE AND DISCOVERY For the discerning traveler, Taipei offers a tapestry of experiences, each thread woven with a unique blend of tradition and modernity. With Visa Infinite, these moments transcend the ordinary, transforming a quick trip into a journey of unparalleled luxury and authentic cultural discoveries. FRIDAY Your infinite experience begins at the exquisite Regent Taipei, a sanctuary in the heart of the fashionable Zhongshan district with elegantly appointed rooms, an impressive collection of seven acclaimed restaurants, a heated rooftop pool with breathtaking city views and the option of exclusive Tai Pan Club access for its chic lounge and butler service. Visa Infinite cardholders receive an exclusive 20 per cent off stays at select IHG properties across Asia Pacific, unlocking a world of infinite possibilities.…

People often say that the golden age of travel is behind us. But here at Tatler, we beg to differ because how is it not the golden age now, when we have the whole world at our fingertips? One airline continues to take luxury travel to new heights. In a world that moves fast, Etihad goes beyond just taking its passengers from point A to point B, inviting its passengers to slow down and indulge in the journey. The proud flag carrier of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates has—rightly so—continued to earn global recognition, including accolades for cabin comfort and exceptional customer service. From its “Dine Anytime” service that puts you in control of your flying experience, to truly thoughtful amenities that redefine inflight comfort. Passengers flying in Business or…

In a city that never truly slows, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok stands out for knowing when to turn the volume down. Set beside the leafy expanse of Lumpini Park, one of Bangkok’s largest green spaces, the hotel offers a stylish, luxurious, design-forward sanctuary while still in the beating heart of the city’s cosmopolitan Langsuan district—guests can further explore Bangkok with a free shuttle that runs between the hotel and the BTS sky train. The first Kimpton property in Southeast Asia, the hotel brings the brand’s signature blend of creativity, character and intuitive service to Bangkok. Known for its relaxed, boutique spirit in the US, Kimpton’s approach here is refreshingly unpretentious—less about performance, more about presence and meaningful human connection. Across its 360 rooms and suites—including 131 fully serviced residences—the interiors are…