Innholdsfortegnelse for May 1, 2016 i Tatler Malaysia

PHILIPPINE TATLER TWINKLE TOES THIS ART ISSUE features prima ballerina Stella Abrera on the cover. She shares how she overcame many challenges to become the American Ballet Theatre’s first Filipina-American principal dancer. Elsewhere, painter Lolita Savage tells a story of her artistic journey, while the Philippine art scene’s enfant terrible, Gabby Barredo collaborates with Ballet Philippines in a breathtaking spectacle, Opera. TAIWAN TATLER DEFYING LIMITS This issue celebrates women who have made their mark in fields dominated by men. Among those featured is Taiwanese explorer Chiang Hsiu-chen (pictured), who talks about conquering the highest peaks on seven continents. THAILAND TATLER ON THE WHEEL Cover star Praowphan Laohapongchana, managing director and co-founder of Quattro Design, reveals the creative vision behind her luxury homeware empire. Elsewhere, five women prove supercars aren’t just…

TIAN XING This talented photographer captures the essence of our Mother’s Day feature What would your final meal be? Of course, my mum’s pan mee soup. What painting would you most like to have in your house? I’d definitely love to hang my wife’s paintings. Which actor would play you in a movie? No doubt it would be Stephen Chow. What’s the worst holiday you’ve ever had? I went to Pulau Perhentian during the monsoon season with my friends, though I still enjoyed my trip. KAH MUN Myth Studio’s professional photographer manages to well portray the amazing personalities for our close-up features What always makes you laugh? The sound of a baby’s laughter. What’s your biggest fear? I fear becoming worthless. What painting would you most like to have in…

IMAGINE A WORLD where all children and women are given the opportunity to pursue an education and follow their dreams. This is exactly what World Vision’s ambassador, Marilee Pierce Dunker, has been fighting for over the past 14 years. The daughter of World Vision founder, Dr Bob Pierce, is a passionate advocate of women and children’s empowerment, particularly in poverty-stricken regions. She has travelled to over 30 countries to speak and shed light on the issue while still finding time to write about her experiences. This award-winning author continues to juggle her roles as an advocate, wife, mother and grandmother and has confessed that her parents have moulded her into the person she is today. In conjunction with Mother’s Day this month, we find out more about this inspiring lady…

4 LADIES NIGHT AT PRIME KL One of Kuala Lumpur’s premium nightclubs, Prime Touch Luxury recently launched its ladies night with DJ Juicy M. Happening every Wednesday, ladies can now look forward to a luxurious nightlife experience accompanied by a view of KL’s glistening city. 5 IMPERIAL MODELS NIGHT Put on a pair of heels and head to Imperial for a treat of complimentary bespoke cocktails every Thursday. zoukclub.com.my STELLE CONCERT Three prominent Malaysian sopranos present Stelle, featuring Italian and locally composed songs at the Experimental Theatre in University of Malaya. Call 012-331 6388 for ticketing enquiries. 13 BORNEO JAZZ Get your groove on at the 11th Borneo Jazz music festival. Featuring an exciting lineup of some of the best jazz musicians from the region and across the globe, this…

Glamorous twins Alia and Alexa Abishegam celebrated their sweet sixteen with a glitzy party held at Zouk. “We wanted the kids to have good clean fun, which is why we booked the entire club! We want to encourage our girls and their friends to have fun without resorting to alcohol or smoking,” explained Dato’ Sri Andrew Abishegam. Attendees included guest of honour HRH Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang, who also officiated the launch of the twins’ charitable initiative—Project 16/16. Conceptualised and spearheaded by Alia and Alexa, Project 16/16 was just launched this year and will aid sixteen charitable homes locally and internationally. “We have been afforded much in life and want to give back to children who are not as lucky as we are,” they explained. Later in the evening, the…

THOSE WHO MAY have stumbled across numerous barriers when striving for career success are not alone. This was the case for former president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Ar Datuk Tan Pei Ing. Working in the male-dominated architecture industry during her early days proved to be a challenging feat, which tested her commitment to her chosen career path. However, Tan persevered and eventually became PAM’s first female president in 2001. Through our chat with this influential lady, we discover that hard work, positivity and passion were the building blocks to her success. “People aim to break the glass ceiling, but why do you want to have a glass ceiling to start with?” says Tan who believes that the sky should be the limit. “I grew up in a…

The second real estate recognition awards by Property Insight, this gala dinner cum award ceremony was an entertaining event for guests that night. Singer Vince Chong and comedian Joanne Kam were a couple of the acts that performed to provide entertainment in between the awards ceremony.…

A private cocktail event was held at the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur to promote the ninth edition of the International Antiques Fair in Hong Kong. Founded by William and Priscilla Chak, who are Asian art and antiques experts based in Hong Kong, and managed by their son Ronald Chak, the fair will bring together more than 80 exhibitors, making it one of the largest antiques and art gatherings in Asia. THE INSIDER The International Antiques Fair will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 28 to 31…

Following the success of Xavier Dolan’s first Louis Vuitton campaign, the luxury French fashion house has once again called upon the actor and director to front its new advertising campaign for spring/summer 2016. Returning as the embodiment of the Louis Vuitton man, the campaign, shot by Alasdair McLellan showcases the S/S 2016 collection designed by Kim Jones, the men’s artistic director of the maison. Best known for his French feature-length film, J’ai tué ma mere, Dolan is seen wearing sportswear-inspired ‘souvenir jackets’ with refined embroidery, made using artisanal techniques from Southeast Asian countries Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The collection also offers bags, shoes and accessories crafted in the iconic Epi and Taiga leathers which offer a new sobriety and sophistication. TAKING CHARGE Designed for brave men who are pioneers in…

AS THE SUMMER sun shines bright and a cool wind breezes through, it is no surprise that this is the season where everyone comes out to play. Soaking up the season’s offerings, spring/summer also marks a time to be seen, which means one would need to step up their fashion game. A modern reflection that is inspired by the successful man and his sartorial requirements, Hackett Mayfair’s S/S 2016 collection offers pieces to take the urban gentleman from his office to a restaurant or a cocktail bar, looking effortlessly stylish and turning heads wherever he goes. Made up off highly luxurious fabrics, the collection offers a colour palette of blue, cream, green, tan and grey and consists of lightweight deconstructed jackets which are best worn over pique or cotton polos…

Convey your love and gratitude to the woman who made a world of difference in your life, with a gift that reflects your feelings. It is important to express how much we love the most important woman in our lives, and what better way than by giving them something special and beautiful this Mother’s Day, or any other day in fact. Poh Kong exclusively carries the Schoeffel pearl collection which has a unique baroque necklace featuring exceptionally rare-sized, cultured freshwater pearls. Plus, the collection also features the Schoeffel Collier Tahiti Pearl in shades of dark lustre and Akoya pearls that exude feminine charm. Besides that, Poh Kong also presents the Angel Diamond collection which is world’s most brilliant ideal square diamond, bedazzling any woman by its sheer elegance and allure.…

FOR THE last 80 years, Lancôme has been a trustworthy beauty partner to many women by listening to their actual needs and giving them some of the best solutions based on avant-garde science. The iconic Génifique range, which has won over 150 awards worldwide, lies at the heart of Lancôme’s vision of beauty and femininity. It promises to make you love your age—a message delivered by four of Lancôme’s ambassadresses: Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o and Lily Collins, in a film created as a statement of faith in the power of positive emotions and their ability to change lives. These four actresses were chosen by Lancôme as all are socially engaged and emancipated women, as well as contemporary icons who have successfully transformed their dream into reality, even if…

WE’RE EASILY DRAWN to immaculately cut, unblemished gemstones set on jewellery with clean lines and perfect symmetry—it’s just the way we’re naturally wired. There are pieces, however, that pique our interest for their raw, visceral appearance, featuring stones that are hardly polished or cut (if at all) and set in irregular, unevenly shaped jewellery. A designer who has embraced this organic approach is Ornella Iannuzzi. Her fascination with minerals and precious stones in their natural, untouched form translates beautifully in her jewellery. For her, it’s about highlighting the peculiarities of the stone, such as its unique crystallisation and even its inclusions, as seen in a ring from her L’Exceptionnel collection, which features an unpolished Madagascar demantoid garnet on 22K gold. Payal Shah, the founder and chief designer of Hong Kong-based…

“Qamarina and Shah-Rul have shown me that children will wholeheartedly accept their stepparent when love is given unconditionally” Intan Nur Rowena Baker Unlike the awful stepmother and stepdaughter relationships portrayed in fairy tales such as Snow White and Cinderella, the bond shared between Intan Nur Rowena Baker and her stepdaughter Tengku Intan Nur Qamarina is warm and organic. According to Rowena, the relationship she has with Qamarina is exactly the same as the one she has with her biological daughter, Kelly Roza. “She knows she can call me anytime for support and vice versa,” Rowena reveals. “All my children call me ‘mummy’,” says the mother of one who became stepmom to Tengku Intan Nur Qamarina and Tengku Shah-Rul Yahaya after her marriage to Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman. Although the couple…

CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE BRUNATE Wow—really perfumed and thoughtful, with wonderful depth and purity. A full body, tight and layered. Ultra-fine tannins. Finish is persistent and caressing. A rematch to the superb 2011 but even finer. Drink in 2020. 97 points PODERI ALDO CONTERNO BAROLO ROMIRASCO Very earthy and intense, with ripe fruit and hints of bark and mushroom. A full body, powerful and chewy. Great tannin structure. Better in 2020. 97 points ROBERTO VOERZIO BAROLO SARMASSA Terrific aromas of pure strawberry and orange peel. Spanish cedar undertones. A full body, perfect balance of ripe fruit and lemon with orange peel. Hints of milk chocolate. Vibrant finish. This will be fabulous in three or four years, but difficult not to drink now. 99 points CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE The aromas…

RESIDUAL SUGAR in Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons? It seems like a strange topic for a conversation, but it came up a number of times during three trips to Napa earlier this year, when I tasted the amazing 2012 and 2013 vintages. One of the most memorable conversations was with the winemaker of Inglenook Vineyard, the Napa Valley winery of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. His winemaker, Philippe Bascaules, who worked at Château Margaux in Bordeaux before coming to Ingelnook a few years ago, lamented that some of the top-rated Napa reds were so high in residual sugar that it masked their true character and quality. “Winemakers need to be more confident in their terroirs and make drier wines that reflect the fantastic quality of the region,” he said during a tasting…

When it comes to your home, only the best will do. At Ekowood, the highest quality sustainable source of wooden flooring is delivered, giving you the luxurious home living you have always dreamed of. Quality is not compromised, as Ekowood’s 100 per cent engineered solid hardwood is pre-finished with six layers of UV-cured acrylic lacquer, with uniform thickness and consistent moisture content. This means efficient installation in your home without the need for sanding, buffing and application of PU coating. The moisture content management is also aligned to our country’s humidity and temperature, ensuring that your wooden flooring lasts longer and better. You do not need to worry about leaving a significant carbon footprint with Ekowood, as the brand places great emphasis on conserving Earth’s natural resources—which is why Ekowood…

“One of my favourite hotels in all of Italy is JK Place Capri” I LOVE TO DISCOVER new holiday spots, but every summer I find myself back in Capri. It’s my favourite place, because the island is where I was inspired to create my brand. When I was there in 2011 I thought about a brand that represents what Capri is—the Italian dolce vita with a modern twist. There is something about the energy of the place—the light, the food and the people always make me want to go back. One of my favourite hotels in all of Italy is JK Place Capri. With its stucco walls and Mediterranean white and blue interiors, you feel like you’re visiting a close friend’s beautiful villa. My ideal day would start with breakfast…

ONLINE FEATURES Bright Young Things: Raja Jesrina Arshad Keeping on top of your health just got easier with PurelyB.com, the one-stop online guide to healthy living. We speak to founder and CEO Raja Jesrina Arshad to learn how she built an entire community spanning Asia and beyond from a simple idea, using her portal. Mother’s Day Special A mother’s struggles are aplenty, and then there are some who have to take on the roles of both parents. We draw inspiration from the journey of a single mother, Ooi Piek See, who braved through the ups and downs of bringing up three boys on her own, and emerged stronger than ever. DINING Sipping Stars We shine the spotlight on sweet, sparkling champagne this month, discovering another vintage from Dom Perignon as…

Beloved by jazz enthusiasts everywhere, the festival—which expects a turnout of over 5,000 people—will be showcasing an impressive array of musicians on the grand stage. With performances by jazz greats like O Sister! from Spain, the Klazz Brothers from Germany, Raw Earth from Singapore and The Rad Trads from New York, spectators can look forward to a musical experience of a lifetime. Known for its out-of-this-world improvisations, the director of events and corporate relations of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Angelina Bateman highlights that “The festival has received very strong support over the years and is poised to become a world class jazz festival.” The two-day event takes place on May 13 and 14 at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri.…

1 VIBRANT VIBES LA BOCA LATINO BAR Featuring a range of dishes such as empanadas and tamales, this cosy bar is passionate about their food, with an extensive wine list also available. laboca.com.my 2 MOD MEXICAN FRESCA Fresca Mexican Kitchen & Bar came about when two adventurous siblings fell in love with classic Mexican cuisine and decided to bring it to Kuala Lumpur. Fresca (meaning ‘fresh’ or ‘cool’), is the perfect place to relax while enjoying a margarita or two. Here, delights such as sautéed prawn tacos can be found on the menu. fresca.com.my 3 AUTHENTIC BITES LA MEXICANA When it comes to offering authentic Mexican flavours, La Mexicana is the real deal. Run by chef Carmela and her husband Stephen, the restaurant serves its own homemade corn tortillas and…

TEMPERLEY LONDON A metallic silver brooch like this Cartier piece, does wonders to showcase simplicity and elegance JOVIAN MANDAGIE Accessorising with a sophisticated clutch like this one from Roger Vivier is just the right touch SHERRI HILL Bangles are fun and simple additions to your look; this DeGem creation matches easily with any outfit and definitely draws attention…

The inaugural Maybank Championship Malaysia kick-off party was held in style at Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Distinguished guests included some of the world’s best golfers, who traded their golf gears for more dapper and stylish attire. Among them were international golfing greats Paul McGinley, Danny Willett, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Martin Kaymer. Songstress Dasha Logan entertained guests that night with her fine voice.…

Malaysian celebrity Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh was recently awarded with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres award by the French government. Presented to her by French Ambassador, His Excellency Christophe Penot, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is the first Malaysian to receive the award. The ceremony was attended by her close friends and family members. THE INSIDER The award is presented in recognition for significant contributions to the field of arts or literature…

Designed with the jet-setter’s wardrobe in mind, Michael Kors’ Spring 2016 Jet Set 6 collection will awaken your inner desires to travel the world. Starring model Lily Aldridge, the Jet Set 6 campaign sees a shoe-obsessed Aldridge making her way around Los Angeles as she tries to avoid paparazzi in a tongue-in-cheek video. Much like the breezy, fun and glamorous vibe in the video, the collection is the fashion house’s latest offerings from its seasonal must-have shoe wardrobe. From boho-glam gladiator sandals created using rich Vachetta leather to chic white kicks that define the sport-luxe style, to denim and jute laid-back wedges, the Spring 2016 edition which is available on MichealKors.com and in selected Michael Kors lifestyle stores and wholesale stores, features the Sofia gladiator, the Claudia flat, the Maxwell…

EDO KOMON Designer Yuko Minamide, originally from Tokyo, Japan, Yuko moved to London in 1997. There, she graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a master’s degree in design product in 2003 and went on to work at Barber Osgerby and Adjaye/Associates after. Having moved back to Tokyo in 2007, the designer has held exhibitions at Wonder Box, New City Art Fair New York, Ambiente in Frankfurt, Fourisalone Milano Design Week in Milan and more. Known for her delicate craft, Yuko Minamide has produced some of the finest men’s scarves for Edo Komon. Done through a vigorous progress that includes designing the template by engraving and dyeing and steaming silk, Edo Komon is known for its use of traditional workmanship and is currently one of the most…

THE WORLD OF ROGER VIVIER IS A GLAMOROUS ONE, UNMISTAKABLY. Having adorned the feet of some of the most captivating women around the globe—from Hollywood elites to blue bloods—the quintessentially Parisian brand, now being led by creative director Bruno Frisoni, has always possessed a charm that is larger than life. Vivier himself might not have cared for the limelight but the designer’s innate talent for transforming shoes into true works of art was meant to shine. For one thing, his creations never have trouble expressing themselves. A curious combination of ornaments and simplicity, the products proudly speak of their maker’s creativity, which carries with it an air of elegance. AT TIMES, VIVIER WOULD PLACE A FLOURISHING FABRIC BOUQUET ON MULES, TO EVOKE THE SPLENDOUR OF SPRING IN EVERY FOOTSTEP. Other…

Blink Pink Pink eye—not words associated with fresh-faced sexiness, yet on the spring runways fuchsias and peaches were swept across lids, lashes and even brows. Novices nervous of the been-crying-all-night, hay-fever look should opt for a rose gold smoky shadow, while punchier punk princesses should embrace popping candy-coloured tones. Done well, this look is disarmingly fresh and pretty. Try it—you might just be tickled pink. Gloss over Yes, you love your lipstick. But is it really giving you that “Look, aren’t I glowy and sweet and probably taste like sweets” kissableness? No, it’s not. So whip out the magic wand and slick on some shine because glossy smooches are back ... and nothing says pucker up like a perfectly polished pout.…

Crystal Clear Selected for its purity, rock crystal makes up the body of Vacheron Constantin’s first Métiers d’Art Arca clock. Its silver base is decorated with guilloche and grand feu enamelling. Sculptural Stunner Part artwork and part horological wonder, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Marqueterie Céleste clock’s open-worked dial is presented in a mother-of-pearl ring, with a moon phase using a lapis lazuli disc. Mane Event Three mechanisms drive Parmigiani’s Hippologia: the automaton itself (in the form of a mare and her foal), another to display the time, and a third to trigger the automaton. A diamond-set window shows the time.…

ATOURBILLON is a significant component in fine watchmaking, acting as a watch’s heart and soul that is dazzling and functional. Invented in 1795 by a French watchmaker by the name of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon (whirlwind in French) was created to negate the effects of gravity in pocket watches for a more accurate read and later got carried forward to wristwatches when they became the norm. Watch a tourbillon in action and it would be difficult to dismiss its entrancing effect, with its constant twirling and spinning keeping in symphony with the tick of time. The invention of this mechanical marvel brought in a new era of fine watchmaking like never before. Exploding into the watchmaking scene in 2001 with the Tourbillon RM 001 and followed by the RM 002…

“Managing both watches and jewellery requires the same way of thinking.You need to balance between creativity and craft” THROUGHOUT his seven years with Louis Vuitton as its vice president of watches and jewellery, Hamdi Chatti has been steadfast in solidifying its strength as an industry player through astute acquisitions and product releases. Louis Vuitton took over a company in Geneva called La Fabrique du Temps. A unique workshop led by two master watchmakers, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, this investment bolstered Louis Vuitton’s clout in watchmaking. Chatti disproves the notion that managing watches and jewellery requires two separate mindsets, as he sees his work as a commitment towards luxury above all else. “Luxury is always about quality first above creativity and innovation. This means new ideas need to be balanced…

Clearly, mothering has become second nature to these women that they automatically do that to us as well IT WAS an ambitious plan to coordinate a series of five photo shoots of different groups of mother figures in one day. Add in a video production as well, plus energetic toddlers into the mix and what ensued was a busy but fulfilling day for the Tatler team. First to arrive was Intan Nur Rowena Baker accompanied by her daughter, Kelly Roza. Then came Liyana Taff and Rekha von Bueren with their little ones, followed by Che Engku Puan Sri Rozeeta and her twin teenagers. The glam squad consisting of Zamri and Elma of Lancôme as well as Kay from Centro Hair Salon kept themselves busy attending to our feature stars. Last…

YES Ever since the day Su Zen was born, she has consumed my life. I have never resented any time I’ve spent with her, because I believe that to be a mother is to be privileged. Motherhood is not only a great responsibility but also a great joy to me. My daughter has always been a loving child, so appreciative and responsible. Now that she is married and a full-time mother herself, she has her own commitments but we still find the time to have heart to heart exchanges. Mind you, she is as much my agony aunt as I am hers. Our relationship is very much like best friends and there are no secrets between us. We are very frank with each other. We go for facials, manicures and…

HAVING GARNERED international awards and recognition, The Kid from the Big Apple is a heartwarming tale of a born and bred New Yorker, Sarah, who was sent to live in Malaysia with her grandfather when her mother had to relocate to China on a work assignment. Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum and Puan Sri Lim Suat Kiew from Mah Sing Group hosted a red carpet gala premiere for the movie, which was filmed in Malaysia. A total of 800 tickets were sponsored for the underprivileged to attend and enjoy the movie, while Mah Sing Foundation announced that evening that RM326,320 will be donated to three education-linked organisations. 10 RISING NUMBER The number in thousands of followers that a socialite gained over a week after she posted a very revealing image…

RETURNING for its 14th year, Urbanscapes 2016 kicked off on April 23 for a two-week-long, citywide creative arts celebration. Scheduled to go on until May 8, the festival’s organisers announced additions to their KL Live lineup, which includes a music showcase by English drum-and-bass band Rudimental on May 1 while M83 is set to bring the roof down on May 7. Apart from its music showcase at KL Live, the highly acclaimed arts and music festival will also see Singaporean experimental art rock band The Observatory, blur the lines between film and music on May 5 with a screening of their experimental music documentary The Obs: A Singapore Story, followed by a live music showcase of their latest album August is the Cruellest at The Bee, Publika. The festival will…

YOUNG AND AFFABLE, Fadza Anuar’s youthful demeanour is belied by his status as a husband, father and the CEO of the increasingly successful online shopping destination FashionValet, established in 2010. As some might already know, the online portal became well-known for offering a wide range of quality ready-to-wear garments, accessories and handbags for the modern woman and even has a traditional brick and mortar flagship store presence in Bangsar Village II. Accustomed to the convenience of online shopping in the UK, FashionValet was created following this premise by Fadza and his wife, Vivy Yusof. Upon their return, they noticed that Malaysia lacked such infrastructure and set out to improve the world of online fashion retailing. Their hard work and determination over the past six years has been described by Fadza…

VIVIAN LAU and Daniel Lim were often described by friends as a sweet old married couple, even before they tied the knot. The couple met through a mutual friend at Monash University Caulfield in Australia and it didn’t take long for Vivian’s parents to welcome Daniel into the family, once they had started dating. According to the bride, the proposal was totally unexpected. “I planned a sibling trip to Koh Samui and Daniel joined us. He proposed to me on the second night of our trip. In the middle of the night, he woke me up and brought me to the courtyard,” Vivian revealed. Having her eyes closed, she opened them and was surprised at the sight of roses and candles arranged in a circle. “I did not have much…

“ I AM VERY SPONTANEOUS when it comes to dressing,” Karina Grewal shares when asked about her sense of style. Admitting that she dresses based on how she feels, Karina can be seen in something elegant, funky or sexy, depending on the occasion. “My mom and sister have both always been very fashionable. I look up to them a lot when it comes to fashion,” says Karina who has been into fashion and makeup from a young age. As someone who prefers to let her dressing do the talking, the daughter of lawyer Harpal Singh Grewal always sticks to minimal accessorising. “I like using studs with everything, but I don’t go overboard with them. I like alternating between either a statement necklace or a pair of earrings because the jewellery…

WHEN it comes to owning beautiful skin, modern women look for the fastest way. Constantly pressed for time, women turn to quick fixes like injections or surgeries because they want instant results. But the truth is, these enhancements will not be permanent if you do not make a commitment to self-care and maintenance. Tan Soo Yin, the senior regional education manager of AsterSpring International, firmly believes in this. “My beauty secret is ‘everything matters’ as every aspect of our daily routine contributes to our appearance. This involves the wellbeing of body and mind through regular facial treatments and usage of skincare products, as well as gym workouts, watching your diet and doing a ‘spiritual’ detox regularly,” says Tan, who counts 32 years of experience in the beauty industry underneath her…

IT IS CUSTOMARY at every SIHH or Watches & Wonders fair for the CEOs of brands under the Richemont Group to have their picture taken onstage to commemorate the fair’s opening. With his black-rimmed glasses and boyish looks, Nicolas Bos stood out among the rest. But once I am seated with the president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels for a quick tête-a-tête about the brand, I realise there is more to Bos than what he seems. While he may seem unassuming, he is as serious and cerebral as one would expect from a person helming a historical brand. For the past three years, Bos has been quietly elevating this luxury maison to greater heights—all without drawing too much attention to himself. Bos came to Van Cleef in 2000…

THE WORD steakhouse evokes images of deliciously cooked cuts of beef and is the word used to describe the reopening of the Mandarin Grill at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, yet it doesn’t seem to be a word that does it justice. Brightly lit and decorated with artworks from a local gallery, the restaurant shies away from its semi-fine dining days and instead focuses on being a modern haven for fine steaks and wines alike. Although the restaurant does place focus on pedigree full-blooded Australian and Japanese Wagyu cuts, it offers tantalising alternatives as well. Yet, my money is on the main attraction—the Wagyu beef. Those who enjoy beef tartar will be glad to know that the restaurant serves a flavourful rendition of this classic dish. Served with egg yolk confit,…

CHECKING IN PACK LIKE A PRO Roll your clothes, stuff your shoes and, ladies, to prevent your pressed powder or eyeshadow from cracking, place a flat cotton wool pad between the pressed powder and the lid. You’re welcome. A STITCH IN TIME... Time is of the essence on a short break, along with comfort. Forget shuttle buses, trains and taxi queues at the airport. You’re not backpacking! That uniformed chauffeur with your name on a card—he’s got an idling Bentley waiting for you. ...SAVES NINE And why not keep the car at your beck and call for the whole weekend? You deserve it. Even if you never use it, just knowing it’s there will drive your stress levels south. CHECKING OUT BREKKIE BUFFET SNOBS Look, we all know a good…