Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2016 i Tatler Malaysia

PHILIPPINE TATLER IN GOOD COMPANY FOR THE DESIGN ISSUE, the magazine heads to Venice, where the Philippines is exhibiting for the first time at the International Architecture Biennale. The Philippine contribution was curated by the issue’s cover stars, architects Leandro Locsin Jr, Sudarshan Khadka Jr and Juan Paolo dela Cruz. Six bigwigs from the world of furniture discuss design trends, and the Uruguayan architect Carlos Ott, who designed the Opéra Bastille in Paris, gives an exclusive interview. SINGAPORE TATLER FITTING TRIBUTE On the cover is local music icon Dick Lee, who celebrates his 60th birthday this month with a special performance. His gig also kicks off a string of concerts, the Icon Series, which will pay tribute to the country’s musical heritage. This issue also sees the launch of Singapore…

The Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (YSDAF) is back for its second edition. According to its chairman Tun Musa Hitam, “This year’s edition themed ‘Arts Education + The Future’ will bring together an amalgamation of entertainment performed by experienced artistes, young school children and university students from private and public institutions alike.” He also added that there needs to be more events like this to nurture our local talent, so that someday Malaysia can be recognised around the globe as a hub for the arts. The festival culminates in the YSDAF 2016 weekend finale at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre from August 20 to 21.…

MARILYN LIM Always dream big and never stop learning, even after you have graduated. Choose your path wisely and pick the right life partner to travel with you! You should always respect your parents and love them no matter what—you would not be here without them. And finally, make sure to reflect on yourself and what you have achieved, or have yet to in life and constantly reevaluate your goals. PUAN SRI LISA TEO I will remind my young self on the importance of respecting elders. It is a good quality to cultivate. Listening and then speaking is also a very important lesson. Don’t embarrass yourself by speaking out of anger or ignorance. Finally, work hard but also play hard. It shows your character on and off the field. DATIN…

Tengku Chanela Jamidah’s intimate 33rd birthday celebration was held at Nobu Kuala Lumpur to much fanfare. The well-known socialite and fashion enthusiast, along with some of her closest friends, such as Megat Alfie, Jennifer Low, Tunku Nadia Naquiyuddin and Arafah Edruce came dressed to the nines, adding to the overall elegant and fun atmosphere of the ‘Tropical Miami’ themed party. Attendees got to taste a specially curated menu featuring some of Nobu’s signature dishes. There was also a special birthday scrapbook for guests to convey their wishes to the lovely lady. THE INSIDER Door gifts featured products from Christian Dior and Diptyque…

“I have no fear anymore, and I used to have loads of fear in front of the camera” BEFORE Gone Girl, Rosamund Pike was a face you might have recognised but couldn’t place. James Bond fans may remember her as the dress-dropping, sword-wielding double agent Miranda Frost in the 2002 film Die Another Day. Three years later, she gave a masterful, albeit brief, performance as Elizabeth Bennet’s elder sister, Jane, in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. But it was Pike’s portrayal of psychopathic, narcissistic suburban housewife Amy Dunne in David Fincher’s 2014 thriller that thrust her into the spotlight and branded her rather unusual name (“Rosamund” is derived from the Latin rosa munda, meaning “rose of the world”) on the minds—and little black books—of Hollywood’s heavyweights. Set for…

Malaysia Tatler together with Breguet hosted an intimate get-together with a handful of VIPs. Among Tatler friends present were Vivienne Cheng, Lee Jim Leng and Datuk Kelvin Tan. The select group of individuals were invited to dine at the Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur while being privy to some of Breguet’s latest luxurious and fashionable timepieces. THE INSIDER Guests brought home a special fragrance courtesy of Jo Malone…

In an aircraft hangar setting in Suria KLCC, Swiss watchmaker and official timepiece supplier to the world of aviation, Breitling celebrated the launch of its new Avenger Bandit with an exhibition. The event gave guests a firsthand look at the brand’s 2016 novelties such as the Navitimer 1884 and Navitimer 46 Blacksteel, as well as the chance to admire special vintage timepieces from its most iconic collection—the famous Navitimer of the early 1960s to 2002. THE INSIDER Attendees also got to experience the latest avant-garde full-motion flight simulator, with a qualified instructor there to brief them…

Titled La Naissance d’une Légende, the exhibition was held at the renowned Galeri Petronas, KLCC. Providing a look into the celebrated designer’s life, the display featured 49 black and white photos captured by Pierre Boulat. Guests were enraptured throughout this quintessential showcase of Yves Saint Laurent at work. THE INSIDER The exclusive collection is part of the annual Le French Festival in Malaysia…

In an age of fashion where nigh on anything goes, it can be real tricky to find ways of poking one’s sartorial head above the parapet. To find ways of dressing that are more zut alors! than crashing bore. The answer? I say take your ribs and cables—hell, even Fair Isles—and splice those naughty knits into your sassiest of day and dance-wear. The key to success with this look, so deftly paraded on the runway at Miu Miu, is to inject the woolly wonder where least expected. Bit nippy at the gala dinner? Not this time buddy, I’ve got my chunky woollen scarf! What’s that under my minidress? Oh, just some long thick grey woollen socks pulled up to the knee. What of it? This look, after all, is more…

“I invented the sports dress for myself; not because other women played sports, but because I did. I designed dresses precisely because I went out” THE FASHION world is having a huge moment with androgynous trends right now, and it’s not just a street style fad or an imitation of a supermodel off-duty. On the red carpets and catwalks, women are donning fitted, low-cut suits with sneakers, trading slinky dresses with baggy trousers, and pulling off bomber jackets. The once fashion faux pas of sport-meets-formality now has a stamp of approval. Women are crossing the boundaries in a clear sign of liberation and gender equality. But one woman was ahead of her time and is credited for her pioneering role in sport-inspired fashion, and she is none other than Gabrielle…

WE ALL SWOON over elegant, impeccably polished and extremely complex watches—and why not? This time, however, let’s examine some pieces whose primary purpose is to entertain. Take Christophe Claret’s Margot watch. This ultra-feminine timepiece features a game we all probably played at some point in our adolescence, or maybe even in our adult lives, “He loves me. He loves me not.” With each press, a petal is tucked beneath the dial, and when all the petals disappear, the answer is revealed in French in beautiful calligraphy. With the Labyrinth watch by Hautlence, CEO Sandro Reginelli hoped to revive a game he played as a child. As the time is displayed only when a button is pushed, the timepiece encourages the wearer to engage completely in the game. It’s in the…

“WE ALL KNOW WHERE EACH OTHER STANDS AND WE WOULD NOT HOLD BACK WHEN SOMEONE SAYS X AND ANOTHER SAYS Y. WE’RE VERY COMFORTABLE WITH EACH OTHER IN THAT ASPECT. NOT ALL OF US SHARE THE SAME IDEAS ABOUT EVERYTHING. IT’S UNITY NOT UNIFORMITY” —HANNAH THE THREE Musketeers, the French fable well known for its tight-knit band of brothers and their sworn loyalty to crown and country, is an apt comparison to describe the relationship of individuals in this tale of unity. What started out as a group of friends meeting once a week for a teh tarik session to banter and discuss matters both personal and national led to a collective conclusion that the current culture of cynicism and criticism pervasive in the country was detrimental to Malaysia’s…

Belmond Copacabana Palace You can’t beat the grande dame, the face of Rio glamour since it was inaugurated in 1923. Don’t be deceived by the old-fashioned facade; there’s nothing out of date about the service or facilities. With a new Asian fusion restaurant, Mee, joining the classic Cipriani, the hotel is a magnet for those in search of the best Rio has to offer. Grand Hyatt The large, deeply luxurious suites are a marvel, as is the matchless breakfast. But the special sauce in the Hyatt’s recipe is the utterly charming, superbly trained staff. The hotel is in Barra da Tijuca, the district that hosts most of the Olympic venues, and there are endless soft sandy beaches nearby. Hotel Fasano As sleek and streamlined as the Copa is expansive and…

CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE POMEROL The sweetness of fruit and the balance are really impressive. Medium to full body, fine tannins, and a light milk chocolate, blueberry and spice character. Bright acidity gives it verve. Drink or hold. 93 points CHÂTEAU MONTROSE SAINT-ESTÈPHE The purity and precision in this wine is exciting. Medium to full body, firm and chewy tannins, and a long finish of currant and spice. Black tea and bark too. Better in 2020 but beautiful now. Decant before serving. 95 points CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE PESSAC-LÉOGNAN Decadent and rich on the nose with lots of ripe fruit and meaty undertones. Almost truffle-like. Full body, lots of ripe tannins and plenty of fruit. Still needs time to soften. Big and juicy for the vintage. Better in 2018 but impressive…

SHORTLY AFTER arriving at Eiling Lim and Luc Timmermans’ home away from home, in Malaysia, I was politely ushered in and warmly welcomed into their lovely abode. After I made myself comfortable on a barstool, Lim does what any good host would do and offers me a drink. “Would you like to start with some Belgian beer?” she asks. Taking a brief moment to ponder and quickly glancing at my watch, its hour hand tucked cosily at the two o’clock mark, my gaze shifted back towards my smiling host. How could I refuse when I’ve come to speak to a whisky bottler? Our conversation soon shifted from beer to whiskies and I discovered that the couple’s shared loved for whisky was the spark that ignited their relationship, as they met…

EAT Hong Kong boasts a wide array of phenomenal eateries, yet Bo Innovation manages to stand tall with a bold take on Chinese cuisine. With ultra modern Sino fare marrying time-honoured traditions and a high-tech approach, it is no wonder the restaurant still bears its proud three-star Michelin badge. Another one worth visiting is the Wooloomooloo Steakhouse, offering panoramic views of Hong Kong, fine wine and great food. STAY Pay a visit to The Upper House in Hong Kong, a luxury abode in the heart of the city with a commanding view. Opt for the upper suites—a 1,230 square foot haven with bespoke furniture, luxury services and amenities fit for the discerning individual. RELAX Hailed as one of the best spas in Asia, Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s legendary spa boasts amethyst…

WHY IS Independence Day always observed? So we don’t forget what our forefathers did to fight for liberty to make us an independent nation. Dubbed the Father of Independence, Tunku Abdul Rahman said in his proclamation of independence speech: “…from henceforth we are masters of our own destiny, and the welfare of this beloved land is our own responsibility…” Let us ask ourselves what are we doing to contribute to the welfare of this land we call home? We each have a responsibility to exercise our rights as a Malaysian, to demand for good governance and to do our part in taking action for what we believe and stand for. Not content to just leave it up to the powers that be, to manage and develop the nation, there are…

ONLINE FEATURES Bright Young Things: Pandelela Rinong We’re celebrating Merdeka with a spotlight on our very own Olympic star diver Pandelela Rinong who will be carrying our Jalur Gemilang high and proud at the Rio Olympics. Her hopes this year is to “perform my best in the two events that I’m taking part in and fulfil my dream to bring back an Olympic medal once again.” Need for Speed Ever wondered why boys love their toys and men love their cars? This month we answer the latter with our series on society men, their supercars and their love for living life in the fast lane, quite literally. DINING Malaysian Inspired Cocktails Have a toast to our beautiful country and how far it’s come, with some Malaysian-inspired cocktails. A mojito made…

TWO THOUSAND sixteen is a big year for Dato’ Bernard Chandran, who is not only celebrating the 10th anniversary of his Petang Raya collection, but he has also recently moved his autumn/winter 2016-17 ready-to-wear show to Paris after 10 years in London. According to Dato’ Bernard, the decision to shift his show was part of a bigger plan, although it wasn’t an easy call to make, due to the large following he has amassed in London over the past few years. But there’s no looking back, only forward. “Over the years, I think my confidence as a designer has grown, and that has helped me in my body of work,” says Malaysia’s King of Fashion on this new milestone in his career. 15 A WRITTEN SERIES The number of Facebook…

“THESE ARE exciting times for the Hilton brand, and we see great potential from the market in Malaysia,” says Jamie Mead, the general manager of Hilton Kuala Lumpur who is also now regional general manager in the country. The appointment was made in relation to additional pipelines in the brand’s portfolio—making it the largest in Southeast Asia, with six hotels currently operating, and four soon to be: DoubleTree Resort Penang, DoubleTree Malacca, Hilton Kota Kinabalu and Garden Inn Puchong. Mead’s career spans over 18 years in the hospitality industry, with 12 having been with Hilton Worldwide. We sit down with the amiable Aussie to find out about his insights on the renowned hotel and its many distinct services. What impression does Hilton KL want to have on their guests? It…

ALICE CHAI Complement a dazzling dress with brilliant jewellery such as this Forevermark diamond band from DeGem INNAI RED One can never go wrong with classic black heels such as this pair from Salvatore Ferragamo OSCAR DE LA RENTA Stay classy with a cute minimalist clutch. This Roger Vivier buckle clutch maintains your elegance…

“We chose to shine a light on what we believe in, instead of complaining” IN MY EXPERIENCE as a chronicler of stories, I have heard the term ‘a calling’ used by many accomplished individuals. The co-founders of Projek57 used this expression to illustrate how they were compelled to start up a social enterprise to give back to the community while championing nationalism at the same time. Indeed, while listening to the tale of Collin Swee and Syed Sadiq Albar, even I have to agree that these two men were predestined to follow this path. “It all started when I was introduced to the concept of social entrepreneurship last year at the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO). At that time, the country went through a political and economical upheaval, and during a management…

It was an afternoon of cheer and goodwill as the Raja Muda Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin officiated photographer Bonnie Yap’s ‘Through the Eyes of South Georgia—Watch, Respect, Capture’ exhibition at the Traders Hotel. All 30 of Bonnie’s photos were sold out, managing to raise a large sum, which will go to causes dear to her heart. THE INSIDER Bonnie contributed RM45,000 along with RM100,000 pledged by Mah Sing Foundation, to the Liter of Light project in aid of the orang asli…

Twelve students of the Kuala Lumpur Speakers’ Club 53rd public speaking class presented their best speech yet as part of their graduation ceremony held at the Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur. Each recited stories laced with nostalgia, compassion and even humour, demonstrating the skills honed under the tutelage of their instructor, Jagdish Bhain. The annual occasion was graced by guest of honour HRH Tunku Ampuan Besar Negeri Sembilan Tuanku Aishah Rohani, who together with the club’s president, Tunku Dara Naquiah, presented the diplomas. THE INSIDER This year’s graduates chose to call themselves the ‘Soul Weavers’ to define the unique bond formed through topics closest to their hearts…

Draped with a sunset framing the Kuala Lumpur cityscape, Marini’s on 57 pulsed with the sounds of DJ and producer Simon Mills, spinning his compilation of groovy tunes from the rooftop bar’s Sunset Hours Vol 3 album while guests danced and mingled over cocktails and savouries. THE INSIDER Guests not only got to hear it live, of Simon Mills’ electro-chill out beats but also went home with a copy of a signed Sunset Hours album each…

Poh Kong is a brand synonymous with celebrating the joyous moments in life. This was made evident as the jeweller celebrated its 40th anniversary in two extravagant events held at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Guests were wowed by a glamorous jewellery fashion show, and also had their names thrown into a lucky draw. With more than 100 stores nationwide, the renowned brand offers customers a wide range of jewellery to suit occasions of all kinds, from intricately designed gold jewellery to diamonds, gems and specially crafted designer pieces. THE INSIDER Ecstatic winners of the lucky draw walked away with charming pieces of jewellery and hefty cash vouchers…

What do Danny Zuko, John McEnroe and Tony from The Sopranos have in common? Aside from their fiery tempers and great hair, they all have a soft spot for that most versatile of zippered cardigans. And autumn, my friends, is going to be positively awash with these things! So whether you channel Björn Borg in Neil Barrett’s sporty versions, slink around in one of the altogether more flamboyant chinoiserie embroidered velvet numbers offered by Gucci or even perhaps feel man enough to tackle Burberry’s fully sequinned number, which just begs to dominate a dodgy disco dancefloor somewhere—wear it with rudeboy flair. Zipper up to the chin under a coat or down to expose a verging-on-inappropriate amount of chest hair... and preferably a chain. The truly badass brave the matching bottoms.…

“That tan looks so unflattering on you,” said no one, ever. Whether a sun worshipper looking to enhance your natural glow or a shade addict who’d rather fake it entirely, it’s time to embrace bronze. Aside from brushing across cheeks, noses, brows and chins, bronze is also a universally flattering colour swept across lids—try the excellent metallic creams from Tom Ford and Charlotte Tilbury, or the delightful new palette from shimmer specialists Bobbi Brown. Those who prefer to maintain an alabaster complexion should try a translucent bronze lip or a slick of shimmer on the cheekbones. Everyone shines in this shade.…

STAR PROPOSAL Movie superstar Ryan Reynolds has been announced as Piaget’s international ambassador for the brand’s watches. Following such exciting news, Piaget also introduced the Polo S, an iconic timepiece that captures the expression of the spirit of the game. Engineered for the demanding sport of polo and infused with the ethos of the Piaget Society, this 42mm watch exudes class.…

IN 2000, the late Severin Wunderman—who formerly owned the Corum brand—was eager to bring something new and fresh to the watchmaking world. His most popular brainchild would be the striking Corum Bubble watch, first unveiled at Baselworld the same year. An oversized watch with a diameter of 44mm, the Bubble watch is distinguished by its towering bubble-like sapphire crystal dome that distorts the dial to the naked eye. The Bubble ‘Casino’, with a roulette table-motif complete with a ball-tipped seconds hand, followed after, along with other limited editions that mirror the collection’s youthful vibe. But Corum rarely visited the Bubble collection again over the next decade or so. It was as if the brand was holding back its hand—waiting for the right moment to reveal what it can really do.…

THE PRIMAL INSTINCT to survive has been ingrained into every living creature, an attitude best summed up as ‘survival of the fittest.’ Only a chosen few—the strongest, fastest, most tenacious sportsmen and sportswomen will ever taste the immeasurable glory of making the sporting world’s most elite event, the Olympic Games. These men and women are like a distinct breed of soldiers for their country; every muscle and fibre of their being has been sculpted for years, for that one moment to prove themselves. The Olympics is more than a battle of the strongest. It is also a mind game, an awareness of one’s own human capabilities, an exploration of talent, and a whole new dimension of discipline. No words can describe the privilege and experiences etched into the memories of…

I AM STARTING to use the term ‘old school’ to describe numerous wines that I taste as a critic. This year I have already tasted close to 5,000 wines from all over the world, but mostly from Bordeaux, Italy, Argentina and Chile, and I have jotted down ‘old school’ to describe a number of the wines. It’s a slightly derogatory term. The wines I describe as old school are slightly unbalanced and show overly ripe fruit, over-extraction of tannins and too much new oak; they are heavy and alcoholic, even slightly sweet, as well as chewy and overtly velvety textured with lots of vanilla character. They impress some wine drinkers but, alas, they are so concentrated that it’s hard to finish a glass. Such wines were extremely popular in the…

EVERY YEAR, I travel to Italy with my husband and our four children. It’s hard to choose a favourite city, but we always have such a good time in Positano. Besides the stunning views, friends and family join us there each year. I look forward to this time—it’s become a tradition and a moment to reset. The landscape is so unique. My husband Balthazar’s parents were married there, so it has an important history for us as well. I always remember to bring a caftan from my collection, APL trainers, Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream, a bathing suit from Eres and a Patricia Underwood hat for the sun—it’s hot when we travel in late June. I also pack a good book: I picked up Patti Smith’s M Train for the next…

WITH THE TEAM arriving early in the morning to set up at Bean Brothers Malaysia, a stylish Korean-based café in Sunway Damansara, it was only a matter of time before we fuelled up on some well-made coffee. With such a huge space to play around when it comes to photography, art director Allan Casal and photographer Kim Mun bounced a few ideas off one another on the direction of the photo shoot. It was decided that the shoot was to be photojournalistic in nature, as they wanted to emote a sense of rawness to the spread, and convey the ideals of the individuals featured. In line with Merdeka, we examine the Organisation for National Empowerment (ONE), a recently formed non-governmental organisation that focuses on national unity and providing youths the…

SHE IS a constant voice for the plight of refugees, especially children, with Deborah Henry being a World Vision Malaysia child rights advocate since 2007. The former beauty queen recently launched a personal fundraiser to support Syrian refugees in Bekaa Valley, Lebanon in conjunction with World Refugee Day on June 20. “These children and families have lost their homes, and life as they knew it is changed. Once leading lives like us with jobs, businesses and families to return to, now it is taken away and have become a distant memory,” she said. According to United Nations, there are currently 300,000 refugees taking house at these tented communities. As part of her efforts, Henry who is also the founder of The Fugee School, returned to Lebanon in July to see…

1 SENSUAL SURPRISE SENTIDOS GASTROBAR This chic Mediterranean bar serves Spanish eats like seafood paella, chicken croquettes and garlic prawns, paired with a 30-strong wine list. feastvillage.com 2 COOL CLUB SUPPERCLUB KL The sultry, urban-industrial venue promises fun evenings with a mouth-watering fare of oyster shoots, escargots a la bourguignon, WOW Platters and fresh lobster. supperclubkl.com 3 SIMPLE PLEASURES SPITALFIELDS GASTROBAR It’s a truly European fare at this warehouse concept eatery serving upscale pub grub—burgers, steaks, roasts and sausages—with spirits and beers from Scotland to Japan. facebook.com/spitalfieldsgastrobar 4 SPANISH PARADE MERCAT BARCELONA GASTROBAR Handpicked Spanish wines accompany delicacies like the Fideua seafood noodles and porky Panceta con espuma de patata. mercat.my 5 EDO NUANCES TORII Satisfy your fetish for yakitori and whisky—highlights of Torii’s delicate Japanese menu. Plus, be spoilt…

Queen of pop jazz Dato’ Sheila Majid put her star power to good use in a charity fundraising concert in conjunction with her 30 amazing years in the industry. Organised by Dato’ Zaha Rina Zahari, the ‘Aku Cinta Pada Mu’ concert took place at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre to raise funds for the Women’s Aid Organisation, which strives to end violence against women and promotes women’s rights. Her energy and passion drew a standing ovation from everyone in the room at the end of the show. The unforgettable evening was a fine showcase of her exceptional voice which captivated fans for three decades thus far. THE INSIDER About RM462,000 was raised through this charity event…

“Respect is something to be earned and cannot come from having money or a high status” APPEARING soft-spoken, calm and cordial in his own abode, the first few minutes spent getting to know Tengku Tan Sri Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar painted him to be a conscientious man who took his time to choose his words. Before meeting with him, I had taken the liberty to familiarise myself with the man himself by reading up his thoughts in his recently released book, Azlan: On Principles. In the book, the good Tengku touches on many subjects, sharing vital principles that individuals should practice and harbour going through life, along with many other aspects of Malaysian life. “I’m a very simple person. I live a simple life, I enjoy simple things and I…

Megat Alfie, the PR director of Alfie Management and the stylish co-founder of local fashion brand Syaiful Baharim, celebrated his 35th birthday by having an intimate dinner with his dearest and closest friends, including Tengku Chanela, Casmad Sanuri, Elyna Effendi, Daler Yusuf, Megat Johan and Megat Danial. The party had its very own chef, butler and service team on hand at the Private Dining Room of The Ritz-Carlton KL. THE INSIDER Guests received door-gifts from Laura Mercier…

The annual multi-faceted Le French Festival, presented by Martell, returned with a grand launch at the Golden Screen Cinemas, Pavilion KL. Guests were treated to cocktails and canapés while getting acquainted with French culture. THE INSIDER There was a special screening of the film Caprice, one of the selections for this year’s Le French Festival…

Cuban cigar lounge La Casa del Habano, founded by the late Dato’ Kadar Shah, celebrated 18 smoking years of being in the local cigar scene—an occasion that its co-owner Kevin Shah commemorated in an intimate celebration with the Cuban ambassador as guest of honour at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur. THE INSIDER Guests could preview Siglo’s range of cigar accessories, produced by The Pacific Cigar Company Limited…

“I like things that are clean-cut and sophisticated” RANJANI GOVINDASAMY loves wearing outfits that are classy and timeless. “I like things that are clean-cut, sophisticated and straightforward—with a slight edge to capture current trends,” the fashionable lawyer tells us. “I also love statement pieces,” she adds, and would usually be seen wearing a simple outfit with a bold statement piece, such as a red bag or a huge gold watch. She is also known to only invest in luxury goods that have the ability to transcend time and will never go out of style. “I’m not into boyfriend blazers, but I do admire suits or simple black blazers,” she admits. Ranjani, who studied law in the UK before working there as a solicitor, reveals that one of her style icons…

THE TERM haute horology, or fine watchmaking, is often seen, but what does it mean exactly? What determines whether a watch or brand qualifies for that particular label? And why does it matter to you when you walk into a boutique and face an unprecedented range from which to select your next acquisition? The latter question is a highly personal one, but it goes to the very definition of fine watchmaking. The Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH) was founded in 2005 to be a guardian and authority of what constitutes fine watchmaking, and to communicate and educate all levels of the watchmaking industry, from the brands to the retailers and customers. Its mission hasn’t always been straightforward, though, largely because of the lack of a clearcut definition of fine…

CALLED THE tourbillon, French for ‘whirlwind’, this mechanical escapement is housed in a rotating cage that, because of the constant motion, averages out the effect of gravity when the watch is stuck in different positions. Ensuring accuracy in pocket watches, this mechanism is prized for its novelty and watchmakers turn to the creation of tourbillons to assert their authority in the art of haute horlogerie. For seven years in a row, Harry Winston outdid itself with its Histoire de Tourbillon, a sophisticated collection of limited edition timepieces dedicated to the craftsmanship of the tourbillon. Launched in 2009, each Histoire de Tourbillon underscores Harry Winston’s continued pursuit of excellence in innovation, by presenting the tourbillon in a series of spectacular new forms. The design of the timepiece continues to evolve annually,…

FAMOUS for its vivid green hue, the emerald is revered by jewellers and connoisseurs, and is among the most valuable of gemstones. Unrivalled when it comes to the intensity of its colour, the crème de la crème of beryls is perhaps the only gemstone where inclusions are tolerated. And those in immaculate condition, well, they’re destined for museums or masterpieces. Bulgari’s Italian Extravaganza necklace, one of the key pieces of the Magnificent Inspirations high jewellery collection, is a prime example of a flawless emerald put to good use. The necklace features an astounding 17-carat round emerald complemented by flawless diamonds and emeralds. Designer Cindy Chao enriches her Four Seasons collection with a beautifully crafted floral bangle that highlights a cabochon emerald amid diamonds and tsavorites. Chao crafted this piece using…

Day 1 8AM Start the day in a dazzlingly Rio way—stroll to the beach for a dip. Settle on the golden sand and soak up views of the island-dotted ocean as the cariocas, Rio’s fortunate residents, come to life. 9.30AM Slip on some comfortable shoes and take a cab downtown to Praça Mauá in the revamped Porto Maravilha district, where a fabulous collection of Brazilian and international art awaits at the Rio Art Museum (MAR). On the other side of the square, jutting dramatically into Guanabara Bay, is Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava’s landmark Museum of Tomorrow. Its fascinating exhibits and interactive displays pose questions on the themes of Cosmos, Earth, Anthropocene, Tomorrows, and Us. 11AM Grab another cab and head to the neoclassical Banco do Brasil Cultural Centre (CCBB), which…

SUN’S UP Don’t miss dancing to Disclosure and Mark Ronson at the Sunny Side Up festival, which takes place on August 13 and 14 at the Potato Head Beach Club. RETAIL THE TALE Forgot your bikini? Don’t fret. Seminyak is stuffed full with drool-worthy beachwear boutiques. Plenty of opportunities to splash that hard-earned holiday cash about. SHORE THING As fabulous as the hotel is, make sure you toddle through the beach club and onto Seminyak beach itself. It really is a cracker, particularly early in the morning before the other punters arrive.…