Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2016 i Tatler Malaysia

HONG KONG TATLER MOD SQUAD THIS MONTH’S COVER STARS, power couple Brandon and Jenny Chau, talk all things fashion and family. Brandon, the son of the late Kai-bong and Brenda Chau, is a barrister by trade and a connoisseur of menswear. He recently opened Attire House, a menswear boutique in Hong Kong’s Central Building. Elsewhere, the city’s hippest fashionistas, including Tianyo Mayao (above), talk about the evolution of Gucci and how the luxury brand is scaling eclectic new heights with Alessandro Michele at the helm. SHANGLIU TATLER SWANKY SHOWDOWN The stylish Bing Wu, CEO of ad agency and production house Dynamic Marketing Group, graces the cover of the Fashion Issue. The entrepreneur and former gymnast shares her thoughts on the future of her company and her secrets for success. Elsewhere,…

TUN MAHATHIR MOHAMAD has led Malaysia through a remarkable transformation in the 22 years of his administration—shaping our country’s physical, political and social landscape. It was also during that period, that the local art scene began addressing sociopolitical issues in their designs. Era Mahathir aims to showcase the complex reality that took place within our nation during that timeline and allows the audience to make their own judgement. The exhibition which began on July 24 runs till November 20, at the Ilham Gallery. Among the 28 Malaysian artists who are featuring over 44 of their latest and intriguing artworks are Ahmad Fuad Osman, Zulkifli Yusof, Anurendra Jegadeva, Liew Kung Yu, Juhari Said and many others. Visit ilhamgallery.com to find out more.…

DANIELLE GRAHAM is adding ‘author’ to her ever-growing list of credentials, with the release of her new cookbook On the Table at Home. The book is born out of her love for food and passion for cooking which was inspired by her Chinese mother and Irish father. “Writing this book has brought me closer to my beliefs and inner domestic self. It evoked my sense of Eurasian heritage and reaffirmed the importance of food and family. I really believe that sharing a meal on the table at home can bring people together,” says Graham. The book is due for an online release in October 2016.…

A WELL-KNOWN personality from the beauty pageant scene, Andrea Fonseka takes her sexy persona to the realm of reality TV and demonstrates her automotive capabilities in Celebrity Car Wars, which premiered in August on the History Channel. Hosted by Bobby Tonelli, the eight-episode series stars six good-looking, socially connected celebrities from Asia. Each week, the contestants test their driving skills around the region to win the ultimate bragging rights and be inducted into the ‘Celebrity Car Wars Hall of Fame.’ Viewers and fans will get to see a different side of the beauty queen, who usually enjoys more calmer health and fitness activities. We managed to get a hold of Fonseka, who now spends her time between Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, to talk about her experience on the show. What…

1 DINER DELECTABLES CHEQUERS Whether it’s sweet or savoury, carnivorous or vegetarian, this American-inspired restaurant aces in both taste and presentation with their specialty, handmade waffles (right). chequers.com.my 2 CRISPY CREAM SOFT LAUNCH Cheat days can’t get better than maple syrup-drenched crispy waffles served with fried chicken tenders on scrambled eggs, or topped with a rich and decadent twirl of chocolate soft serve ice cream. Find Soft Launch on Facebook.com 3 FIERY FRENZY RAKU PIZZA Besides pizza, waffles reign here, in mouth-watering variations like Japanese curry waffle pizza, Japanese curry katsu waffle and the ingenious katsu waffle burger. facebook.com/rakupizza 4 EXTRA + ORDINARY THE TOWNSMEN Sink into classic buttermilk waffles, or have it topped with Forty Licks ice cream in Guinness, D24 Durian or apple. facebook.com/thetownsmen 5 DUAL PLEASURES HUCKLEBERRY…

Mercedes-Benz aficionados gathered in anticipation at the exclusive unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz E-class, dubbed a ‘masterpiece of intelligence’. A special performance by Malaysian singer Ning Baizura delighted guests during the reveal of the 10th-generation model. Attendees that night also had the rare opportunity to examine four vintage Mercedes-Benz models on display within the St Regis grand ballroom. THE INSIDER The ballroom’s 360-degree display was used to showcase some stunning Mercedes-Benz vintage cars…

The Point restaurant owned by Valerie Ong and Sam Tan recently hosted a Bailliage de Perak Amical dinner to celebrate its inclusion into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. Members of the international gastronomic association and guests shared in the joy, over the four-course, fine dining event. THE INSIDER The Point KL received a plaque to certify its inclusion into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs…

CHARMING, sexy and charismatic are the words that come to mind when one thinks about Jack Huston, the 33-year-old actor who is the new face of Tod’s men’s autumn/winter 2016/2017 global advertising campaign. “I’m always interested in fashion and Tod’s is an interesting brand. It felt like Tod’s and I were a good fit,” grinned Jack. “I’ve always been associated with quality and Tod’s is an ever-evolving brand which takes pride in its quality.” The campaign was shot by British photographer Tom Craig in a collection of photos that perfectly captures the essence of the Italian lifestyle. Jack, who’s one-quarter Italian himself and a huge fan of the Italian heritage and lifestyle, travelled to Italy in May for the project. “I love the food, culture and people in Italy. I…

Name a Becca Cosmetics product that is perfect for Asians. The Backlight Priming Filter. It’s infused with pearls and blends into skin for a natural radiance. How do you tackle humidity? I’ve been religiously using the Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector. Tap onto oily spots and it will act like a liquid blotting paper. What is your favourite lip colour? I’m obsessed with a liquid lipstick by Anastasia Beverly Hills in the shade, Katheryn. I mix and match to create my perfect shade. For a beautiful pink foil effect, apply neutral gloss and layer over with the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold. Share some of your beauty tips and advice. My cleanser contains benzoyl peroxide to treat acne-prone skin and I use a retinol before applying sunscreen. I…

“AS LONG AS I FEEL HAPPY ABOUT WHAT I PUT IN MY BODY AND TREAT IT WELL, I’LL HAVE THE ENERGY TO DO WHAT I LOVE AND BE HAPPY DOING IT” “Beauty is an acceptance and happiness within oneself.” What’s a typical work day? I sometimes have to get up at 4am and drive straight to the set. Filming days can be really long, so I won’t get home until late. I’ll normally watch some TV to quiet my mind before bed. How do you keep your energy level up? I make sure I get enough sleep and take care of myself by eating well, exercising and maintaining a healthy beauty regime. What do you like about living in Los Angeles? That it can be fast or extremely chilled—it’s all…

JEWELLERY CUFFS are not for everybody—they’re chunky and more often than not scream for attention. But worn on the right wrist and with the right attitude, they can be incredibly chic. For their bold designs, rich textures and creative use of unconventional materials, these cuffs stand out. First off, Tiffany & Co’s Elsa Peretti Bone cuff in 18-karat rose gold. With its molten metal appearance, the cuff is sculptural yet fluid and can be worn on one arm or both. Contrasting with the sleek look of the Peretti cuff is an intricate piece by London-based jewellery sculptor Sabine Roemer. From a block of 18K yellow gold, Roemer has carved an exceptional cuff of feathers that she has set with over 600 white diamonds. Among the pieces in Cartier’s Étourdissant collection…

WEEK AFTER WEEK, hip and hungry young Malaysians scroll through social media feeds in search of new cafe openings and fancy dishes to try over the weekend. They arrive in waves at the hottest food spots in town, patiently waiting for the moment their photogenic meal arrives, so they can snap a photo of it to share with their fellow ‘foodies’ before tucking in. The way food lovers communicate has evolved over the past two generations. Where it was once by word of mouth, it is now through social media posts. And if an eatery served delicious food, families would routinely visit, and children grow up associating family, comfort and evoke a sense of nostalgia when at these places. Thus, when these youths tire of prowling new cafes, they instinctively…

TENUTA SAN GUIDO BOLGHERI-SASSICAIA SASSICAIA 2013 Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia, with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberry, blackcurrant, rosemary and lavender. Full body, bright acidity and a savoury finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink from 2020 but so impressive now. 98 points ORMA TOSCANA 2013 Aromas of blackberry, burnt orange, liquorice and spice follow through to a full body with super-integrated and fine tannins plus a fabulous depth of fruit and centre palate. This is a great wine. Drink in 2017. 98 points BIBI GRAETZ TOSCANA COLORE 2011 Opulent and fresh, with cedar, berry, tobacco and orange peel aromas and flavours. Medium body, firm tannins and a flavourful finish. Precise and powerful centre palate. Fabulous length. Better in 2019. 98 points LE MACCHIOLE…

A veteran when it comes to ironing, Laurastar has ironed on its stamp in the world of fashion; being favoured by many international fashion week events. The leading Swiss ironing system recently ensured that high-end designer clothes were crisp and presentable for the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week Ready to Wear. Offering a touch of glamour to elevate the cutting-edge appliance, the brand released the Laurastar Pulse in conjunction with its 35th-year anniversary. The exclusive coral coloured heat-resistant ironing board cover adds a touch of class—making it appealing and sought-after by women. The beautiful appearance plus innovative and easy to use functions turns what would be a mundane chore into a therapeutic pastime. Also, whether it is silk, cashmere, or sequins, these delicate fabrics are not a problem for the superior…

Unicef works in sync with Malaysia’s national plan that evolves every five years THERE IS no denying it… children are our future and as responsible adults we should leave behind a better tomorrow. Children are innocent, full of potential, and could bring about change for a better, more intelligent next generation of humans. Sadly, not everyone sees the potential of children around the world, and this is where the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) steps in. Established after World War II, to address the rise of famine and disease that European children suffered from, the United Nations gave birth to Unicef in December 1946. The NGO’s mandate is that all children must have the right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential for the benefit of nations around the…

WORKING IN AN environment with people aged between 20 and 60, it’s not hard to imagine the difficulties that arise between Baby Boomers, Generation X and millennials. It’s often the case between old-school and new-school ways of thinking and expectations. The former was expected to sacrifice personal time for the job and think that performance is measured by the hours you put in. The latter is quite the opposite, wanting work-life balance and believe that the time spent in office is not as vital as the results you produce. Does this sound familiar? I must admit that I belong(ed) to the former category. I was accustomed to working long hours in my previous workplace and thus expected the same of others working with me. But while working with millennials, I…

WANDERLUST MANIA Thinking of travelling? The famous MATTA Fair 2016 is happening from September 2-4 at the Putra World Trade Centre. With plenty of travel packages on offer, you can easily plan that dream vacation, or discover a foreign place! ELECTRIC FEEL Attention rave lovers! Ultra Singapore, the celebrated outdoor electronic music festival will showcase renowned acts such as Afrojack, deadmau5, Kygo, Axwell & Ingrosso, Nero and Far East. Happening this September 10 to 11 at Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. JUMPING HIGH The annual KL Tower International Jump Malaysia returns again. The 2016 edition happens from September 30 till October 2. Adrenaline junkies will descend from 300 metres above sea level, from the Open Deck, Tower Head 5.…

L’Oréal Malaysia bid a warm farewell to its outgoing managing director Ashwin Rajgopal and welcomed Malek Bekdache, who developed the company’s growth in the Middle East after joining L’Oréal in France, and has since come to Malaysia to take over the reins of leadership. Tatler wishes Bekdache all the best in his new role. 200 RSVP NIGHTMARE The number of guests that had to be accommodated with makeshift tables at a society couple’s wedding reception when guests showed up without RSVP-ing. Lesson learnt: always have a backup plan and a seating chart, to protect your more considerate guests.…

DOUG AITKEN: ELECTRIC EARTH MOCA, LOS ANGELES SEPTEMBER 10 TO JANUARY 15 Electric Earth highlights the multidisciplinary American artist’s thematic interest in post-industrial urban decay and saturated visual culture. The works include multichannel videos, sculptures, photographs and publications created between 1997 and 2011. moca.org BIENNALE DES ANTIQUAIRES GRAND PALAIS, PARIS SEPTEMBER 10–18 The quintessential barometer of French elegance returns to the Grand Palais with over 120 international exhibitors and three special exhibitions to showcase world-class antiques and haute joaillerie in a spectacular setting designed by Nathalie Crinière. biennale-paris.com TURNER PRIZE TATE BRITAIN, LONDON SEPTEMBER 27 TO JANUARY 2 The work of the four Turner Prize finalists, Michael Dean, Anthea Hamilton, Helen Marten and Josephine Pryde, is exhibited at Tate Britain in the lead-up to the award ceremony on December 6.…

“I hope my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will follow the same training or guidance that they’ve had from their parents” THREE MONTHs ago, when we received news from Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir that Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali was turning 90 on July 12, we wanted to do an interview with her as a way of celebrating this momentous milestone. The interview was meant to be reflective, to give our readers a glimpse of the different facets of Tun Siti Hasmah, as a woman who has lived her life to the fullest, and share her wisdom for the next generation. To our delight we learnt later on that her biography was due to be published after her birthday. The book is reflective of the different roles she has played…

Good friends Datin Yvette Kang and Angela Karto bond over tea, motherhood and the times of their lives “We were different at first, but over the course of our friendship, lessons in life shaped us to become who we are today,” said Angela, referring to when the pair began to open up and relate with each other, not just as mothers but as women. Even with her successful career, Datin Yvette too puts her family first. Their experiences growing up have taught them the value of time spent with their loved ones. And similar to the Reverso’s dual dial flip feature, they are both versatile and glamorous, ready to conquer situations that life throws at them. Datin Yvette Kang is the founder of Yvents! Sdn Bhd. The devoted mother of…

Cofounders Shen-Tel and Elizabeth Lee of Bowerhaus, together with Olivia Ling the owner of Poppies, hosted an intimate cocktail party at The Republic by Elica for the launch of Bowerhaus’s latest Hello Lover collection. Guests were pampered with manicures and a glamorous photo session with photographer Andy Phe as they browsed the new jewellery collection. THE INSIDER Guests were the first in the region to view the designer collection that was inspired by great lovers of our time…

The Italian embassy celebrated its home country’s national day, on June 2, at the JW Marriott, KL. HE Mario Sammartino gave his opening speech, followed by the Malaysian Deputy Minister of Education. During the event, Datuk Wira SM Faisal Nasimuddin was bestowed with the Grande Ufficiale award from the President of Italy, presented to him by the ambassador. THE INSIDER The celebration also showcased Italy’s delectable cuisine and well-known sports cars the likes of Ferrari and Maserati…

Every Rimowa luggage has a story—as proven by a few special guests present at the party, such as Debbie Goh, Ian Chong and Lyn Siew, who shared with everyone how their reliable Rimowa luggage has journeyed with them through their busy lifestyle. Using excellent craftsmanship and the best materials, these bags hold a special place in their hearts as they travel the world. THE INSIDER Guests took home customised luggage tags that were drawn by an artist…

“Women are like fine wine. The older we are the better we look” CAREER WOMAN, Christina Liang-Boguszewicz never fails to look effortlessly put together. She hunts for pieces that are tasteful and easy to incorporate into any look, like her favourite Balmain leather jacket. “It’s strong and powerful when you have it on!” says Christina. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, she is a loyal fan of timeless brands such as Chanel, Balmain and Hermés. The vibrant and energetic founder of CLB Group and Le Bon Ton believes that the key to looking chic despite a busy schedule is to have a balanced lifestyle and always stay positive. “Women are like fine wine. The older we are, the better we look—and so does our fashion…

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KNOWN FOR her twinkling doe eyes and dreamy full lips, American actress Amanda Seyfried has been the global ambassadress of Clé de Peau Beauté since 2011. More than just a pretty face and a star in Hollywood, Amanda’s warm and glamorous persona is a heavenly match to the luxurious beauty brand. While her classic but versatile beauty has earned her worldwide admiration, it’s her intimacy with the brand and down-to-earth personality that resonates the charm of Clé de Peau Beauté. What does it mean to be a Clé de Peau Beauté spokesperson? It makes me feel great and confident. I used to have dull skin but now I love waking up to great and healthy skin, and with this I hope to share the joy it gives me to more…

Don’t tell me. After years of smudging and fudging you’ve finally finessed the art of the perfect feline flick? Well, I hate to break it to you, but it’s back to the drawing board. Literally. For this autumn sees a flux in fabulously wacky eyeliner designs—from the glitter cornered diamonds stretching over brow bones seen at Kenzo, to Twiggy-style black-lined sockets at Oscar de la Renta and smudgy thick underliner at Chloe. If you must liquid your lids, then embrace the new bubbling trend and apply in half semicircles along the lash line (Google it). Whatever you do, it’s time to put pen to peeper and get creative.…

TAKING ITS name from the game that is the sport of kings, the Piaget Polo S was launched with great fanfare in New York in front of a 500-strong international crowd. To everyone’s delight, making his appearance was Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Reynolds, who is the current brand ambassador for Piaget watches. He’s exactly the kind of person that the Polo S is made for—someone who challenges conventions, is not afraid to rewrite the rules and plays a different game. He has shown his range in romantic comedies, independent movies, and superhero blockbusters, but this man is not going to stop reinventing himself. Reynolds likes the fact that the watch emanates the idea of relaxed luxury, so it’s incredibly easy to make the jump from casual to formal without a second…

In the heart of downtown Kuala Lumpur, on a corner of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, a grand dame of a shophouse, the Coliseum Cafe, stands dignified amid the gleaming buildings. Come afternoon, blue collar workers, tourists and families enter the swinging wooden saloon doors of the restaurant, the very entrance that only admitted Europeans up till 1957. Built in 1921, Coliseum Cafe is the oldest grill house in town where homesick expats and colonial officers went to for comfort fare. The beauty of Coliseum Cafe is its time warp appeal; the heavy leather chairs and starched white table linen, dim, dangling ceiling lamps, and the aged tiled floor. The aroma of steak, sizzling in plain sight on buttered hot plates are dished out onto the plates of bibbed patrons. This,…

YES REFIE REDZUAN The media plays an important role in our daily lives, it is a source of news, information and entertainment for us. With the Internet, social media has now become a huge part of our lives and accessible at the mere click of a button. Regardless of whether the information we receive is factual or a boldfaced lie, it is still influential and can affect the way we perceive the world. This information affects our behaviour, whether we realise it or not. What the media portrays can slowly change the way we perceive things, and if it is constantly portraying violence, be it through films, video games, television or music and even via news channels, our community can’t help but to be negatively affected by it. Plus, repeated…

London-based Rajinder Singh presents his second solo exhibition at Wei-Ling Contemporary in The Gardens Mall, following the success of his ‘...the ceiling floats away with a sigh..’ displayed in 2014. His fascination with other worldly subjects stems from his background in philosophy and mathematics. A self-professed spiritualist, Rajinder draws inspiration from ‘apertures’ and ‘portals’. “Things such as shrines, temples, prayer mats are all located in the real world but somehow are connected to a distant and unknown realm,” he further explains. The exhibition launched on August 20, running until September 30.…

TUG OF WAR A socialite who was recently divorced from her husband has chosen to antagonise her former husband further by refusing to comply to his request to see his child despite the court’s order. She is turning to the old playbook of using the child as a tool for her anger and revenge, in retaliation of her husband’s decision to leave her. PEACE OF MIND Frustrated by the persistent politics that was getting out of hand within her social circle, a respected socialite has decided to base herself overseas to remove herself from the mind games that her peers were playing. We applaud this classy lady for her refusal to play KL society’s version of Game of Thrones. CONDITIONAL LOVE A matriarch of a family is reportedly distancing herself…

1 MORGAN In this thriller, a corporate troubleshooter (Kate Mara) is sent to a remote location to investigate a terrifying accident. 7 SIMPLE PLAN Watch the Canadian pop-punk band perform their popular tracks like Perfect and I’m Just A Kid while on their Taking One For The Team tour at KL Live @ Life Centre. Purchase tickets from ticketcharge.com.my 9 THE MUSIC OF U2 Singer Brody Dolyniuk and conductor Brent Havens (below) bring you classic U2 hits—with a rock band and full orchestra! Happening until September 11, tickets are available at mpo.com.my 10 CANINE SPORTZCLUB The dog obedience training program enhances the bond between owners and their canine company. Happening at Central Park Bandar Utama till September 11. More info at mnawf.org.my 21 RUMOUR HAS IT Naomi Price channels British…

“I think I was good, to be arrogant. I don’t think I was great, to be humble” SITTING ACROSS me at the paddock club in Sepang International Circuit for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe, a fitting location for a former Formula One champion, David Coulthard appears calm and collected despite arriving in KL not too long ago. This was probably a side effect of the constant travelling F1 drivers had to endure and adapt to during race season—I thought to myself before extending a friendly handshake and exchanging pleasantries with the Scotsman who is well known in the world of motorsports. Introductions exchanged, we sat down and the questions began to flow. “I became a father when I retired at the end of the 2008 Formula One,…

The Ritz-Carlton hotel was painted red as Taiwanese fashion house Shiatzy Chen celebrated its fifth successful year in Malaysia. Present was guest of honour Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh, alongside Shiatzy Chen founder, Wang Chen Tsai-Hsia. Guests who came from far and near—China, Macau, Taiwan, Hong Kong and more—were treated to a dance reinterpretation of a classic tale during dinner. THE INSIDER For their A/W 2016 collection, Shiatzy Chen drew inspiration from the Chinese legend, Journey to the West…

Anya Hindmarch hosted an intimate evening preview of the brand’s pre-fall 2016 collection at its KLCC store. Using innovative leatherwork techniques such as heat fusing and leather marquetry, the collection examines pixilation and colours, adding a fun and vibrant vibe to the pieces in-store. THE INSIDER An app was launched to create pixilated artwork for your own photo. Share it on social media by using the hashtag #PIXbyAnya…

Be transported to a time of romance and allure through Atelier Versace’s Fall 2016 collection. The stunning creations explore new ways of draping fabric that is caught in dramatic twists, as if frozen in the moment. Imagine a woman undressing and as the fabric falls and crinkles, time stops—freezing the dress forever in that instant. Reveal a flirtatious peek of the shoulder with jackets that were intentionally designed to fall off the shoulder or opt for an evening dress that is full of poise and elegance. You’ll be taken by surprise with a kiss of sparkling embellishments that appear spontaneously like starbursts. Even the heels add a sense of modern sophistication with leather falling nonchalantly over the foot. The beautiful collection transcends the beauty of control and flow, merging seamlessly…

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NOTE TAKING Top notes are the first scent; heart notes, the main essence; and base notes add depth Wait thirty minutes for the fragrance to bloom EDT carries 5-10 per cent essence, while EDP contains 10-15 per cent…

ON THE 85TH BIRTHDAY of the iconic Reverso and for the 10 years that the maison has been the official timekeeper for the Cowdray Park Polo Club, the maison has done something special to commemorate the winners of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship, the most prestigious polo tournament in the world at a 22-goal level. To honour the competition, the manufacture engraved four Reverso Grande Taille watches which were presented to the winning team by brand CEO, Daniel Riedo. With its timeless chic Art Deco style, the Reverso Grande Taille is a true gem in the Reverso collection, sporting a Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 822, a hand winding mechanism movement containing 134 parts and a 45 hour power reserve. The timepieces came engraved with the date of…

Let me just say, you’d have to be living under a rock to not notice that there is a revolution taking place in KL. Our nation’s urbanites are swapping out sugary frappucinos for cold-pressed juices and are ordering healthy lunchboxes to be delivered straight to their desks or homes. Exercise options have now expanded beyond the typical gym visits or jog-around-the-neighbourhood variety. Taking care of one’s health is no longer seen as a luxury, it is now also a trend and necessity. Leading the charge for this revolution is PurelyB, a digital enterprise that was launched in May last year. It’s too early right now to call PurelyB a unicorn business, like that of Uber, Airbnb or Snapchat. That being said, from this writer’s point of view, PurelyB ticks off…

There’s never a quiet moment at this old-school kopitiam. On a weekday, each table has an order of either the ubiquitous Yut Kee roti babi, a golden pillow stuffed with minced pork, or the Hainanese chicken chop, doused with glistening mushroom gravy alongside fried potatoes and mixed veggies. Jack Lee is the second-generation owner, who runs the restaurant with his son Mervyn. Both work in harmony, communicating customer orders to their staff, packing cakes, tallying bills and catching up with regulars. It’s the typical scene for a busy kopitiam. Yut Kee was founded by Jack’s father, Lee Tai Yut, a Hainanese who arrived in Malaya at the beginning of the 20th century. Tai Yut cared for the household staff of famous miner, Choo Kia Peng. In 1928, he set up…

WHERE ONCE the savvy fashion consumers of Asia would focus primarily on international brands, a whole crop of local designers has emerged to win their admiration and custom. From minimalist chic to print-heavy dresses, from wonderfully elegant modern couture to exciting sportswear, their work is exciting a demanding crowd at home and earning acclaim and commercial success on the global stage. Here are five of the Asian game-changers making their mark on an appreciative world. Ms Min Liu Min describes her look as “edge with ease, ease with edge.” It’s a clever way to sum up an aesthetic that’s equal parts classic and cool, and a label that is growing to epitomise what modern Chinese women want from fashion today. With designs often labelled a “yin-yang of masculine and feminine,”…

ITALY HAS been abuzz with criticism of the Currado family’s sale in July of the famous Barolo winery Vietti, founded in 1873, to US convenience store magnate Kyle Krause for more than 50 million euros. It was scandalous that an Italian family had given up part of the national patrimony, critics declared. “After hundreds of years in the hands of an Italian family, the history was forever changed in one minute with the signature of the deal,” one wrote. What’s so bad about an American family buying a top Piedmont winery, especially if the Italian family no longer wants to own it? The Currados are going to stay and manage Vietti, keeping its 34 hectares of some of the best vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco in capable hands. The wines…

There’s a romantic and sentimental appeal of the Laura Ashley lifestyle that makes the home and living environments a touch more cosy and prettier, a vision that fills you with warmth at just the thought of returning home after a long day. Laura Ashley’s new home collections in both soft and sumptuous colour palettes not only work to enhance the spirit of your abode, but also draws in visitors with its timeless sophistication. A celebration of Laura Ashley’s floral trademark, the Ambleside collection features wisteria in a colour palette of eau de nil, duck egg and pistachio, lending the room a slightly greyed-off feel. Neutrals abound but checks and oversized horizontal stripes engulf accessories, rugs and throws, while a soft gold, metallic finish adds a modern touch. This wisteria roomset…

GETTING THERE Direct flight from Hong Kong or Singapore to Johannesburg, then a one-hour flight to Maun and a short hop to the island. WHEN TO GO The peak season is winter and spring (May to November) when the plains are fully flooded, the temperatures are cooler and the animals are easier to spot. Birdwatching is at its best in summer and game viewing is good all year round. Anyone who has lived in Southeast Asia will be unperturbed by the dry heat. BEACH AND BUSH As wonderful as safaris are, 5.30am wake-up calls aren’t exactly relaxing. Which is why most people complement their wilderness trip with a little pampering elsewhere. South African Airways has just launched direct flights from Maun to Cape Town (where Belmond owns the bubblegum-pink Mount…