Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Mixologist Lorenzo Antinori left his role as beverage manager at the Four Seasons Hong Kong earlier this year to open a bar similar to those found his hometown. He told Tatler why a Rome-inspired hotspot is right for Hong Kong, and what he hopes it will teach customers about the beauty of simplicity and la dolce vita. TATLER MALAYSIA He’s only 22, but actor Meerqeen is already a household name and beloved by luxury brands. The rising star told Tatler about starring in a hit TV series and dealing with the unexpected struggles of his journey so far. TATLER PHILIPPINES The winner of the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines, 2023 Gen.T honouree Precious Paula Nicole sat down with Tatler to talk about the Precious Foundation, which…

WAN JANSCO Hong Kong-based Wan Jansco is many things: a garment production factory entrepreneur, tailor, fashion and costume designer, and stylist. Her motto? Be bold and break rules. For Tatler’s September fashion shoot, the subjects she styled embody period-defining cultural moments in China, Japan, Korea, India and beyond. ERIC CHOW Known for his style of high fashion photography, it’s not surprising to see Eric Chow’s work featured in fashion publications such as Citta Bella and Glam with his flair for the dramatic. This month, he photographed some of the honourees for Tatler’s Asia’s Most Stylish 2023. XERXES LEE A respected photographer who’s been in the industry for over 10 years, Xerxes Lee is known for his creative play on lighting and mood. His photographs have been published in Harper’s Bazaar…

SINGAPORE Less a trendspotter than a tastemaker, entrepreneur Cynthia Chua seems to possess an unerring instinct for creating successful concepts. Chua’s Spa Esprit Group currently owns 15 brands, ten of which are F&B outlets; these include Tiong Bahru Bakery, Common Man Coffee Roasters and Tippling Club. And yet the group is still very much known for its presence in beauty and wellness, where it got its start. The initial success of Spa Esprit in 1996 provided Chua with the impetus to create the waxing chain Strip, eyebrow grooming salon Browhaus, retailer Beauty Emporium, and luxury intimate care brand Two Lips, which opened its first physical store in late 2021. Today, Spa Esprit Group brands are in more than 70 outlets throughout Asia, including Manila, Bangkok, Shanghai and Hong Kong. TAIWAN…

MEET ME AT THE BAR If you step into the ground floor lobby of the JW Marriott KL and enquire about the “Private Chamber,” you’ll likely be directed to the upper ground store that belongs to The Starhill. However, hidden from the public eye, there’s a fourth, members-only Private Chamber that sits at the lower ground of the hotel. The Chamber, which is a passion project by Justin Lim that started out during the pandemic, has evolved into an exclusive multi-brand store concept with three commercial outlets. The other two, located in Sunway Pyramid and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, offer customers a choice of over 1,000 alcohol labels, ranging from craft beer to wines and spirits. In an exclusive sneak peek ahead of its opening this month, we explore what sets…

We are inside Roshan Valiram’s walk-in wardrobe in her residence at the St Regis, selecting clothes for her Asia’s Most Stylish photo shoot. “Sorry, my wardrobe here is sparse—it’s just occasion wear. My main wardrobe is [in Singapore],” she explains apologetically. She pulls out several outfits to show them off—a pink Brian Khoo jumpsuit with sequinned cut-outs on the side, a cropped Patty Ang top with a wide, encompassing bow edged with pearls—but stops as she excitedly unzips a garment bag to reveal a gorgeous black and white creation decorated with an elaborate three-dimensional rose fold. “I wore this gown for a friend’s anniversary party in Oman; it’s by a Filipino designer named Mark Bumgarner. I have to wear this!” While her vibe is a mixture of interesting statement pieces…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE GALANISTA Datin Carla Soong walked her first fashion show in her hometown of Ipoh at a friend’s birthday party. She was 14 and knew then, there was no turning back. Therein began the highlight of many modelling highlights. Since her debut, Soong has not stopped mesmerising the fashion community in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan with her striking good looks, poise and impeccable runway walk. Her career spans thousands of editorials, ad campaigns and fashion shows for top designers like Khoon Hooi, UnitedWood and Brian Khoo, and international labels such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Dior, among many others. Off the runway and outside her modelling work, Soong could hold up the elegance of a room. She moves through parties like a swan and…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE INGENUE She’s only six years old but the cherubic Skylar Raymond-Foo has captivated hearts with her undeniable charm and infectious smile. Her whimsical posts on Instagram (curated by her parents, Kim Raymond and Keith Foo, of course) have struck a chord with people of all ages; her journey from babyhood unfolds like a storybook, offering a glimpse into the young fashionista’s life intertwined with cherished family moments. When asked about her style icon, Skylar need not look far beyond her own mother, who was an Asia’s Most Stylish honouree in 2021. With Raymond’s unmistakeable fashion flair, she has undoubtedly passed down her style genes to her daughter, who already harbours dreams of becoming a fashion designer when she grows up. Both mother and daughter love…

FASHION PICKS An emblem of timeless elegance, the Lady Dior has forged a lasting legacy in the realm of fashion since its debut in 1995. A beguiling paradox of femininity and robust structure, this bag has undergone countless iterations over the years, yet it remains as the quintessential embodiment of the Dior legacy. In this particular creation, the lambskin styled Lady Dior features 3D leather flowers, each meticulously cut into distinct petal shapes and then individually embroidered onto the bag. What served as its inspiration? Cast your memory to the Miss Dior dress from the spring/summer 1949 collection, adorned with embroidered blossoms. That dress was said to be a tribute to Christian Dior’s sister, Catherine, who earned her the nickname “Miss Dior” due to her love for flowers. BUSINESS CLASS…

Delvaux was founded in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, in 1829. It is widely regarded as the inventor of the modern handbag, having filed the first-ever handbag patent in the world in 1908. For almost two centuries, Delvaux has earned a reputation for being the best in the industry for fine leather goods. It boasts a rich archive of over 3,000 designs, emblematic addresses around the world—including Saint-Honoré in Paris, New Bond Street in London, and Fifth Avenue in New York City—as well as an impressive clientele of the most stylish and influential individuals, from royalty to Hollywood celebrities. In fact, it has been the official purveyor to the Royal Court of Belgium since 1883. This fall, Delvaux makes its way to Malaysia with a luxurious boutique in Pavilion Kuala…

As we get older, we tend to lose muscle tone accompanied by a reduction in skin elasticity. This leads to visible transformations such as smile lines, sagging skin, and an aged appearance. Despite the abundance of beauty products and procedures targeting signs of ageing, no product has previously addressed both skin quality and muscle tone simultaneously. That is, until the advent of Emface, a cutting-edge treatment for facial rejuvenation. Developed by BTL Aesthetics, the company reknowned for pioneering body-shaping devices like the highly popular Emsculpt and Emsculpt Neo, Emface not only enhances skin quality but also concurrently tones facial muscles. According to Dr Nadzri Abdul Mokhtar, whose Nara Clinic specialises in integrative and functional medicine, “Emface brings the same technology as Emsculpt but is safely adapted for the specific purpose…

Digging up skeletons: openworked timepieces are making hearts race WEB DESIGN Roger Dubuis pushes design boundaries yet again with the Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph’s patent-pending flyback movement and lightweight 45mm carbon case; the column wheel, rotating minute counter and winged rotor take inspiration from supercar engineering. The integrated RD780 calibre comes with a Poinçon de Genève certification, while the vertical clutch and second braking system deliver superlative starts and precision, setting a new benchmark for flyback chronographs. The carbon case with notched ceramic bezel and rubber strap with tyre track pattern further reflect Roger Dubuis’s affinity for motorsports. Attention to detail and hyper-technical materials elevate the design, justifying the attention this watch is commanding in the luxury chronograph market. PRETTY IN PLATINUM The Lange 1 Time Zone in platinum displays…

Richard Mille has long been associated with the world of sports, and some of its friends and partners include the world’s top professional athletes. Continuing to build and strengthen these bonds, the brand teamed up with six outstanding sportswomen to inform its first women’s sports watch, the RM 07‑04 Automatic Sport. These athletes—current world No 1 golfer Nelly Korda; Ester Ledecká, Winter Olympics triple gold medallist for alpine skiing and snowboarding; Nafissatou Thiam, two‑time Olympic gold medallist in heptathlon; Ukrainian high jumper Yuliya Levchenko; and motorsports stars Aurora Straus and Margot Laffite—come from various disciplines, and each shared her unique experiences and requirements to help define the attributes of the watch. From the racetrack to the alpine slopes, the new RM 07‑04 Automatic Sport is built to take on whatever…

PROFILE Lee Jun-beom has accidentally birthed an F&B empire. After an abortive career in fashion, the South Korean entrepreneur has gone from setting up and cooking in his own restaurant in 2014 to owning and running 42 of them less than a decade later. They fall under the umbrella of his food and lifestyle brand GFFG, which stands for Good Food For Good—“for good” in the sense of “permanently”: quite the corporate statement of intent. GFFG has become known for a wide range of mostly American-style F&B concepts, combining stylish surroundings, approachable prices and a range of extremely Insta-friendly menu items—first and foremost, bakery chain Cafe Knotted’s range of visually sumptuous doughnuts, served in brightly coloured cups emblazoned with a lip-licking smiley, that it’s more or less impossible not to…

The Hallyu wave—the proliferation of Korean pop culture around the world—might have changed the face of the global cultural landscape as we know it, with BTS, Blackpink and Squid Game becoming shorthand for the proliferation of K-pop and K-dramas outside South Korea’s borders, so it’s certainly no stretch to imagine a world in the near future in which Korean cuisine attains the same astronomical levels of popularity. At the leading edge of this charge are Korean fine-dining establishments dotted around the world that are shaping and remoulding the cuisine into something altogether different, retaining the spirit of the peninsula’s gastronomy while incorporating local ingredients and customs into the fold. Here, we spotlight four restaurants around the world that provide a glimpse of the directions that K-cuisine could take in the…

Here’s the thing when it comes to the classics: you can’t beat them. But only because it isn’t the competition that we’re hardwired to think it is. Tradition and innovation aren’t opposing concepts; they can coexist harmoniously, especially in the context of cultural heritage. Music, one of the oldest art forms of human civilisation, is one such cultural heritage that reflects the zeitgeist of the times. Taking into account the increasing interconnectedness of the world and its influence towards musical behaviours, the styles unique to every region have undoubtedly evolved, though their essence remains largely untouched. And the Malay gamelan, deeply intertwined with Malaysia’s national identity, embodies the delicate balance between past and present. While rooted in its Indonesian origins, the Malaysian gamelan is distinguished between two styles: the Johor…

From Taekwondo to swimming, Khiew Hoe Yean has found his calling in the water. The young Malaysian sensation from Kuala Lumpur has been making a splash in the swimming world with his impressive performances. Khiew started swimming at the age of seven and has competed in international events at age 12, eventually joining the Malaysian national team at just 17 years old. He is now one of the rising stars of Malaysian swimming. The 21-year-old has achieved many feats, including winning seven gold medals at the 2019 Asean Schools Games in Indonesia. He also made history by clinching Malaysia’s first swimming gold medal at the 2021 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Games in Vietnam in the 200m freestyle event and retaining his title in early 2023. In his own words, Khiew…

Tatler Dining’s street food festival, In the Mood for Food, was held over three evenings at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC) Piano Lounge in partnership with Sime Darby Property. One of the most coveted addresses for luxury living, the resort was chosen for its unique balance of leisure, culture, nature, and sustainability. Eight iconic restaurants, chosen for their contributions to the local dining scene, created innovative dishes exclusively for the event. The establishments were Biang Biang Noodle Bar, Dáo, Fowlboys, Hijau Kuala Lumpur, Madam Kwan’s, Pablo’$, Phil’s Pizza, and Waig by Chipta11a. The theme of the event was Coachella, and guests arrived dressed in their festival-best. KLGCC’s Piano Lounge was transformed for the night, complete with a neon ferris wheel and colourful umbrellas. Upon arrival, each guest…

There are certain sartorial expectations when you belong to a fashionable family, and if you’re a Chandran, there is no escaping some serious glitz and glamour. Clothes, costumes and dressy ceremonies are all part of the family’s rich tapestry. “My dad used to dress us in very crazy outfits—we used to think we were like clowns walking anywhere, right?” Trunan Chandran asks his older brother, Terimunite Chandran, who nods and smiles back at him. “Back in the day, we’d be dressed in all his fashion outfits, like sequins and stuff. I think I was 12 or 13… I’d be thinking, among my friends, no one ever wears sequins—it’s so uncomfortable,” Trunan adds. Their dad is designer extraordinaire Dato’ Sri Bernard Chandran, who is also an honouree of Tatler’s Asia’s Most…

Loui Lim is known for his jet-setting lifestyle and the wardrobe to go with it. Whether he’s partying it up in Las Vegas or getting down to business in Asia’s biggest capital cities, the Genting Group scion is always the best dressed at every occasion. “Fashion is my source of confidence and creativity, and it has become a big part of my image and self-expression,” he says. He walks us through his everyday looks: “For a casual look, I like to incorporate vintage elements into my outfits, such as a distressed leather jacket and the effortlessly elegant Apple Watch Racing Sport case by Golden Concept. In the evenings, I gravitate to well-tailored suits, slim-fit shirts and finished with simple but elegant accessories, such as Graff ’s statement rings.” Lim is…

BEAUTY The skin may appear to be nothing more than a casing for your inner soul, or a surface to be shaved, sprayed, powdered, moisturised, lotioned, painted and otherwise controlled for reasons of beauty, comfort or vanity. However, it’s been clear for a long time now that the skin is not only the largest human organ but also one of the most vital in the body: its functions are far more complex and diverse than predicted decades ago. As with our eyes, ears, nose and tongue, the skin is one of five sensory organs that channel information to our brain to help us perceive the world and make cognitive decisions like what coffee you’d like to have in the mornings or where to go for your next vacation. In an…

CELINE KWAN Hong Kong “If you don’t feel beautiful, how are you supposed to create beautiful things?” asks Celine Kwan, the Hong Kong-born, London-based designer who graduated from Central Saint Martins, customised pieces for singer Lizzo and staged her work in the Love of Couture: Artisanship In Fashion Beyond Time exhibition in Hong Kong—all within the past two years. You can feel the infectious enthusiasm emanating from the young designer when she speaks and also of course, from her energetic, made-to-be-seen, often dramatically floral designs. Her work is the result of her upbringing in both the east and the west. Kwan left Hong Kong to attend a boarding school in the UK when she was 12, and there found her passion for fine arts and design. “Humour is a very…

ART COLLECTORS Both men’s and women’s looks are embracing artsy prints—or giant paintings that could be art pieces of their own. A statement piece could be perfect for your coming gallery visits or art fair trips. POWER DRESSING Did designers predict the release of Apple TV+ docu-series The Supermodels with their September plans? This season sees the 1980s and early 1990s being brought back in a big way, with a particular focus on remixed power suits, outsized proportions and gorgeous hourglass frames. Keep the momentum going with bold accessories: think belts and chunky jewellery. AMETORA REDUX Ametora, or “American traditional style”, started in Japan in the Eighties, and was seen taking over the autumn-winter 2023 menswear runways. The history of Japan’s sartorial relationship with Americana got an upgrade, with brands…

SEOUL CITY GUIDE As Frieze Seoul kicks off the art fair circuit this autumn with its second edition, collectors, gallerists and visitors are descending upon the city to discover all its cultural offerings. The fair’s director Patrick Lee calls Seoul home, and has over 15 years of experience in the art world; he previously served as the executive director of Seoul-based galleries Gallery Hyundai, and One and J. Lee recommends his favourite places to visit in the city—from a hole-in-the-wall bar to all the cafés and bookstores frequented by the creative crowd when they take a break from the fair. What are you most looking forward to most at this year’s edition of Frieze Seoul? A highlight of this year’s programming will be Frieze Film, co-curated by Serena Sungah Choo…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR When it comes to style, my eclecticism is in full bloom. The effort I put into getting dressed could range from zero to gung-ho and the styles run the gamut of minimalistic to cottage core. What then is my style? Depends on what day of the week it is, where I am, my mood, if pictures will be taken and who I’m with. So much of personal style is underpinned by philosophical and sociological motivations. As much as we think we have sole influence over our appearance decisions, we are all bound to some degree to societal conventions, expectations, or the views of others. Some people prioritise their personal comfort and expression, and some dress for external affirmation. The most stylish among us though, balance between…

Fashion is more than just the clothes you wear; it’s a form of self-expression that extends to your choice of home decor. In this feature, we sit down with the director of Omar Khan Rugs to explore how the lifestyle brand not only elevates spaces but also makes a powerful fashion statement. To truly understand the essence of Omar Khan’s designs, we delve into his creative process and approach. Khan shares, “Over the years, my design process has evolved significantly. While I used to follow patterns and trends, I now design from a place of authenticity, aiming to tell a narrative that breathes life into each piece.” This shift is beautifully seen in his latest collection, Mystical Markings, where he skilfully employs iconography. Each intricately crafted rug conveys a story…

Born and bred in Cambridge, England, moving to Kuala Lumpur was not always on the cards for Keith Hooker, who took on the role of executive chef at The St Regis Kuala Lumpur since March 2021. However, as we chat in The Brasserie, located on the second floor, I learn that he oversees the operations of the hotel’s dining establishments which include The Drawing Room, Crystal and The Astor Bar, and has no plans to leave. “The beauty of Malaysia is the genuine interest people have in food—everything revolves around it from casual conversations to weekend plans,” chuckles Hooker. The amicable chef found a love for the culinary arts during Home Economics classes in high school, deciding to swap books for knives at the age of 16. After working in…

In celebration of the 30 honourees from Malaysia on the Tatler Gen.T List 2023, a sit-down dinner was organised at the Frangipaani restaurant in Damansara Heights, an upscale suburb on the western side of Kuala Lumpur. The Leaders of Tomorrow event was attended by more than 50 guests. This included 2023 honourees Danutcha Catriona Singh, Mohd Nizam Abdul Razak, Melvin Chee as well as past years’ honourees Shin Tseng, Zac Liew and Khairun Nisa Zabidi. Yasmin Rasyid, Bikesh Lakhmichand, Adlin Yusman and Omar Mahmoud were also in attendance as members of the Gen.T Tribe, the expert panel that helped to decide the final list of honourees on this year’s list. During the event, Bell & Ross dressed honourees Justin Chan, Zare Lee, Shin Tseng and Mark Koh with the urban…

Awal Ashaari rose to fame in Malaysia in the early 2000s as the charismatic TV host of beloved reality series Malaysian Idol, One in a Million, and Mari Menari. He won even more hearts as a leading man on hit TV series and films, including Impak Maksima and Syurga Cinta. Since then, he has also emerged as one of the country’s most stylish celebrities, known for his unique and daring dress sense. He names David Beckham as his style icon: “I love the fact that he has found his style over the years after experimenting and taking risks during his younger days.” Like the famous footballer, he puts an emphasis on quiet luxury and everyday comfort. “I enjoy pushing boundaries and trying out new styles but on most days, I…

“As a child, I was very insecure because I never ticked the boxes of conventional beauty standards. I have dark skin and curly hair. Fashion became a safe space and outlet for me to express myself,” says creative director, stylist and former fashion editor, Mughni Che Din. From emo and goth-punk to preppy and streetwear, he looks back on his different style eras with fondness. These days, his style is geared towards easy, breezy resort aesthetics to survive the Malaysian heat. “But I wouldn’t say my personal style is fixed. I like to revisit those eras. Sometimes, I pair them with each other so that the two worlds meet.” He adds, “My style is always evolving but stays true to who I am; it’s an amalgamation of all the different…

Known among her friends for her happy-go-lucky nature, Sally Quah has an unwavering passion for fashion that translates to her own lighthearted and fun approach to style. Her over 56,000 Instagram followers avidly follow her fashion adventures as she embarks on pilgrimages to fashion capitals several times a year. For Quah, who is a financial controller at Loob Holding, fashion is more than just passion; it is a means of bonding with her loved ones, just like her mother did with her when she was little. “Granted, I was the only daughter,” she laughs. “Now that I have children, it brings me great joy to pass on valuable life experiences, instilling in them the core values of kindness, honesty and respect, and guiding them on what is worth investing in.”…

My mother is the lens through which I learned about Malaysian culture,” shares Azura Lovisa. Since 2018, the London-based, Swedish-Malaysian fashion designer has been putting out collections inspired by her Southeast Asian heritage. Crafted from heritage handwoven raw silk textiles, Azura’s genderless designs draw inspiration from her own family archive of photographs from the 1950s and ’60s and incorporate traditional aesthetics from the region. Her designs are often paired with gold-plated earrings, brooches and charms, which she creates in collaboration with jewellery designers Tanaporn Wongsa and Birgit Frietman. Taking the shape of spices like chilli, peppercorns, garlic cloves and star anise, the jewellery references ancient Malay customs, including the folk magic practice of susuk— the ancient art of embedding charmed gold needles and diamond shards under the skin. There has…

Congratulations on the recent opening of Buttonscarves’ new store at Pavilion Mall in Kuala Lumpur. How does this achievement make you feel? LA: Thank you. It is indeed a moment of great significance for us, as it not only marks a major milestone but also represents a groundbreaking feat as the first Indonesian brand to grace the halls of Pavilion Mall. We are filled with pride and a sense of accomplishment, knowing that our modest brand has found a home in such a prestigious location. Could you share some insights into the journey of building the Buttonscarves brand? What were some of the challenges you faced? LA: The journey of building Buttonscarves has been a remarkable one, filled with both triumphs and trials. At the outset, we encountered resistance from…

Naomi Julia Soegianto has emerged as a remarkable trailblazer in the jewellery industry, defying the odds with her unwavering resolve and unparalleled talent. Despite the male-dominated nature of the field, Naomi’s relentless determination and fearless spirit have shattered barriers, proving that gender is no hindrance to success. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the esteemed jewellery business, Naomi’s passion and tenacity were nurtured by her father’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Rather than viewing her role as a challenge, she embraced the complexities of leading a revered family enterprise, transforming them into opportunities to showcase her mettle. Reflecting on her awe-inspiring trajectory, Naomi humbly acknowledges the pivotal milestones that have shaped her path. In 2017, she founded NJS Gold, immersing herself in the art of jewellery manufacturing. While she attributes…

For the first time, the urban contemporary BR 05 has been chosen to be the limited-edition timepiece for Alpine Formula 1. Bell & Ross has partnered with Alpine since 2016, back when it was known as Renault. It was rebranded in 2021 to give its obscure sports car brand, Alpine, greater exposure and a better chance to succeed. What this meant also was that the familiar yellow livery associated with Renault was replaced by the Alpine blue, which has been the dominant hue of the Bell & Ross Alpine editions since the rebranding exercise. Regarding Bell & Ross’ decision to stay with Alpine, chairman of the brand Carlos Rosillo said: “What brings the two entities together is the same passion for precision mechanics and high performance. Through this prestigious partnership,…

Treasures of the sea: Corals and Pearls GOLDEN ROPES The Summer Lariat Necklace by De Beers features a double rope of twisted yellow gold finished with precious rough-cut diamonds encrusting pear-shaped drops at the end of the rope. The sliding clasp and sculptural curves of white diamonds cinch the yellow gold bands, lending the piece fluid yet mysterious movement that softens the design. The gold ropes can be adjusted to varied lengths with the movement of the central clasp, making it a versatile piece that can be worn many ways. AZURE BRILLIANCE This necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels features two spectacular blue-green tourmalines totalling over 40 carats—one is a cushion-cut gem of 16.26 carats attached to the choker, the other is an oval-cut stone of 27.7 carats set on…

From Haegue Yang to Lee Bul, some of Korea’s most recognised contemporary art superstars are female, and this year’s Frieze Seoul is celebrating a number of them. From those who were trailblazers in their time to those who are just starting out and worth watching, here are five to make time for at the fair. SINAE YOO (b. 1985) Part of a new series of works titled Post Truth, Sinae Yoo’s graphics-like paintings challenge our perception of reality, truth and fiction. Video games and advertising influence her distinctive aesthetic, which reflects her interest in exploring how our understanding of the world can be potentially manipulated and shaped. Yoo’s works will be on view at Cylinder gallery’s booth in Frieze’s Focus Asia section. RHEE SEUNDJA (1918-2009) Little known during her lifetime,…