Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2023 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Filmmaker Jazzie Silona is creating videos designed to remind Hongkongers of how incredible their hometown is. He spoke to Tatler about how growing up in the Middle East influenced him, his favourite movies, and why sharing his knowledge is so important. TATLER MALAYSIA Lim Yu Lin, an artisan and the owner of Ang Eng boutique, a kebaya store in Kuala Lumpur, gave Tatler the lowdown on the traditional blouse, and what it takes to make an authentic Nyonya kebaya. TATLER PHILIPPINES Composer Anya Lagman spoke about the hurdles she faces as a member of a minority while making a mark in the industry, and the empowerment she gains from using music to celebrate her community. SHANGLIU TATLER Novelist Jin Yucheng, known for the award-winning Blossoms, is also…

For years, Asians on screen were exoticised or reduced to clichés. With monumental achievements, including the seven‑Oscar sweep by the Michelle Yeoh vehicle Everything Everywhere All at Once, it is clear that the entertainment industry is at a turning point. The spotlight on Asian representation in Hollywood is brighter now than ever, yet these victories in visibility are undeniably hard‑won milestones in a long struggle for cultural recognition. They also come at a time of rising anti‑Asian sentiment during the Covid‑19 pandemic. But it is progress, much of which is being driven by changemakers such as Adele Lim. The Malaysian producer, director and screenwriter amplifies Asian soft power—a term used to describe influence through economic and cultural prowess rather than coercion or military might—through authentic storytelling. Lim was in Singapore…

Ever felt that spine-chilling sensation, the kind that tiptoes along your skin when darkness falls? It’s a universal thrill, connecting us across cultures and generations—that is the magic of horror. It taps into the core of our imagination, a place where the shadows hold secrets and fears take shape. Every culture’s horror is a unique expression of its own identity and landscape. In the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysian horror is a genre with a twist. While it embraces the classic fear of the unknown, it is deeply rooted in the country’s cultural tapestry. Whether it’s the mystical world of spirits or the captivating folk tales that echo across the Malay archipelago, we draw inspiration from indigenous traditions and age-old superstitions steeped in Southeast Asian moral values. At the forefront…

“If I’d just hung around for six more months, I would have been a chartered accountant,” says tech entrepreneur Patrick Grove of his early career, when he joined now-defunct accounting firm Arthur Andersen. But even though he had completed most of the chartered accountant exam, he was eager to start an internet company in Asia: it was 1999, and the dotcom revolution was beckoning. This was an era marked by a proliferation of startups, when investors were pouring money into tech companies as the world eagerly anticipated the dawn of a new era—the digital age. So Grove left and started a dotcom company called Catcha.com, which went on to grow at breakneck speed. A year later, just as it was about to go for an IPO on the Singapore stock…

FEATURE In the world of fashion, few names resonate as powerfully as Louis Vuitton, a symbol of luxury, innovation, and timeless style. Enter the visionary creator, the man of the hour, who is poised to illuminate the iconic brand with his unique vision and indomitable spirit. Pharrell Williams, the appointed creative director of Louis Vuitton, invites us into his world and unveils his journey, inspirations, and the essence of his inaugural collection. Williams pushed his success in his fashion career with his involvement in streetwear labels like Billionaire Boys Club and ICECREAM prior, which primed him for his current role. “In moments like this, when you’ve been chosen to do something, the sun is shining on you,” Williams says about his first Louis Vuitton collection. “If the sun is shining…

Richard Mille’s successor to the groundbreaking RM 030, the RM 30-01 comes in either a red gold case with a titanium caseband, or a full grade 5 titanium version. The watch is powered by the automatic RMAR2 calibre that boasts the innovative declutchable rotor that disconnects from the winding mechanism when it’s fully wound. This avoids over-winding, which can eventually cause degraded chronometric performance. The power reserve indicator is clearly inspired by the racetrack while the oversized date at 4 o’clock is a common feature that should please Richard Mille fans. These minute repeaters are going to be music to your ears LIQUID COOL Marking its 10th anniversary, independent Swiss watchmaker HYT unveiled the Conical Tourbillon Titanium Blue, integrating an inclined tourbillon to enhance chronometric performance. Inspired by 1920s horologist…

HOMES The tasteful grandeur of this project in Kota Kemuning Hills was the result of a nuanced and open dialogue between the clients and the designer. Nik Ida Juliana, founder and managing director of IDent_3, refined the initial concepts in such a way that the language of classic European architecture was translated into a statement of clean modernity. One challenge was that the renovation of this residence was a major undertaking. The original structure had been in a bad state of disrepair due to the fact that it had stood empty for 15 years. Almost 2000 sq ft was added to the L-shaped structure, bringing the total area of the built-up space to 8700 square feet. All these extensions were essential, as the aim was to achieve a sense of…

“Growing up with an acute awareness of what’s happening in the world and how it’s affecting our environment, we always say that we’re cleaning up the previous generation’s mess”— TAYLOR FRANKLE Founded in 2014 by Ally Frankel and her daughters, Taylor and Jenny, Nudestix broke onto the beauty scene with its unique “go nude but better” philosophy. The multitasking make-up sticks, encouraging users to embrace natural beauty, were groundbreaking at a time when trends put a heavy emphasis on using an armoury of products to achieve full glam looks every day—from glamorous cut-creases down to the perfect base, complete with full contouring and ultra-high coverage foundation baked to perfection. With its signature black tin box, Nudestix was also one of the early proponents of clean, vegan beauty and sustainable packaging.…

Disruption—the popular ethos adopted by the startup world—is ingrained in the very fibre of Patrick Grove’s being. So it is not surprising that Grove, chairman of Catcha Digital Berhad, would—unlike a typical C-suite personality—agree to hop, skip, and hug a wood-panelled block for this photo shoot with Tatler. When we approached him for this month’s cover profile, he was the one who first suggested an AI-inspired photo shoot, even humorously suggesting images of him surrounded by computer cables, “like spaghetti.” He was joking and improvising but the Tatler team further refined on his ideas, drawing inspiration from Grove’s favourite action movies—such as Mission Impossible—to bring his story to life (p.70). It’s not the first time Tatler has executed an AI-inspired shoot, but it’s the first occasion where a chairman so…

SOMETHING BLUE Alongside its 125th anniversary celebration and exhibition in New York, German luggage brand Rimowa has dropped another star-studded campaign, Never Still 4, featuring Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, football superstar Kylian Mbappé and K-pop idol Rosé. The Blackpink star says, “As travelling has become an essential part of my life, I’ve realised that home has become more of a state of mind than a specific place. It’s a collection of memories, experiences and people that provide a sense of belonging.” Her appearance also served as a teaser for a new collaboration between two LVMH-owned houses: Rimowa is bringing back vanity cases produced in collaboration with Tiffany & Co that are specially designed to safeguard jewellery. BRITISH ROYALTY A symbolic emblem of the house, Alexander McQueen’s seal bag…

Diptyque, a renowned French brand, is often associated primarily with candles and fragrances. Surprisingly, its origin story diverges from the typical pursuit of a fragrance empire. In fact, it can be considered one of the world’s first concept stores. Established in 1961, the inaugural boutique on Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris came to life through the creative minds of Christiane Montadre-Gautrot, an interior designer, Yves Coueslant, a set designer, and Desmond Knox-Leet, a painter. Initially, as recounted by Elesabeth Boucheron, Diptyque’s archivist, their merchandise comprised fabrics of their own design, but it swiftly expanded to encompass eclectic discoveries from their worldwide journeys, spanning from luxurious textiles and linens to playthings and tableware, in addition to rare incense and colognes from the United Kingdom. In the words of Boucheron, their journey gradually…

Celebrating 75 years of the Serpenti, Bulgari launched new additions to its high jewellery collection this summer, paying tribute to its iconic emblem. This piece features nine Zambian sapphires, weighing 40.81 carats. The design incorporates contrasting elements, such as white diamonds and intense sapphire blues, and juxtaposes the strong neckline adorned with a serpent head with the graceful movement of tassels. Creating this necklace requires about 1,400 hours of meticulous craftsmanship; the diamond settings, reminiscent of scales, highlight Bulgari’s expertise and heritage when it comes to jewellery design. Talismans that help unlock your personal charm FIND YOUR WAY Inspired by a “compass rose”, Dior debuted the Rose des Vents fine jewellery collection in 2002, a line which introduced creative director Victoire de Castellane’s vision to the world. Renowned for geometric…

It is a busy evening in Four Seasons Hotel Singapore when we meet Randall Park at the crowded One‑Ninety Bar for this interview and photo shoot. Dressed in a simple black sweatshirt paired with muted grey trousers and his signature thick silver chain, Park manages to look composed despite having got off a long‑haul flight just hours earlier. Yet, there is a hint of disorientation as his eyes dart discreetly across the room filled with participants of the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2023—held in the hotel and at which he was a speaker—post‑event networking session. Time is of the essence here: we only have one hour before Park has to get ready for the inaugural Gold Bridge dinner. The event, held in partnership with social impact collective Open Circles, celebrates…

The first thing you learn about cognac is that it’s made from eau de vie, by definition a colourless, unaged fruit brandy whose name translates literally to “water of life”. It’s easy to draw parallels between this evocative term and the sleepy town of Cognac that gave the more familiar spirit its name, found in the bucolic heart of the Gallic countryside through which the Charente river—the languid body of water that gives this fertile region life and which King François I is said to have dubbed “the most beautiful river in the kingdom”—wends its way. Sitting on the riverbank at the apex of the Charente’s northward bulge above the town of Cognac is the Château de Bagnolet, the former estate of the Hennessy family and the brand’s current home.…

Party season is almost here and it’s time to get ready for it. From showcasing your best skin forward and enveloping your body with a sensorial scent, consider your beauty routine for the festivities covered and prepped to look polished for back-to-back invitations! ACE THAT BASE A serum is a fundamental step in every effective skincare routine. Yet, finding your perfect serum match can be confusing. Powered by 400 awards, 16 patents and decades’ worth of research, look no further than Lancôme’s super-concentrated, super-active, n°1 Super Serums: barrier-strengthening Advanced Génifique, age-correcting Rénergie HCF Triple Serum, and Clarifique Pro-Solution brightening serum. With better skin, you can now look flawless and have full coverage that lasts all day. Lancôme’s new and improved Teint Idole Ultra Wear’s patented formula defies expectations and aims…

THE SCENE | POWER & PURPOSE Gabrielle Chanel’s emblematic flower, the camellia, has been at the core of the French luxury label since its inception, continually remade and reworked throughout the years. This time, Chanel Beauty’s N°1 de Chanel skinrejuventating line celebrates the long-lasting benefits of the red camellia flower. The red camellia, scientifically known as camellia japonica, is a stunning and revered flower that has long captured the hearts of gardeners and herbalists alike. But did you know that this evergreen shrub, distinguished by vivid crimson blooms and glossy, dark green leaves, is also a source of several beauty and wellness benefits? Red camellia extract, obtained from the seeds of this captivating bloom, is a natural skin elixir. It deeply moisturises your skin and is high in vitamins and…

MAX MAK Max Mak is a Kuala Lumpur-based fashion stylist with more than a decade of experience. His work has been featured in The Peak, Marie Claire, Female and Harper’s Bazaar. He’s also worked with brands such as Bonia, Samsung and Watsons. For Tatler, Mak styled Patrick Grove for our first AI-inspired cover shoot. HASAN HEJAZI Since his graduation from the London College of Fashion nearly 15 years ago, Hasan Hejazi has worked as a stylist, designer and creative director. He is the founder of his eponymous luxury womenswear brand, which has been worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue, and has also directed high fashion editorial projects, which have been seen in Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire Arabia and The Document Journal. For Tatler’s fashion shoot, he…

Having grown up in a royal family, Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz often observed the dedication that her parents, the late Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Sultanah Bahiyah, had for their home state of Kedah. Being graduates of prestigious institutions like Oxford and Nottingham universities, Tunku Puteri Intan’s parents were firm proponents of education, believing that the education of women in particular was crucial to the advancement of Malaysian society as a whole. “My parents were very open-minded and very forward-thinking people for their age and generation,” muses Tunku Puteri Intan. “They were also very devoted to community work their whole lives. One thing I learnt from my father was how to be present as a leader. My parents gave their complete attention to whatever…

Growing up in a middle-class family, Rahmah Pauzi remembers being surrounded by books and quickly outgrowing what would be considered children’s books. “I kind of got over Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and such quite fast, and started picking up on non-fiction material. When I was seven or eight, I began reading newspapers, and the headlines really captivated me,” reveals the eldest of two children. While thrilled to be able to relate to adults and understand the goings-on of the time, Rahmah also realised the power of media. “I started noticing how accessible and influential newspapers can be. That was also when I realised that real life can sometimes be even more dramatic than fairy tales and fiction,” she shares. And it’s this revelation that made her want to pursue journalism. “I…

Joe Khoo and Tommy Yong were childhood friends who shared a dream of becoming entrepreneurs. They were inspired by Amazon’s success in the e-commerce industry and decided to start their venture in 2009. They launched iStore iSend, which provides e-commerce fulfilment services with a fully optimised warehouse management system that automates online operations. Today, iStore iSend has evolved from a warehouse and fulfilment business to a technology-driven company that develops its Order Management System and Warehouse Management System. It has also expanded its presence across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Singapore. Our name reflects our core business of storing and sending packages efficiently and effectively. We provide storage and shipping services that are essential for fulfilment operations. We are an intermediary link in the supply chain, connecting…

Yesshminni M.R Ravindran greets us with a smile, wearing a flawless white saree paired with a formal black blazer and a thin belt—a combination you don’t typically see. With her creative eye and imaginative use of repurposed excess fabric to elevate and modernise her saree looks, it’s easy to see how this young entrepreneur embraced fashion startup life. “I think it’s about time that we view traditional clothing—not just Indian traditional clothing, but also Malay and Chinese traditional clothing—as a fashion statement in its own right. It’s not a taboo to wear it to work and it’s not uncomfortable. Just wear it!” enthuses the 27-year-old, who is one half of the duo that founded Yeshan Sarees, an ethnic Indian fashion house that emerged in 2015 on Instagram. Eight years later,…

OBJECTS OF DESIRE BUTTER ME UP Not only is this buttermilk yellow one of the most luxurious shades in the pastel family, it’s almost guaranteed to make people instantly happier and warmer just by looking at it. It’s also becoming the new neutral: designers are ditching beige and opting instead for a heavy slathering of butter on everything from sheer dresses to puffer coats. Smooth. IN THE HOOD Wearability and practicality were among the key takeaways from the shows for this season, so don’t be surprised that the built-in hood is now a chic addition to many garments. The detail was seen across collections, ranging from Prada’s industrial parkas to Bally’s faux-fur outerwear. Styling can be versatile too: add a trench coat, pair with floor-length skirts, or embrace the (nearly)…

How do you balance your creative vision with the house codes of Boucheron? I do not consider these notions as [being in opposition]. It’s always important for me to pay tribute to the maison’s history, and to stay true to Frédéric Boucheron’s vision. When I started working at Boucheron, I spent a lot of time going through the archives so I could thoroughly understand the philosophy of the maison. What fascinated me was the richness; there seemed to be no desire to synthesise the archives into various aesthetics; it was so varied. Frédéric Boucheron was the first to use rock crystal and mix it with diamonds, which was audacious at the time. Today, we perpetuate this tradition of innovation and daring by maintaining this freedom to create. Preciousness is generally…

The first thing that strikes you about Sri Lanka is the overwhelming lushness of it all. Gazing down from a descending aeroplane, a thick, verdant blanket coats the entire island, from the dramatic, mist-laden peaks of the evocatively named Knuckles Massif, falling away into gentle parallel ridges as the Central Highlands merge with the lower elevations of the coastal plains. On the ground, vegetation threatens to gobble up the world—roadside shacks are routinely and effectively dismantled by creeping vines, their roofs crumbling into the red earth; while banyan trees dot the landscape, their aerial roots dangling downwards to erect entire forests over the ages. All of this is to say that Sri Lanka is a bona fide biodiversity hotspot, with over 400 species of birds and 100 species of freshwater…

ONE LAST LOOK Minstrel Kuik is a Chinese-Malaysian artist who works across a range of mediums, including photography, drawing, poetry, textile, mixed-media assemblage and installation. Kuik’s practice is interested in the role of experience, memory, women’s writing, and pattern-making. Here she brilliantly uses graphite and colour pencil on paper, to produce this intriguing piece. Featured as part of her solo exhibition, Story Time, a couple of months ago, the series ponders on the process of art-making itself. Exploring the potency of images to forge connections between the eye, the hand, and the soul of the artist, Kuik circles in on the idea of picture-making as a cognitive exercise. She approaches it as a deeply interior process requiring self-reflexivity, feeling, and heightened modes of attention, with the ability to synthesise previous…

“Imagine visiting a beautiful city with exquisite architecture and gorgeous sceneries; you would instantly be attracted and feel comfortable right? Similarly with our appearance, even if it’s as simple as maintaining our personal hygiene and grooming, it will make a lasting and pleasant impression,” says the Dr Nadzri Mokhtar, who qualified as a doctor in 1999, then specialised in functional, integrative and aesthetics medicine back in 2004. “Of course for others that like to do a bit more work and come to see me, I would assess their overall physical health, emotional and mental motivation first. Aesthetics is not about plumped-up lips or frozen faces, with stretched-out skin and nary a line or wrinkle, but rather a personal sense of style and standards that a true aesthetician must have a…