Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Catherine Ku is bringing Schiaparelli’s audacious, whimsical approach to fashion across Asia. She shared why she’s a big fan of people who make daring sartorial choices. TATLER MALAYSIA Tatler caught up with Rizman Nordin and Ruzaini Jamil, the brains behind Malaysian label Rizman Ruzaini, who created a show-stopping look for Naomi Campbell at Dubai Fashion Week. TATLER PHILIPPINES Alice Eduardo, the president and CEO of Sta Elena Construction and Development Corporation (SECDC), has led her company to become a significant player in the country’s infrastructural development sector. She revealed to Tatler (some of ) the secrets to her success. TATLER TAIWAN Chef Kai Ho, whose Taipei establishment Taïrroir became one of the two restaurants awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide Taiwan 2023, is one of Tatler’s…

OLIVIER YOAN French photographer Olivier Yoan has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo and Roger Vivier. He is also the creative director of online platform The Ené, a directory of eco-conscious businesses and retailers around Europe. For this issue, Yoan photographed the fashion shoot in London. JULIA QUANTE Based between her hometown of Berlin and Paris, former fashion journalist Julia Quante stumbled into styling by accident 13 years ago, after a test shoot she worked on was chosen for publication in Vogue Italia. Since then, she has styled for high fashion, jewellery, luxury cars and cosmetics brands, with her work appearing in both major titles and independent magazines. She styled this month’s photo shoot for Tatler. CHUAN LOOI Chuan Looi is a sought-after photographer whose work has…

A Malaysian physician with international experience in the public, private, non-profit and think-tank sectors, Dr Khor Swee Kheng is also the co-founder of the Malaysian Health Coalition (MHC.) “Back in 2020, there was a brief moment where Malaysia didn’t have a prime minister or a health minister due to a political transition. As such, together with some colleagues of mine in the field, we believed that uniting the health professions was crucial to protect public health and strengthen our health system in apolitical ways, especially during an uncertain pandemic,” says Khor, explaining the reason behind the inception of MHC. The MHC essentially aims to enhance healthcare quality, accessibility, and affordability in Malaysia. “There are 53 member societies and NGOs in the MHC now, comprising doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, paramedics, speech…

Ask any parent you know about what is most important to their child’s upbringing, and the common answer you’ll receive is the word “education”. Traditionally, success was measured by grades and prestigious university admissions. However, in a rapidly evolving world, the definition of quality education has expanded. Beyond academic achievement, there is a growing emphasis on holistic education, focusing on character development and soft skills. This shift challenges the conventional belief, championing a more comprehensive approach that nurtures the mind, body and spirit. We sat down with renowned British educator and head of Epsom College, Sir Anthony Seldon, an advocate for holistic education, to understand what makes a good education. “Holistic education is about balance,” Seldon asserts, dispelling the notion that exams are the sole measure of a student’s success.…

Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah is the athletic daughter of the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. She shares her father’s love for polo, and dedicates almost every waking hour to developing her skill and endurance in this highly demanding sport. “When I’m not playing practice games, off the horse I train with my personal trainer on polo conditioning,” the 39-year-old sportswoman explains. “My goal is to progress further with the use of sports science in my polo development—training smart, improving physicality, flexibility, nutrition and mindset.” She shares with Tatler how her early school days were peppered with sporting team events after class, with her equestrian prowess emerging as young as four years old when she began riding and showjumping. It was not until she was studying for her law degree…

COASTAL ATHLEISURE After the buzz of mermaidcore last summer, designers are continuing to take inspiration from aquatic life. Scuba fabrics and coastal prints are all over the runways of Gucci and Louis Vuitton. If a full-on printed look is too much for your personal brand, experiment with interesting accessories to amp up the sportiness. COLOUR RENDERING Ever since a model in ombré pink and yellow turned all the heads at the Chanel Cruise 2024 show and Matthieu Blazy put out the perfectly paired lookbook for pre-spring at Bottega, it’s clear that colours are better mixed this season. Designers are experimenting with interesting colour combinations on all textures, from harmonious tone-on-tone blends to embracing the striking contrast between warm hues and cool shades. INNER CIRCLES Capes, capes, capes! Whether long or…

On a misty October evening, guests showed up at the site of Beijing’s Hanlin Academy, an elite scholarly institution established in the eighth century, during the Tang dynasty. “It was a starting place for many successful figures in Chinese history,” says Frédéric Arnault, CEO of Tag Heuer since 2020, appearing fresh and energised despite his busy schedule, which included tours of cities across China and press interviews ahead of the event. “It is the perfect location for [showcasing] the new ‘success’ watch,” he adds, referring to the Carrera gold watch that originated in 1971. The Carrera Chronograph earned its “success” nickname back in 1971, when Jack Heuer, the great-grandson of the brand’s founder, decided to gift Ferrari F1 drivers gold timepieces as a gesture of camaraderie. To mark the 60th…

The rise of Asia in the tech industry is not just a regional phenomenon but a global game-changer. The continent is rapidly becoming a technological trendsetter, influencing the world’s future in numerous ways. The Belt and Road Initiative, driven by China, is connecting countries through digital infrastructure, creating new opportunities for commerce and communication. Asia’s tech giants are also involved in groundbreaking projects like smart cities, clean energy solutions, and space exploration. These ventures are redefining the way nations collaborate and compete in the global arena. Once seen as the world’s factory, the continent has now become a powerhouse of innovation, with major players like China, India, and South Korea leading the charge. CHINA’S UNSTOPPABLE RISE China has displayed unparalleled tenacity in its pursuit of technological dominance. Through companies like…

In an age marked by growing environmental consciousness, Monaco’s heartbeat echoes with a resounding symphony of sustainability. At the forefront of this eco-conscious revolution is His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the reigning monarch and visionary leader of Monaco, whose commitment to a sustainable future transcends mere rhetoric; it weaves seamlessly into every aspect of the principality’s identity. Following his recent visit to Malaysia for the Monaco Economic Forum 2023, he offered a glimpse into Monaco’s eco-centric journey, revealing a narrative that intricately intertwined economic vitality with an unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. Reflecting on the beginnings of his foundation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, His Serene Highness delved into the environmental legacy instilled by his late father, Prince Rainier III. “In my father’s time, we were already…

AZRAN OSMAN-RANI Asia’s Most Influential 2021 CEO and co-founder, Naluri Azran Osman-Rani is an experienced business leader with over 20 years’ experience in building new, innovative, and disruptive businesses that challenge the conventional status quo. A proponent of holistic health, he started Naluri—a digital health company that provides affordable mental and physical health coaching. The inspiring business role model and sought-after speaker also wrote a book, 30 Days of Curiosity and 30 Years of Purposefulness, where he shares a fresh and unorthodox take on creating an entrepreneurial culture that can transform how businesses operate. Formerly clinically overweight, he transformed into a passionate health and fitness enthusiast, eventually becoming an Ironman triathlete. His gruelling recovery from a major road accident while training to rejoin Ironman in less than six months is…

The managing director for Moët Hennessy Diageo Malaysia and Singapore, Patrick Madendjian, began his career in cosmetics. “A recruiter approached me with an offer from LVMH; I thought ‘Who wouldn’t want to work there?’ imagining a role in the LV segment. But as interviews progressed, I realised it was for a role in the MH side,” Madendjian laughingly admits. He started at the maison’s French headquarters in marketing, focusing on product development and campaigns for the premium range of Hennessy. Around five years later, he moved to Mexico, still in marketing, but this time in a distribution role for the spirits portfolio. After serving as a general manager in South Africa, he arrived in Asia, first in the Philippines, then Vietnam, now currently in Malaysia and Singapore. Going into his…

Two unforgettable nights celebrating fashion, music and Malaysian performing arts, Nickson Auyong and So Jing Theng’s wedding had more surprise twists and musical numbers than a Broadway play—and the happy couple wouldn’t have had it any other way. The day started with a heartfelt tea ceremony and lively gatecrashing games, followed by a ROM ceremony and the exchanging of vows at the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, where the glittering wedding reception kicked off in true theatrical flair. “Our theme was Vogue, Red Carpet, Theatre. We love music, fashion and performing arts, so we incorporated these creative elements into our wedding reception, envisioning a wedding like no other and reimagining what a traditional wedding dinner could actually be,” muses So, who is a product director for IT distribution company Techdata Systems.…

Siti Aishah Hassan was a university student when she visited several low-cost housing projects in Kuala Lumpur, where she talked to parents and children about their knowledge on sexual and reproductive health. Realising the lack of information and awareness on these issues, she was inspired to pursue a career in educating and empowering people on these vital topics. In 2015, she established the Spot Community Project, a volunteer-driven initiative that educates young people in Malaysia about sexuality. Spot’s programme aims to provide accurate and culturally sensitive information on sexual and reproductive health. In 2023, Spot delivered its programme to 6,936 students in 30 Malaysian schools. Additionally, workshops were conducted in 12 universities and colleges, reaching 1,116 students. I am someone who works at the grassroots level. People have suggested that…

In a world where travel is not just a journey but an expression of style and consciousness, Tumi stands as the epitome of sophistication, performance, and meticulous attention to detail. Join Malaysia’s beloved celebrity power couple, Awal Ashaari and Scha Alyahya, famously known as Schawal, on a high-energy, monochromatic journey that mirrors the sleek and structural elegance of Tumi’s 19 Degree and Georgica collections. In their hands, Tumi’s luggage becomes not just a functional accessory but an integral part of their sartorial expression, seamlessly blending the boundaries between fashion, travel, and a conscious lifestyle. FORM MEETS FUNCTION Crafted from durable and light polycarbonate or superior aircraft-grade aluminum, the 19 Degree collection transcends mere luggage; it’s a statement of refined aesthetics and robust functionality. The exterior ribs, precisely angled at 19…

Founded by Charles Delvaux in Brussels in 1829, Delvaux is the oldest fine leather goods house in the world. A truly Belgian brand, it was born a year before the Kingdom of Belgium came into existence and has been crafting and designing without interruption in its workshops since then. Official purveyor to the Royal Court of Belgium since 1883, Delvaux has always shared and celebrated Belgian cultural references and values. Charles Delvaux is known as the inventor of the modern handbag. A visionary of his time, he anticipated the necessity for women to keep their precious belongings at hand as Belgium became the epicentre of the global travel revolution, with the highest density of rail networks by 1875. He filed the first-ever leather handbag patent in 1908. The brand remains…

The Lady Dior is a timeless icon that embraces the art of reinvention. A perfect balance of modernity and elegance, it’s no wonder this epitome of Dior style was a favourite of the late Princess Diana. Since launching the Dior Lady Art initiative in 2016 under creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior has invited numerous international artists to transform the Lady Dior into wondrous objects of desire, reinforcing a legacy dedicated to artistry, savoir faire and an embrace of the unexpected. In 2023, the esteemed line-up of talent included Mircea Cantor, Jeffrey Gibson, Gilbert & George, Ha Chong-Hyun, Lee Kun-Yong, Mariko Mori, Ludovic Nkoth, Hilary Pecis, Mickalene Thomas, Zadie Xa, Michaela Yearwood-Dan and Xu Zhen. Indulge in a round-up of some of our favourites: HILARY PECIS The Garden of Eden…

The RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection Endless Summer is a vibrant journey into the heart of summer, inspired by the Memphis design movement of the 1980s. These watches boast a playful blend of contemporary and traditional elements, with ceramic and patterned rubber materials enhanced with explosive colours. The collection is a testament to the Richard Mille philosophy of combining ultramodern with traditional watchmaking, while the unique guilloché dials, handcrafted by expert artisans, add a touch of elegance. The ceramic’s lightweight, fade-resistant nature ensures enduring appeal. Available in shades of powder blue, blush pink and lavender. Setting vintage vibes with a touch of modern sophistication NEXT LEVEL LUMINATION Bell & Ross is well-acquainted with luminescence, and its latest BR-X5 Green Lum takes glow-in-the-dark to a new level by incorporating the innovative…

Evoking the glamour of old Hollywood, Tiffany & Co’s Jean Schlumberger collection pays homage to the famed jewellery designer’s most iconic pieces for the brand; one standout jewel from the new high jewellery showcase is the Bird on a Rock necklace, a contemporary take on Schlumberger’s original design that debuted in the 1960s. Worn by Tiffany brand ambassador and supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the necklace features a brilliant, oval-cut morganite at the centre, perched on a platinum base. The bird motifs have beaks made of gold, while their bodies are accentuated with white diamonds. Start your year on a deep- to-apple-green note WE SAID YES Winter brides, this one’s for you. The HW Logo Diamond Collection by Harry Winston manifests an exquisite blend of tradition and innovation. It uses the brand’s…

WELLNESS Amid exposure to ice baths, hot saunas, breathwork and talks about superfoods at a biohacking summit in Finland, Yap Yann Fang—founder and CEO of Beauty & Co Clinic—found a sliver of peace and balance. She had gone to the summit without any expectations and when she came back, her physiotherapist asked, “‘What did you do in Finland? Your body is perfect.’” Yap shares, “Normally, I always have pain and numbness in my knees.” It’s been a journey for Yap—a self-experimentation escapade that has now poised her to revolutionise fitness and wellness for CEOs and business leaders in Malaysia. For over 20 years, Yap has been a determined entrepreneur navigating the unpredictable world of the beauty and wellness industry. But in 2022, she found herself at a crossroads: her professional…

It’s a funny thing to reminisce about an era you never lived in. And yet, many travellers (Tatler included) find themselves romanticising the bygone glamour of travel in Europe. Perhaps it’s a desire to return to the simple things—the timeless joys that the region does so well. After all, in that corner of the world, pleasure is not a privilege, but an essential part of life: conversations over wine under the shade of citrus trees, days spent—never wasted—doing nothing but soaking up the sun, or carving through azure waters on a vintage speedboat on the French Riviera. Often at the heart of these experiences is a fabulous hotel; and Europe is home to many. We explore some that have been recently reimagined without losing the classic touches that have made…

Welcome to the start of a new year, where new possibilities seem to stretch up to the moon and back. As the world continues to evolve and new technologies emerge, it’s important to explore and understand the many different facets of modern life. In consideration of our Wellness issue, we’ve woven a common thread among the varying topics and the stories within—that of constant improvement. Let’s start with one of the world’s oldest-known team sports: polo. Tatler spent a day with HRH Princess Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah—the athletic daughter of the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah—at Putrajaya Equestrian Park for this month’s cover story. In October 2023, she participated in the Agong’s Cup Tournament 2023, where the Brunei polo team emerged as champions. Princess Azemah also made history as one…

At just 18 years old, Bertrand Rhodict Lises has created a splash in the realm of diving. Carrying the weight of expectations on his shoulders, his unexpected advancement to the final of the men’s 10-metre platform individual event at the World Aquatic Championships 2023 in Fukuoka not only made headlines but also distinguished him as the first Malaysian to clinch a spot in the forthcoming Paris Olympics. Lises’s journey into the world of diving had a whimsical start. Initially coerced into swimming, a sport that failed to ignite his passion, fate intervened. Next to the swimming pool lay a diving pool, and it was there, at the age of four, that Lises found his true calling. “I actually have a family background (in sports); most of my family members are…

In June 2023, Malaysia became one of only four emerging markets worldwide to achieve more than 20 per cent female representation on the boards of its top 100 public-listed companies (PLCs). According to data from the Securities Commission of Malaysia, women held 30.6 per cent of board seats in the top 100 PLCs listed on Bursa Malaysia and nearly 25 per cent of seats in all PLCs. It’s a significant milestone, considering that in 2021, Bursa Malaysia required all PLCs to appoint at least one female board member by June 1, 2023. All this is meant to get closer to a tipping point (30 per cent, in this case) that researchers say is a necessary stepping stone towards achieving greater inclusion in the corporate world. “Numerous studies have shown that…

When Dato’ Sri Martin Lui first encountered dzi beads, he was an established civil engineer with property developer SP Setia. Never could he have imagined that a single instance with a mystical gem would change his fate. “I bought my first dzi in Ipoh from a crystal dealer. When I held it, I felt an electric shock, and my curiosity grew,” the 57-year-old feng shui master recalls fondly. Unlike crystals, dzi refers to tubular beads with motifs indicative of various blessings, from wealth, luck and protection to longevity and familial happiness. These mysterious relics first appeared in ancient Tibet between 2000 and 1000 BC, often starting as earth-formed agate, with patterns intentionally crafted or unveiled through human intervention. “Dzi beads pass down between generations, and they are more valuable than…

In Malaysia, one in every five adults above 18 has diabetes, a staggering statistic experts predict will increase yearly. What’s more insidious about this disease is that one in every two Malaysian adults with diabetes is undiagnosed—at risk of developing conditions such as kidney failure, heart disease, blindness and more if the disease remains untreated. Nearly 80 per cent of adults with type 2 diabetes in Malaysia are overweight, with obesity being a main driver of diabetes. “A lot of people tend to associate diabetes with high blood sugar levels, but it’s so much bigger than that,” says Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur consultant endocrinologist Dr Saiful Kassim, who completed his specialist training in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Regional Centre of Excellence in Belfast, United Kingdom. “Diabetes has been redefined…

THE ORIGINALS Oscar-winning Malaysian megastar Michelle Yeoh joins two fellow actors, France’s Isabelle Huppert and Thai star Krit “PP” Amnuaydechkorn, as a brand ambassador for Balenciaga. The appointment for the Demna-led maison was less of a surprise after seeing the Everything Everywhere All At Once star sitting front row at the house’s couture shows and sporting its luminous gowns at a series of events. We can expect more exciting collaborations, following the film legend’s role in the spring 2024 campaign, sporting a timeless dress paired with the Crush bag. “For me, fashion is a form of art. It’s not just about a dress, but about self-expression, how you feel in the dress, and the values you embody wearing it,” says Yeoh. “It is a way to communicate my work and…

If anyone could interpret Christian Dior’s iconic New Look as a perfume for the 21st century, it would undoubtedly be Francis Kurkdjian. Renowned for his visionary approach and artistic flair in scent creation, Kurkdjian delved into the origins of his latest Dior fragrance, tracing it back to the house’s legacy in couture and its beginnings in perfumery in 1947. “To be true to Christian Dior, who wanted his perfumes to provide an olfactory reflection of his couture, I wanted to combine that perfect synergy between fashion and fragrance in a completely audacious style,” says Kurkdjian, who joined Parfums Christian Dior in 2021 as perfume creation director. Therefore, he aimed to create a perfume that echoes the spirit, nuances and essence of today’s New Look, which he code-named “cool attitude”, referring…

In 2017, Buccellati was bought by the Chinese firm Gansu Gangtai. What happened there? The Gangtai group bought only a part of the company. In the first year, they helped open up a lot of stores in China. But it was difficult to deal with them: the distance was a problem because they [would] never come to Italy; we would fly to Shanghai every month. It was a short period, only two years in the company’s 100-year [history]. But thanks to them, we [gained a lot of] experience and they helped us. How has your role changed since Richemont has taken over? The Richemont group trusted the [Buccellati] family a lot. So [there were] big changes in investment and they gave us the opportunity to open a new [educational] academy…

ONE LAST LOOK An abstract expressionist based in Kuala Lumpur, Jaee Tee regards texture as her language to create highly evocative works of art. Her piece, Nature Within Heart, tells the story of venturing through the mountainous wilderness and looking back to the reward of a breathtaking view, embracing a feeling of complete wholeness. For Tee, the steep slopes of mountainsides are a metaphor for the ups and downs of life, inspiring a rush of motivation, patience, and strength required on the journey to reach the pinnacle. As one grows older and attains wisdom from life experiences, this striking piece makes one contemplate the significance of lost aspirations; only upon realising this does one return to their true self. In a mix of inky black and grey juxtaposed with vibrant…