Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Simon Wilson, the brains behind the hugely popular Fork Lore Instagram account, told Tatler why supporting the local F&B industry is so important to him and the secrets behind his successful vox-pop-style videos. TATLER MALAYSIA GX Bank’s CEO Lai Pei Si explained why she is leading a financial services revolution with a goal of democratising access to banking services that high-income individuals and city dwellers take for granted. TATLER PHILIPPINES Award-winning director and Gen.T 2024 honouree Zig Dulay spoke about the power of movies and how he is driven by the desire to entertain, educate and inspire viewers by telling authentic Filipino stories. TATLER TAIWAN Joyce Teng is the leader of the Taiwan Equality Campaign and a 2024 Gen.T honoree, leading her team in efforts to build…

A woman with over 30 years’ experience at top financial institutions like HSBC, Citibank, and most notably, Maybank Investment Bank, where she served as head of new clients and business development, Azizah Mohd Yatim is just as much a learner as she is a leader. “Moving from the banking industry to the stock market industry was a learning curve,” says the first-time CEO of the newly independent entity CGS International Securities Malaysia, following its demerger from CIMB Group Holdings in December 2023. “The capital markets are totally different because you’re dealing with public-listed companies, retailers, and generally a different target market than banks. My journey has been a mix of learning, desire and opportunity,” adds the former executive director of leading brokerage firm KAF Equities. Taking over CGS International Securities…

Tatler Asia is set to revolutionise the luxury hospitality landscape with the launch of Tatler Best, an initiative presented in partnership with Tumi, that will showcase and celebrate the crème de la crème of hospitality in Asia. Under this exciting new sub-brand, we will unveil a definitive list of 100 exceptional hotels, 100 remarkable restaurants and 100 outstanding bars, all meticulously curated by Tatler’s discerning team and a panel of esteemed industry experts. Tatler Best serves as the ultimate insider’s guide to Asia’s most exquisite experiences, building on the legacy of our Tatler Dining Guide, a trusted culinary bible for gastronomes published annually over the last four decades. Beyond these lists, Tatler Best will offer a comprehensive ecosystem of luxury, with city guides, city takeover experiences and a collectible guidebook…

In Southeast Asia, food waste has become a serious problem, with nearly 50 million metric tonnes of food discarded yearly. The environmental impact is significant, as decomposing food in landfills releases methane gas, contributing to climate change. Yanni Ching Xin Yan, a Malaysian entrepreneur, aims to tackle this issue using an unlikely ally: the black soldier fly. Along with her co-founders, Thomas Pui and Vic Pui, Ching leads Entomal, a company focusing on biowaste treatment and organic by-product upcycling. Entomal has developed a solution for food waste management, dubbed the Entomal Mobile Bioconversion System, which uses black soldier fly larvae to convert food waste into valuable products. The company has partnered with various organisations, including Taylor’s University and Impact Circle, to promote sustainable waste management practices and reduce waste in…

Being stylish doesn’t necessarily require a keen interest in fashion. And Tatler Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 honouree Ines Maria Reyna, widely known as Maria Musa, is proof. “Fashion has never been a strong love of mine,” the Peruvian-born, 89-year-old great-grandmother says. “Rather, I’ve accommodated it according to my steps in life.” If style is more about confidence, personal expression and knowing what works best for one’s physique and personality than fussing over fashion trends, then Maria is the personification of that concept. Her 27-year-old grandson, Kaelen Isa Aiddie Azhari—her escort at this Tatler interview and photo shoot—describes her style as “timeless elegance,” likening her classic grace and charm to those of Sophia Loren. “I don’t have a style—it’s very simple and straightforward,” Maria says with characteristic composure. We beg to…

Although Ferhat Nazri Aziz is professionally a branding consultant for luxury brands, he’s best described as a globe-trotter for life, always never in one place and embracing new adventures in impeccable style. His passion for fashion ignited at 17 while studying in London, where weekends were spent hunting for vintage pieces and working part-time in boutiques along King’s Road and Old Bond Street. When he got his hands on his first pair of Vivienne Westwood cutoff jeans, he knew that “fashion was going to be a huge part of my life.” A defining moment came at a Moschino party, setting the stage for his career in Malaysia. Ferhat’s style journey, from a young fashion enthusiast to an industry tastemaker, is as vibrant and eclectic as the man himself, ever-evolving yet…

Fondly known as Lara, the CEO and founding partner of M&C Saatchi Kuala Lumpur developed her discerning eye and inimitable taste during her formative years abroad. It was during her year in Paris at the age of 19 that she credits her sartorial awakening, where she truly grasped “the allure and influence of fashion culture.” She recalls, “Despite a limited budget, I immersed myself in trends and developed a keen eye for fashion, drawn to its beauty and transformative power.” Fluent in French, Lara’s ability to merge art, fashion and beauty reflects her deep understanding of the world. Her trailblazing spirit is well recognised, being the first Malaysian woman to receive the Business Leader of the Year award at the Women Leading Change Awards in 2019. Her leadership style, from…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE INNOVATORS The executive director of Binwani’s Fashion Group and the creative director of his menswear label, Lustro, Vijay Binwani comes from a lineage with a storied legacy in Malaysia’s textile industry. His family’s influence in this sector has shaped his understanding of style and its profound impact on identity. At just five years old, Binwani experienced firsthand the transformative power of fashion during visits to his father’s retail store, where he often received compliments from clients. These simple gestures left an indelible mark on him and taught him an invaluable lesson: style is not merely about clothing; it embodies confidence, self-expression, and the ability to leave a lasting impression. “It made my dad feel proud and gave his clients confidence that the Binwani family had…

Dressed entirely in black, Eleen Tan’s monochromatic wardrobe stands in sharp contrast to the vibrant artwork surrounding her. A fashion illustrator and art lecturer at First City University College, Tan admits that her family wasn’t initially supportive of her decision to major in illustration. They were concerned she would end up drawing portraits for strangers as a street artist just to make ends meet. “I managed to persuade them after receiving a full scholarship from The Star Education Fund, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have turned my passion into a career,” Tan says. Fashion illustrators are visual artists that create stylised sketches for clients. Through vibrant illustrations, they convey the mood of a garment, object or accessory through colour and proportions, offering a sense of its movement or presence…

Dame Patricia Ann McGrath, best known as Pat McGrath, is a true icon in the world of beauty. Often called the legendary Mother of Make-up, this moniker barely scratches the surface of her revolutionary impact as the most influential make-up artist of our time. An artist in every sense, she has continally pushed the boundaries of make-up since the dawn of her career in the early ’90s, redefining the industry with her innovative approach. Amid the glamour and splendour of the fashion world’s most iconic runways, where fashion transcends clothing to become pure art, McGrath’s artistry is the keystone that anchors this magical realm. With every brushstroke, she adds layers of narrative and depth, transforming models into living canvases that embody her legacy as a visionary trailblazer. Her eponymous brand,…

CERAVE Developed with dermatologists and endorsed by the National Eczema Association, CeraVe’s non-comedogenic, oil-free and lightweight formula features a blend of three essential ceramides to lock in moisture and restore the skin barrier. Available at pharmacies. MELVORY Melvory is developed by an Australia-based pharmacist, Elaine Yong, driven by her frustration at seeing her children suffer from itchy and painful skin. Her products are formulated with skin superfoods to help restore skin health. The Manuka Moisturising Baby Butter, enriched with Manuka oil, vitamin F, avocado oil, sea buckthorn oil and rosehip oil, is great for both babies and adults. The creamy, nourishing butter doesn’t leave a greasy residue and has a pleasant vanilla and coconut scent. Order at melvory.com. CLAIRE ORGANICS Using fresh, high-quality natural ingredients, founder Louise Chu named the…

De Bethune dropped the DB Kind of Grande Complication? Hold my beer. Packing over 22 years of relentless innovation and artistic craftsmanship into one timepiece, master watchmaker Denis Flageollet and his team have created a double-sided, flippable case, hosting a myriad of complications such as a perpetual calendar, spherical moon-phase and ultra-light titanium tourbillon. The leap year indicator is strategically positioned at three o’clock, enhancing legibility against the starry sky background on the dial. Its reversible case, equipped with floating lugs and a cam-operated indexing system, ensures perfect alignment and comfort on the wrist. This watch isn’t merely worn; it’s experienced. With their unexpected shapes, these watches will help you think out of the box…

The ancient Egyptian city of Amarna, established in the 14th century BC, inspires Boghossian’s Queen Papyrus parure. Crafted from jadeite, emerald and diamond, the piece reinterprets the papyrus motif and reflects the artistic freedom observed in the city. The juxtaposition of shining emeralds with matte jadeite pays tribute to the verdancy of the Green Room, a chamber in Amarna’s northern palace known for its nature-related artworks. Wear it as a sautoir necklace, or let the pendant trail between your shoulder blades for unexpected allure. Summer may be on its way out but these resortwear staples will turn up the heat at any time of year…

In a dazzling tribute to the sea, Chaumet unveils Ondes & Merveilles, a 69-piece high jewellery collection capturing maritime beauty. The series marks a historic first for the venerable house, which has never before dedicated an entire haute joaillerie line to the ocean’s splendour. Here, we examine four standout chapters of the nine-part aquatic treasure trove, demonstrating Chaumet’s undeniable virtuosity in translating abstract concepts into wearable works of art. Rippling radiance is embodied in À Fleur d’Eau, creating the illusion of shimmering water droplets dancing on gentle waves, captured in diamonds and white gold. The collection realises this ethereal vision with exquisite artistry, featuring marquise-cut diamonds strategically set on multiple levels. The pièce de résistance is a fully articulated necklace, its fluid movement enhanced by a detachable 7.18-carat pear-shaped diamond…

If you find yourself in South Korea and decide to indulge in top-grade beef, chances are you’ll encounter Hanwoo, a native breed that has roamed the Korean peninsula for over 2,000 years. But it’s not just any old cow. Like the better-known Japanese Wagyu, Hanwoo boasts exceptional marbling, only with less fat content, and a distinctive, robust flavour that sets it apart. Raised free-range in the South Korean countryside, Hanwoo cattle thrive on a diet of grain or grass and occasionally beer-enriched feed. Its high price tag is driven by quality and the fact that demand significantly exceeds supply. South Korea has even less land for rearing its indigenous cattle than Japan; and Hanwoo are smaller creatures. This scarcity, coupled with the breed’s superior attributes, places Hanwoo in the same…

ONE LAST LOOK Soefara Jafney is an illustrator and art director with a distinct affinity for portraying women. Cik Siti Wan Kembang is depicted in Soefara’s series titled Timeless Titans, which honours real and fabled women who have left an indelible mark on history. Cik Siti Wan Kembang was a Malaysian princess and a skilled fighter who led an elite army of women warriors to war on horseback. She ruled Kelantan with wisdom, strength, and benevolence for 30 years during the 16th century. The state’s prosperity earned her the admiration of her people and attracted merchants from distant lands, including the Middle East, cementing Kelantan as a vibrant trade hub. It is said that she nursed a wounded barking deer (kijang), which became her cherished companion. In her honour, the…

It’s easy to look at a stylish individual and perhaps assume they are born that way. In fact, stylish individuals possess a complex set of underrated competencies: a highly developed sense of creativity, allowing them to envision and create visually appealing outfits; an intuitive sense of fashion, deciphering trends, patterns and colour palettes to combine pieces cohesively; a curiosity for culture and craftsmanship that lead to an appreciation for heritage, history and artistry; and a discerning eye for detail with a deep understanding of themselves, so that they look their best. Capturing our attention this way are the 10 honourees for the Malaysian edition of Asia’s Most Stylish (AMS) 2024 on page 64. They dress themselves as they see the world and as they see themselves, each of them going…

Lauded as the prima “ballerina of the people,” Lisa Macuja (also Elizalde) is a cultural icon in the Philippines who has achieved the incredible feat of bringing ballet to the people and people to the ballet. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has performed lead roles in over 300 full-length ballets, gracing stages in 90 cities across five continents. She began studying ballet at the age of eight. In 1982, at age 18, she received a two-year scholarship from the USSR’s Ministry of Culture to study at the Leningrad Choreographic Institute (now the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet) in St Petersburg, Russia. She graduated in 1984 with top honours and was invited to join the world-famous Kirov Ballet (now Mariinsky Ballet) as a soloist, making her the…

Celest Thoi’s affinity with the world of bridal fashion began with her own wedding two decades ago. Unsatisfied with the options available, she decided to design her own wedding dress. This experience ignited a spark within her, and soon, she found herself helping her friends with their own wedding gowns. What started as a personal project quickly transformed into a business venture in New Zealand before she eventually relocated back to Kuala Lumpur. Reflecting on her career thus far, Thoi considers her greatest professional achievement to be the bonds she has formed. Over the past 20 years, she has navigated the highs and lows of the industry, always grateful for the support of her clients and friends. “I am truly grateful for the amazing friendships I’ve made with many of…

Before Sua Kim Seng became the managing director of Lightcraft Group of Companies, he was a young man determined to find his true calling. The Malacca-born entrepreneur started working at 18, exploring ventures in tourism, car rentals and used car sales. He also gained six years of experience in banking before venturing into his current role. “I learned to listen, be ready to serve others and stay open to learning. It was important to think positively and master quick decision-making. Most of all, I swallowed my pride. There was simply no room for ego,” Sua says, reflecting on his early working experiences. Sua describes his journey into the lighting industry as a matter of chance. “A friend proposed the idea of going into the business. He invited me to visit…

The St Regis Kuala Lumpur Paying homage to the hotel’s founder, John Jacob Astor, The St Regis Kuala Lumpur’s mooncakes are presented in trunks reminiscent of elegant suitcases, some adorned with Swarovski crystals. Lotus seed paste single yolk mooncakes are available in sets of four or eight, with an exclusive collaboration pairing the Classic Mooncake Trunk with a bottle of The Macallan Rare Cask. Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur Housed in an array of gift boxes adorned with floral patterns, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur’s mooncakes are available with traditional fillings like white lotus seed paste as well as modern incarnations such as black truffle or pandan. The sets range from the Blossom Bliss Gift Set, which includes four mooncakes, to the Celestial Treasure Gift Set, pairing eight varieties with a tea set. Banyan…

Eyka Farhana—born Wan Atiqa Farhana Wan Sarmizi—knows how to make an impression. In the TV series Dukun Diva, Eyka plays a juvenile delinquent named Lola, who schemes her way through Kuala Lumpur high society alongside her aunt under the guise of being bomoh (shamans). What stands out visually in the dramedy is Eyka’s projection of Lola, who is trendy in a way that aligns with the character’s rebellious, street-smart personality—a Nineties grunge aesthetic, complete with a boyish haircut, relaxed AC/DC tees and big, expressive eyes. Those dramatic eyes are Eyka’s distinguishing mark—not just as a distinctive facial feature, but as a window through which she conveys a wide range of emotions that connect deeply with audiences across her many roles. “To be honest, I’m still learning [how to] express myself.…

As the wife of renowned designer Rizman Nordin, Nurida Suraya understands the impact of a strong style statement. “It’s key to expressing who I am and shaping first impressions,” she says. Her passion for fashion blossomed after meeting her husband, with a standout moment being the first time she wore a dress he designed for a special event. This experience highlighted fashion’s transformative power on personal confidence and perception. While Nurida favours minimalist designs with clean lines, she draws inspiration from figures like Angelina Jolie, who seamlessly blend classic pieces with a modern edge. Working alongside her husband as the COO at Rizman Ruzaini, she considers the label’s debut at Dubai Fashion Week in October 2023 a significant milestone, particularly with supermodel Naomi Campbell closing the show in exquisite Rizman…

“It was more than just clothes; it was about how I wanted my style to speak to the world” A jack of many trades, Hadri Hashim is a versatile entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio, including roles in the F&B industry, modelling agency management, fashion label creation, and aviation operations. His ventures include Thursdvys, Topboi Citizen, Tact Loungewear, and Ottojett, each contributing to his multifaceted identity. Hadri began his journey in fashion during his college years in Melbourne at the age of 19, inspired by the streetwear culture. He was particularly influenced by brands like Ice Cream and Billionaire Boys Club, and he admired Pharrell Williams for his distinctive style. His wardrobe serves as a personal narrative, blending past influences with his current aspirations as a multidisciplinary entrepreneur. At the heart…

THE FRONT ROW HONG KONG Edan Lui Singer, Mirror and actor SINGAPORE Charmaine Seah-Ong Video producer, The Secret Little Agency MALAYSIA Ferhat Nazri Aziz Branding, marketing and PR consultant, Ferhat Nazri Aziz Consulting PHILIPPINES Alexandra Rocha Araneta Entertainer and entrepreneur, Pinkerton Ice Cream Donny Pangilinan Actor Sarah Lahbati Actor James Reid Actor and singer TAIWAN Regina Lei Actor THE ICONS HONG KONG Sabrina Fung Group managing director, Fung Retailing SINGAPORE Bee Yan Ong Founder, Fashion for Cancer, co-founder, 1degreeC and model MALAYSIA Maria Musa Businesswoman PHILIPPINES Heart Evangelista Global fashion icon, visual artist and entrepreneur TAIWAN Naiwen Yang Singer THAILAND Sombatsara “Tue” Teerasaroch Founder, Tue Company THE INNOVATORS HONG KONG Kay Kwok Designer and founder, KWK by Kay Kwok SINGAPORE Jasmine Sokko Singer-songwriter MALAYSIA Vijay Binwani Executive director, Binwani’s Fashion…

Louis Vuitton’s 2024 High Jewellery Collection—Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds—celebrates the extraordinary, transformative period of 19th-century France with French savoir faire and inventiveness. The first Chapter begins with 11 themes and 100 extraordinary pieces, tracing its journey from the end of royal court rule, when France’s ateliers and craftsmen were given free rein to explore and experiment, inspiring an explosion of talent that infused all realms of craft, from woodworking and textiles to jewellery making. “France in the 19th century was a phenomenal time of incredible change,” marvels Francesca Amfitheatrof, artistic director for watches and jewellery. “The design language of Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds reflects that—all its intricacies, complications and innovations—turned into incredible jewels.” In 1837, the arrival of a 16-year-old Louis Vuitton in Paris coincided with the cultural renaissance taking…

Last October, news broke that Chemena Kamali will be returning to Chloé as its newest creative director. Having begun her fashion career at Chloé as an intern under Phoebe Philo’s team and later rejoining in 2013 as its design director under Clare Waight Keller, Kamali’s appointment to helm the house marked a full-circle moment—one that everyone knew was only destined to happen. Because if there’s anyone who truly understands the core spirit of Chloé, it’s Kamali. Come February 29, the third day of Paris Fashion Week for fall-winter 2024, Kamali is set to debut her homecoming collection for Chloé, a collection that manifestly underscores her profound connection to the house. Kamali’s vision for Chloé was evident from the very first look: a silky black leather capelet draped over a cream-hued…

The worlds of automotive and fashion, though seemingly disparate, are interlinked in more ways than one might expect. While cars and clothing serve fundamentally different purposes, both fields are driven by a shared passion for innovation, artistry and craftsmanship. With that in mind, as one of the leading pioneers of automotive engineering and design, it was only fitting that Peugeot Malaysia joined forces with Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) as a collaborator of the recent 2024 instalment, with the all-new Peugeot 408 serving as the centrepiece and muse of this synergy between automotive innovation and fashion. A masterclass in modern automotive design, the 408’s sleek, feline-like fastback silhouette, accentuated by a unique body-coloured front grille and lion claw rear LED lights, is a stunning embodiment of the brand’s core values…

COOL AND CUTE Originally launched in a 44mm size, Breitling Endurance Pro catered primarily to those preferring a larger, more robust timepiece, designed as a fusion of high-performance sportswear and stylish, daily wearable technology. This year, the watchmaker has introduced a new 38mm version. The smaller model retains all the key features of the larger variant, including the ultra-lightweight Breitlight case and the SuperQuartz movement, but in a more compact, subtle form. DIVE HERE Explore the enchanting depths of the ocean with the Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll, a limited edition of 100 pieces. The timepiece displays a unique chrysocolla dial, each piece distinct with vibrant hues of blue, turquoise and earth tones, mimicking the shades seen in lagoons and rich coral reefs. Encased in polished and satin-brushed stainless steel made…

CRUSHED IT Single earrings are all the rage—and when Blackpink’s Jennie sports the trend, it’s here to stay. In her role as brand ambassador, the K-pop star recently showcased the seven new pieces from Chanel’s Coco Crush collection. This launch includes three rings and three single hoops in yellow gold, the maison’s signature beige gold and white gold, each adorned with prong-set diamonds that enhance the iconic quilted motif. Additionally, a unique two-tone single earring combines beige gold, white gold and diamonds, making it a standout piece in the collection. FOREVER TO BEE Cleopatra is a style icon for a reason, and this bib necklace serves as a paean to that ancient glamour. It features honeycomb-patterned, mirror-polished rose gold adorned with 43.73 carats of diamonds, including 10 Taille Impératrice cuts,…

MICKY WONG With more than a decade’s experience in fashion photography, Micky Wong has worked with fashion publications around the region including Harper’s Bazaar in Hong Kong and Singapore, Grazia India as well as Prestige and Pin Prestige in Singapore and Malaysia. For Tatler, he photographed the Malaysian honourees of Asia’s Most Stylish. WEECHEE The celebrity fashion director’s aesthetics are uniquely cinematic, inspired by the film and art world. Having lived and worked in Kuala Lumpur, New York and Beijing, Weechee counts Ling Tan, Gong Li, Li Bing Bing, Simon Yam and Godfrey Gao among his celebrity clients. He insists on pushing the envelope of fashion photography, and his work has been featured in Elle China, Vogue Thailand, Harper’s Bazaar and Esquire. For Tatler this month, he styles the Malaysian…

Jenifer Thien had a successful career at Mars Incorporated, a company famous for its confectionery products like M&Ms and Snickers, but also a big player in the pet food industry with brands like Pedigree, Whiskers and Royal Canin. During her 25-year journey with Mars, Thien took on diverse leadership roles and drove significant business transformations in supply chain, procurement and risk management. She also spearheaded sustainability initiatives long before they became mainstream. “I had a really fantastic career,” says Thien, whose last role with Mars was as global chief procurement officer based in Chicago—the first woman and first Asian to be appointed this vital leadership position. “I was quite fortunate to have been able to do a lot of things with them, but I’ve always wanted to have a second…

Renowned for their culinary excellence at Beta KL, Raymond Tham, Alex Cheah, and Kelvin Cheah first made their mark with Skillet KL. Born in 2015 in its original Cormar Suites corner lot, it began as a café, slowly evolving into the esteemed modern European dining space it is today. “When Alex and Kelvin first approached me to join them in opening Skillet, I had just moved from teaching to working in a chocolate company,” Tham recalls, chuckling. “I remember thinking that if the venture did not come to fruition, I would have to return to my teaching job!” However, with Tham’s culinary expertise and creativity, alongside the Cheah brothers’ savvy business minds and humble approach, success was always on the cards. Even then, constructive customer feedback was always taken to…

In July, experienced software professional Laurence Si was named managing director of Microsoft Malaysia and brings a plethora of experience and skill to his current position. Before joining Microsoft, he occupied executive roles in well-known businesses like Lucent, Cisco, VMware and Amazon Web Services (AWS). With his broad experience and industry knowledge, he is well-positioned to promote innovation and growth in a number of Malaysian sectors, including the public sector, small and medium-sized enterprises, enterprise businesses and the developer and startup ecosystem. Here is Si, in his own words, expressing his philosophy behind leadership and where he hopes to take Microsoft next. How have your diverse experiences in the technology industry shaped your leadership style at Microsoft Malaysia? I’ve been in the technology industry for over 30 years. Throughout my…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE COLLECTORS Ivy See’s love for fashion began at a young age, inspired by her mother’s work as a tailor. “The perk of being the daughter of a tailor is that you always have clothing that is very different from your peers,” she reminisces. This early exposure to bespoke fashion shaped her unique style and sparked a deep connection with couture and high fashion. This is evident in this photo shoot, where she wears her custom Versace piece and recounts her collaboration with the Versace team to recreate a dress that Donatella herself wore at the 2018 Met Gala. The entire experience, from Milan Fashion Week fittings to the final creation process, has deepened her appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship in high fashion. She is…

Few can match the sartorial finesse of Raymond Choon, who embodies a unique and indelible blend of sophistication and eclectic flair. As the vibrant founder and creative director of Hairco Malaysia, Choon has revolutionised the beauty industry with his innovative approach to hairstyling. His talent for transforming hairstyles into stunning expressions of individuality has garnered him a star-studded clientele, including many of Kuala Lumpur’s elite. Choon’s creativity also extends to fashion, where he merges classic elegance with contemporary trends. Inspired by icons like Virgil Abloh and Jonathan Anderson—whom he admires for their seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics—his outfits vary from intricate designs to minimalist elegance, reflecting his confidence and imagination. An avid traveller, Choon infuses global experiences into his creative and business pursuits. His latest endeavour, a…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE COLLECTORS As first impressions go, Serena Luo’s statuesque beauty is matched by her impeccable fashion sense. “Fashion is my armour,” she says. “It allows me to step into the world feeling confident and ready to conquer anything.” Luo is currently pursuing a degree in international relations while consulting in international commodities, a field she finds fascinating as it allows her to “connect with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.” Her passion for fashion began at a young age, having learned the power of intentional dressing from observing her mother’s effortless style. “I realised there was power in style when I noticed a shift in how people interacted with my mum. When she dressed with intention and confidence for work meetings and events, she commanded respect…

HELLO SEPTEMBER! Moschino’s new creative director Adrian Appiolaza hits the ground running with his debut Collezione 0 campaign—and trust us, it will put a smile on your face. Photographed by Willy Vanderperre, the vibrant images follow five women revelling in the simple pleasures of Milanese life—from admiring the Duomo to browsing neighbourhood markets. Presented back in March, Appiolaza’s ready-to-wear maintains the Italian house’s playful spirit and emphasises the importance of embracing everyday joys. RULE BREAKER Watch out, Minny is rewriting all the rules for a shoe that is equally innovative, comfortable and sophisticated. Featuring a sharp square toe and a distinctive chunky, inflated-like heel, Christian Louboutin’s newest release draws inspiration from Minnie Mouse’s famously inflated shoes and Jeff Koons’ iconic Balloon Dog. It comes in a pump or slingback version…

In the world of luxury footwear, few brands have captivated the imagination of fashion enthusiasts like Aquazzura. At the helm is Edgardo Osorio, the Colombian-born, Miami-raised visionary who launched the label in 2011 with a mission to create beautiful yet comfortable shoes that allow women to dance the night away. “I started Aquazzura after attending 12 weddings one summer and constantly hearing complaints about sore feet,” Osorio shares. “I realised there was a gap for sexy, well-crafted shoes you could actually enjoy wearing.” His solution combined Italian craftsmanship with a vibrant, modern aesthetic, reflecting his globetrotting life path. With stops in London, Miami, and his birthplace of Colombia, Osorio’s multicultural perspective shapes Aquazzura’s design philosophy. “Everything I create is informed by my life and my travels. From growing up partly…

COUTURE FOR YOUR EYES Dior brings Parisian chic to your make-up routine with the limited-edition Diorshow 5 Couleurs Plan de Paris collection. Conceived by Peter Philips, Dior Makeup’s creative and image director, the collection takes inspiration from the streets of Paris, bringing its magic and allure to life through four exclusive Diorshow 5 Couleurs palettes. Each palette captures Parisian charm in shades of soft pink, midnight blue, metallic silver, velvet black and warm gold, with ultra-shimmer finishes that encapsulates the city’s luminous sparkle from day to night. They are all housed in a cloth pouch adorned with the iconic Plan de Paris motif, making the palette as much a fashion statement as it is a make-up essential. FLAWLESS COMFORT Achieve a naturally flawless complexion with Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place…

SEE-THROUGH STYLE Sheer fabrics and lace are at the intersection of boldness and elegance, but there’s no need to go full-bodysuit to embrace this trend. Try a bi-material dress from brands like Greta Constantine and Givenchy, where sheer panels add a touch of intrigue, or don a pair of lace gloves with a long evening dress for instant vintage glamour. SKIRTING THE ISSUE The summer’s miniskirts were fun, but it’s time they made room for the full-length model. A dramatic sweep and the whisper of fabric against the floor guarantee a grand entrance, whether it’s a straight-cut number skirt from Oscar de La Renta or a voluminous denim one by Alaïa. MAROONED Gentlemen, the colour of the season is burgundy, and we encourage you to embrace it in a full-on,…

The dragon watch completes the Urushi collection, Chopard’s range of timepieces featuring the Japanese urushi lacquer technique. What story did you want to tell through this piece? When we started the Urushi theme, over 12 years ago, we were the first, and are still more or less the only watch company who managed to collaborate with an urushi master for such a long time to create so many different pieces and items and subjects. We also persuaded him to make something small, because urushi items are normally bigger. We reduced the surface to the size of a dial, which is a great complication for any urushi master. The gentleman explained to us that this is really a performance challenge. We made a piece for the Indian market with Lord Ganesh;…

What’s a clear indication of dominance in the modelling world? Since her rise to prominence in the mid-2010s, Bella Hadid has been breaking records. The 27-year-old has graced an astounding 147 magazine covers, served as a muse to clothing lines and beauty brands, and, in pop culture and PR worlds, has become an essential indicator of whether a campaign is going to be successful or, even better, viral. A prime example of this is when Hadid immortalised a viral moment at the Coperni spring-summer 2023 show in Paris by having a futuristic slip dress spray-painted onto her body live on the runway, generating a media impact value of US$26.3 million, an estimate by brand performance solutions provider, Launchmetrics. Her unique facial features, characterised by her blue-green eyes, distinct angles and…

I arrived at her studio just an hour’s drive from the vibrant city of Barcelona on a sunlit Basque morning. The previous day had been a privilege as I explored the carefully curated workshop where her exquisite jewellery pieces took shape. Now, gazing around the studio, I was drawn to the modest yet captivating architecture. The kitchen, blackened with soot, emanated a sense of charm and character. Wisteria vines gracefully ascended the facade, lending a natural touch to the surroundings. A room filled with striking black saddles also hinted at the artist’s diverse and unique passions. This was the starting point of my immersion into the world of the most enigmatic and talented designers of the 20th century. Before my visit, I knew little about Elsa Peretti besides her renowned…