Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Award-winning CNN anchor Kristie Lu Stout talked to Tatler about the power of storytelling and the importance of self-awareness. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN Ahead of the spring opening of Kazakhstan’s Almaty Museum of Arts, the first private museum of contemporary art in Central Asia, we met with its founder Nurlan Smagulov, who is also the president of Astana Group. TATLER MALAYSIA Counsellor Sangheeta Sidhu talked about how she is pushing to destigmatise mental healthcare in Malaysia and how her personal experience of suppressing grief informs her work. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler caught up with Nico Santos, who opened up about representation, his unexpected Hollywood success, and being unapologetically Filipino. SHANGLIU TATLER Japanese visual artist Miwa Komatsu, known for her bold, dynamic paintings that often explores Japanese mythology, shared insights into…

On December 11, 2024, Tatler Malaysia and Johnnie Walker Blue Label unveiled the much-anticipated Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet in an exclusive soirée at Mesa on 51. The elegant venue was transformed into a breathtaking winter wonderland, complete with a mesmerising immersive igloo, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. Inspired by the ethereal beauty of the “Blue Hour,” the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ice Chalet reimagines the magic of winter in a luxurious blend of craftsmanship and style. Designed in collaboration with premium skiwear brand Perfect Moment, this limited-edition release not only celebrates the exceptional Scotch blend but also features an exclusive reversible bag as a nod to modern elegance. Guests arrived in chic winter attire, ready to embrace the festive spirit. The evening began with exquisite canapés…

REVOLUTION REIMAGINED Luxury meets science in Dior’s reinvention of its iconic Capture line. With the luminous Charlize Theron as the global ambassador, the range symbolises timeless beauty and strength. At its heart lies Dior’s groundbreaking OX-C Treatment technology, which utilises plant-derived biopolymers to optimise oxygen flow to the skin. The result? Regeneration that visibly transforms your skin in days. Flagship products such as the Capture Le Sérum and Capture La Crème are crafted with 97 per cent natural-origin ingredients, delivering firming, smoothing, and hydration benefits. A FRAGRANCE OF SOLITUDE Unisex and utterly unique, Le Labo’s Eucalyptus 20 captures the spirit of wide-open wilderness. This fragrance evokes the calm and clarity of the great outdoors with its earthy blend of eucalyptus, cedarwood, labdanum, and musk. Designed for those who crave simplicity…

The new Parmigiani Fleurier Armoriale Répétition Mystérieuse tells time with sound, not visuals. Made to commemorate Michel Parmigiani’s birthday in December, this piece features a 42mm white gold case and draws inspiration from classical architecture, featuring intricate guilloché patterns and grand feu enamel that echo the Fibonacci sequence. What distinguishes this timepiece is its secret dial, cleverly concealed on the reverse side, showcasing rose gold hands against a backdrop of Guatemalan jade. The minute repeater mechanism, with cathedral gongs that produce a rich, deep tone, invites wearers to experience time through sound. It’s run by the PF355 manual winding movement and a 72-hour power reserve. Slither into the new year in style with these Year of the Snake timepieces…

Which three pieces from the exhibition are most significant for you? One piece that stands out is the Panther on Sapphire. Working on this exhibition revealed a new dimension to the Panther symbol—it represents protection, much like a dragon [does]. And in this particular jewel, she’s on top of the Earth, protecting it. Another [example] I loved is the two Jade clocks. These extraordinary creations are unique and represent a cultural exchange between east and west. Originally used by scholars to inspire creativity, they evoke a sense of dreaming when viewed. The third piece, and one of the most striking for me is the snake. Also relevant for the Year of the Snake, [it showcases] the magic of Cartier. It looks so real. [Actress] Gong Li has a special bond…

Asia’s culinary scene is often framed by its heavy hitters. Tokyo dazzles with precision and artistry, Bangkok delivers the riotous kick of spice and street food chaos, and Hong Kong flaunts its cosmopolitan diversity. These top travel destinations often dominate the conversation—the darlings of globetrotting food lovers and social media feeds. But, for all their brilliance, they can sometimes feel a little too obvious. The real intrigue lies elsewhere—in places where food isn’t merely a commodity for tourism campaigns but an act of cultural preservation and everyday joy. These cities don’t clamour for global recognition; they simply get on with the business of being extraordinary. Their food speaks for itself—quietly, sometimes, but always with a sense of place and purpose that comes from generations of care. Together, they remind us…

DATO’ SIMON FOONG AND DATIN MINA CHEAH-FOONG Long before swipes and clicks shaped modern relationship, the love story of Dato’ Simon Foong and Datin Mina Cheah-Foong began the old-fashioned way—over steamboat and garden parties in 1970s Ipoh. Their first encounter was shortly after Simon returned from the UK, sporting the decade’s signature fashion of big-collared shirts and medallions. Little did they know that this casual meeting would lead to a partnership spanning over four decades of blissful marriage and business success. Their paths crossed again in Belfast, where Mina attended boarding school, and Simon’s best friend was her guardian. It was in Simon’s kitchen where their connection deepened, though not quite in the way one might expect. “I think she fell in love with the food, not with me,” Simon…

Australia is a pretty laid-back country, but if there’s anything they take seriously, it’s food. The local produce is phenomenal, and the chefs there—who come from all walks of life, and are often influenced by the country’s vibrant immigrant culture—treat it with utmost respect. I’ve been fortunate to have grown up between Melbourne and Hong Kong—two incredible dining destinations that approach food with such reverence you would think it’s religion. Living in the latter now, I look forward to heading back to Melbourne every Christmas, where a bulk of that time is spent reconnecting with loved ones over food. From cool neighbourhood wine bars to beloved institutions, cosy cocktail bars to lively hotel lounges that unite locals and visitors through music, use this guide to make the most of 48…

Waltz of the Whimsical Worm Artist: Khabir Roslan Oil paint, compost soil on jute, courtesy of Wei-Ling Gallery Waltz of the Whimsical Worm by Selangor-based artist Khabir Roslan offers a nuanced reflection on the role of play as a transformative force in adulthood, fostering creativity and adaptability amidst life’s inherent imperfections. Below a textured layer of compost soil, the painting unveils expanding hexagonal forms interspersed with worm-like shapes—symbolic of the microscopic elements that shape reality and echo quantum possibilities. The soil overlay introduces optical illusions, partially obscuring the underlying imagery and forming a faint “X.” This elusive shape, according to the artist, serves as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability and the fluid nature of perception. Rooted in Islamic philosophy, the work examines the divine balance between form and formlessness, with…

Have you been “cooking” recently? Not in-the-kitchen cooking, but “cooking” in the parlance of today’s youth. The term “cooking” as youth slang is used all over digital platforms to denote exceptional performance, which has likely evolved from its association with the high-energy, focused nature of cooking in a kitchen. Think of the award-winning TV series The Bear—an environment where precision, creativity and execution are paramount, and you get the idea. In jazz, a musician grooving is “cooking,” and in sports, athletes in peak form are said to be “cooking.” The term works because the metaphor is universal: transforming raw effort into something extraordinary. This issue, we present just that: people who bring their absolute best to the table and do it so well that everyone stops to take notice. Our…

The first ever Tatler Dining Festival took over Chinatown from November 22 to 24, 2024, with a series of gastronomic experiences and immersive activations in a celebration of our homegrown stars. A culmination of three successful dining events—Off Menu, In The Mood For Food, and Cocktail Festival, the festival was the biggest yet featuring, a one-of-a-kind opening party with special performances, the Tatler Bar Crawl, the Street Sips and Bites Fiesta, private dinners featuring local talents and Malaysia’s first ever Longest Brunch. DAY 1 The event kicked off with a bang with an opening celebration at REXKL’s REXPERIENCE, featuring talented local DJs, including Ira Roslan and DJ CZA, as well as performers Dennis and ALYPH. A grazing table was the centrepiece of the stage, featuring a curated selection of bites…

The celebration of time decorated through traditions and rituals are seen in many forms—Chap Goh Meh is an excellent example of that. Chap Goh, meaning fifteen in Hokkien, and Meh, meaning night, is the eponymous name of this celebratory day. The fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, and the last, must go out with one last hurrah; and Chap Goh Meh observes many traditions and rituals to ensure the continuity of its significance. Mainly practised by Hokkien people, who originate from the Southern region of the Fujian province in China. It is celebrated with many variations across the world. However, the overall thread that connects it all is generally through one thing – love. Love, as the binding element, lends a poetic softness around the usually loud and bright holiday.…

Spotlights on stage. Tightropes and shimmering costumes. Death-defying acrobatics and artistry. Many of us relate the scintillating imagery of the circus with child-like qualities of wonder, make-believe and imagination. For actress Pevita Pearce, these same qualities were powerful motivators in her childhood that anything is possible with a little imagination. “Growing up, my family took me to watch the theatre as well as the circus,” says Pearce, who graduated from The New York Film Academy in 2011. “I watched Cirque du Soleil when I was about five years old, and it took my breath away. It was mesmerising—after two and a half hours of the performance, I remember feeling like I was in a different world. I realised then that I wanted to be a performer. I wanted to be…

MYSTIQUE IN MOTION Franck Muller welcomes the Year of the Snake with the debut of the Silhouette CX Snake, a limited-edition timepiece that seamlessly blends serpentine elegance with groundbreaking design. Crafted in 18 karat rose gold, this masterpiece introduces the revolutionary Silhouette CX case, a new chapter in the brand’s storied watchmaking legacy. Inspired by the fluidity and mystique of the snake, the design features asymmetrical curves and undulating forms that subtly echo the silhouette of the revered zodiac symbol, exuding a captivating allure while preserving its enigmatic essence. Franck Muller Silhouette CX Snake TRUNK SHOW Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s legendary trunks, the Escale Platinum watch is a limited edition of just 50 pieces. It showcases a hand-guilloché solid gold dial adorned with grand feu enamel using champlevé and flinqué…

Inspired by Monsieur Dior’s fabric scraps and nature’s irregular forms, the Gem Dior collection introduces new designs featuring bold yet minimalist aesthetics. The collection includes three new pairs of earrings and a bracelet in yellow, rose, or white gold, showcasing striking graphic lines. Paying homage to Victoire de Castellane’s love for colour, an enchanting bracelet adorned with a gradient of sapphires and spessartite garnets completes this refined selection. The Pantone colour of the year is Mocha mousse—one fad diet we actually encourage you to follow…

You’re a few days into your holiday—days that have been busy with sightseeing, ticking items off your bucket list and eating at the restaurants you booked months in advance. It’s been exhilarating and exciting—but also exhausting. Then, your travel companion turns to you and asks, somewhat sheepishly, “What if we just stay in and order room service tonight?” Relief washes over you, like waves lapping on the shore at your resort’s private beach. A feeling of giddiness arises—akin to when your parents took you to Blockbuster on a Friday night as a kid (or let you take over Netflix, depending which generation you’re from), knowing what lies ahead is an evening of sitting in your pyjamas with pizza, movies and not a care in the world. There’s something about room…

CHUAN LOOI Chuan Looi is a sought-after photographer whose work has been featured in top fashion magazines in Malaysia and Hong Kong. He’s also an award-winning music video director and had published a coffee table book, which was a collaboration with actress Lee Sinje based on their month-long trip to India. For Tatler, he photographed our February cover. AVANI RAI Avani Rai is a Mumbai-based photographer and filmmaker with a focus on both fictional storytelling and documentaries. The daughter of famed Indian photographer Raghu Rai, she had early exposure to the craft and later on developed her own style of poignant photo essays that blend art with social commentary. Her work has been featured publications including Vogue, GQ and The Hollywood Reporter. She shot this month’s fashion shoot. (p.100) DIVYAK…

LET IT SNOW Sure, the technical side of skiwear is important—you want to be warm—but we’re equally focused on stylish collections that keep you looking your best from the chalet all the way down the slope to the après-ski bar. From the perfect cold-beating boots to matching attire from head to toe, these are the outfits that will have you gliding in style, whether you’re in Gstaad or Niseko. TAILORED TO THRIVE As memories of the Christmas holidays slip away and the last red packets have been given and received, we in Asia are experiencing a post-Lunar New Year shift. It’s time to trade festive wear for tailored suits and heels that click with purpose. The office is calling, and our wardrobes are ready to step into the spotlight—chic, elevated…

Imran Amed, CEO and founder of fashion website The Business of Fashion (BoF), has solidified his place as an authority in the global fashion and luxury industries. At the Tatler Best of Asia event in November in Bangkok, he offered insights on the evolving landscape of luxury, from the meteoric rise of Southeast Asia to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. Amed, who was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for his contributions to the fashion world, explained luxury brands must now strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity and reinvention while delving into how hospitality, technology and shifting consumer values are reshaping the industry. “In Southeast Asia, you have all of these economies that are fast-growing, young populations and curious…