Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2025 i Tatler Malaysia

Proving that fashion and beauty are more than just skin-deep, this year’s collaboration between L’Oréal Paris, Tatler Malaysia, and Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) delivers a powerful statement that resonates on and off the runway. On the REDManifesto Runway this season, ten extraordinary women walked their stories to life, each walk a demonstration of poise, power and hard-earned success in an increasingly distracted world. From entrepreneurs and athletes to CEOs and changemakers alike, the heart of L’Oréal Paris’ KLFW collaboration are the women who grace the runway—proving to us that fashion is about expression and not exclusion, and that true inclusivity is the best showcase of beauty and style. Their runway presence is choreographed not just for visual impact but emotional resonance, channelling five distinct personas of ‘The Visionary’, ‘The…

As consumer appetites shift from traditional fine-dining to lifestyle-driven experiences, luxury brands are expanding beyond the runway and into the F&B space. From branded cafés to curated menus by top chefs, these collaborations offer a more immersive way for consumers to connect with a brand. While the concept may sound straightforward, the execution is anything but. “When it comes to brands, you need to study the brand identity and DNA,” says Raymond Tham of Karl’s Group, who has worked alongside Dior for the past six years to bring to life different experiences. “I always learn what inspires the creative direction of the collection before approaching the menu—all in all, the process can take up to a month.” Each year brings something new, he adds, referencing past inspirations in Kuala Lumpur…

NEW BEGINNINGS In another episode of fashion’s never-ending game of musical chairs, Jonathan Anderson has been appointed the creative director of Dior—the first time a single designer has overseen the French house’s men’s, women’s and couture offerings since the founder himself. After initial feelings of elation, many Anderson fans acknowledged an underlying concern: how would he also manage his coveted eponymous label? The Irish designer wasted no time in answering: JW Anderson has officially rebranded as a curated lifestyle label. With a new logo to match, the brand will shift its focus towards artisanal goods from homeware to honey, alongside curated fashion collections. Meanwhile, flagship stores in London and Milan will be transformed into cabinets of curiosities due to open this September—run, don’t walk! A KIND OF MAGIC When summer…

MIDNIGHT BLOOM The classic Aqua Allegoria by Guerlain sees a bold new chapter, one that’s inspired by the scenes and scents of nature by moonlight. Specifically: the beautiful blooms that light up the Atacama Desert at night, that inspired Guerlain Director of Perfume Creation & Perfumer Delphine Jelk to compose an enigmatic floral bouquet of rose, ylang-ylang and frankincense backed by the warmth of sandalwood and patchouli. A TALE OF TWO CITIES Travel the world through a collection of highly evocative scents. The Hermessence fragrances return with the Spices from Faraway collection: a journey through fragrant destinations through markets, coastlines and caravan trails. Each scent within the collection holds a warm, sensual spice—uplifted with fresh florals in Myrrhe Églantine or deepened with musk and warmth in Cardamusc. PEN TO PAPER…

Below sea level but on cloud nine LIKE FISH TO WATER The Fifty Fathoms Tech 45 mm is a diver’s dream dressed up for summer. We love that the watch boasts serious underwater tech with a pop of personality. The new strap system lets you swap bands in seconds—black, white or a daring orange—to match your mood (or your wetsuit). The matt black dial absorbs light like a deep ocean trench, while luminous markers ensure readability below sea level. Crafted from lightweight Grade 23 titanium and built to brave the waters down to 300 metres, it’s a trusty companion for adventures below and above the waves. FLY AWAY Expanding on this year’s Watches and Wonders launch, the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Top Gun Miramar brings a fresh, summery shade…

WAVES ON THE WATER It takes true artisanship to mimic the everchanging shades of the sea, but Van Cleef & Arpels have achieved it with the Brume de saphir high jewellery collection. Diamonds and sapphires are bezel-set in white gold, allowing light to pass through them for brilliance and movement. LORD OF THE RINGS Meet the rule-breaker: Chaumet’s Triomphe ring flips the script on men’s jewellery with unapologetic swagger. This isn’t your grandfather’s signet ring—it’s a tiara reimagined for modern masculinity, complete with a showstopping, two-carat, emerald-cut diamond that means business. The graphic lines feature sleek, black lacquer, while the design nods to Napoleon himself. After 240 years of making crowns, Chaumet knows a thing or two about commanding attention—this time, on the fingers. PINK LOVE If you’re a Tiffany…

Away from the glittering casino lights, Macau is a city full of soul and stories to tell. Here, colourful Portuguese townhouses clash—in a very cool way—with neon signs reminiscent of Hong Kong in the Eighties. It’s also here that some people say the concept of fusion cuisine was born. It’s believed that Macanese cuisine is the first documented example, having emerged over 450 years ago when the Portuguese established trade routes that linked Europe, Africa and Asia. We take you off Macau’s “Vegas strip” and celebrity-fronted eateries to some of the city’s most beloved institutions, including the purveyors of the best Macanese cuisine, classic Cantonese diners that have remained unchanged since the Seventies and a handful of great bars. RESTAURANTS Henri’s Galley One Macanese dish that has a special place…

Malaysian badminton player Leong Jun Hao has emerged as one of his country’s most compelling talents on the international stage. In April, he was appointed co-captain of the Malaysian squad for the 2025 Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, China, sharing the honour with Pearly Tan. It was a recognition not only of his consistency on court, but also of the resilience and maturity he has cultivated throughout his career. Leong’s introduction to badminton began at the tender age of four, under the watchful guidance of his father, before progressing to the elite training grounds of Bukit Jalil Sports School at just 13. A rapid ascent followed: the 2017 Asian Junior Championships title, a World Junior silver medal, and his first senior trophy at the 2018 Finnish Open. These milestones cemented his…

Imagine this: you’ve just wrapped up a successful shopping spree at Johor Premium Outlets, arms laden with deals on designer favourites, when a friend’s text pops up—she’s just landed at Senai International Airport from Jakarta. Another arrives by ferry at Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal from Singapore. In just a few hours, Cheyenne Beh, Terimunite Chandran, Thanuja Ananthan, Hisyam Hamid and Whulandary Herman are reunited at one of Johor’s most stunning coastal destinations: Desaru Coast. It’s the kind of friends’ trip that feels spontaneous, effortless and soul-recharging—with just the right mix of laidback beach vibes, luxurious pampering, adrenaline-pumping sport and world-class dining. The group kicked off their trip bonding over bargains at Johor Premium Outlets (JPO)—a haven for fashion lovers with its open-air layout and exclusive brands. With everyone happily ticking…

Nowadays, in this late stage of the attention economy, it can often feel that whoever shouts loudest wins. Our lives are dominated by quick-cut video, AI slop, five-second audio clips that are looped ad nauseum, public figure frenemies that feud and fight and micro-trends that go straight from your FYP to landfill. It’s an artificial environment, and it’s designed to overstimulate. Real power, then, is not in wresting views away from TikTok or consciously going against the grain but in quietly, confidently, following your own path. Not to be different or to be contrary, but just to be true to yourself and what you feel is authentic, beautiful and real. It’s a path Nazreem Musa has been on for years. “I’ve been playing with fashion since I was really young,…

Is personal style dead? It’s the question that’s been looming in our minds as we navigate an age where trends cycle faster than our Instagram scrolls and TikTok’s latest aesthetic. Social media’s grip on fashion is undeniable. A single viral video can catapult a trend to global ubiquity almost overnight, leaving wardrobes eerily uniform across cities. Fast fashion thrives on this. Consumer habits show how deeply this impacts identity: clothing sales have doubled from 100 to 200 billion units annually, while average wear per item has dropped 36 per cent. It’s a clear sign that garments are discarded before they ever become part of one’s narrative. Trend fatigue is real and growing. But fortunately, the story isn’t over. A resurgence in authentic personal style is quietly emerging. Industry voices declare…

“It’s interesting to see among ageing researchers that skin is always somehow seen and treated as slightly separate from the rest of the body,” says Dr Patricia Ogilvie, dermatologist and founder of Skinconcept Munich, her observation cutting through decades of conventional beauty wisdom. “But the very rewarding part about skin ageing research is the progress in the field frequently first arrives in the field of skincare products. Skin ages fast because it’s outside of our body, but it has the benefit of being targeted very early on with the latest insights from molecular research. It’s a highly interesting area to investigate ageing and the first area where highly efficient interventions are actually introduced.” This revelation sits at the heart of Dior’s latest scientific revolution: two innovations that are quietly redefining…

Omega has a long-standing relationship with your mother. How does it feel to follow in her footsteps as a campaign ambassador? To be able to follow in my mum’s footsteps with this brand is such a full circle moment for me. Omega is such an amazing brand and has been a part of my family my entire life. It is such an honour to be given the opportunity to work with them. I really admire how they have such an amazing history and still maintain a great youthfulness in their brand. Omega is known for celebrating individuality and timeless elegance. How do you express your own sense of style through this partnership? I feel like a watch is such a fun way to get to express your personality in both…

A century has passed since the Jazz Age gifted the world art deco—that intoxicating blend of geometric precision and unbridled glamour that defined the Roaring Twenties. As we mark this milestone, the movement’s influence on contemporary luxury remains as potent as ever, particularly in the realm of fine jewellery, where its bold lines and sophisticated geometry continue to captivate discerning collectors. Few designers understand this enduring appeal better than Jacquie Aiche, whose sculptural pieces bridge the gap between art deco’s revolutionary past and today’s luxury landscape. Known for her fearless approach to materials and her ability to infuse ancient symbolism with contemporary edge, Aiche has built a following among celebrities and tastemakers who gravitate toward her distinctive aesthetic. Here, she shares her thoughts on art deco’s lasting legacy and how…

In the autumn of 1925, Paris pulsed with energy as the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes opened its doors to a world hungry for transformation. Visitors wandered through pavilions that seemed to herald the future—sleek, geometric, utterly modern. Yet few could have predicted that this exhibition would give birth to a design revolution that would fundamentally transform how we understand luxury, beauty and self-expression. Art deco was more than a style—it was a manifesto written in platinum and diamonds, a declaration of independence carved in jade and onyx. The term “art deco” wouldn’t enter popular vocabulary until 1966 but the seeds were planted decades earlier. “Everybody links art deco to the 1920s and 1930s, when it was actually born before [the First] World War, in the late…

“Sylvester Stallone once said in the TV series Tulsa King, ‘The whole point of a college degree is to show a potential employer that you showed up someplace four years in a row, completed a series of tasks reasonably well and on time.’ That sentiment resonates deeply with me,” reflects Beena Pothen, the dynamic country manager of Mastercard Malaysia and Brunei. “Success isn’t about perfection; it’s about consistency. It’s about proving, day after day, that you have the discipline to commit, the resilience to recover from setbacks, and the curiosity to keep learning.” Pothen’s journey is a testament to this philosophy. A trailblazer in Malaysia’s financial services industry, she has carved a path marked by transformative initiatives and significant accolades. Her early aspiration to become a doctor was rerouted, teaching…

Malaysian artist Arif Fauzan Santai created Bingley Sim, a thoughtful portrait of a humble patron of the arts. Seasoned art collectors of over 20 years, Bingley Sim and his wife Ima Norbinsha are known for their discerning eye and deep appreciation of Malaysian contemporary art, often supporting works that explore identity, culture and social nuance. Arif ’s painting featured in the negaraku II exhibition at Hin Bus Depot, Penang, in August 2025. The work contributed to the curatorial theme of “Rakyat Hidup, Bersatu dan Maju” (People Live, United and Progressive), envisioning Malaysians living not just alongside one another, but in active harmony. As curator Ivan Gabriel noted, “To be Malaysian today is to dwell in in-betweenness: between the personal and the political, the historical and the speculative, the visual and…

XERXES LEE A respected photographer who’s been in the industry for over 10 years, Xerxes Lee is known for his creative play on lighting and mood. His photographs have been published in Harper’s Bazaar and Sisters, among others, and he’s worked on campaigns with L’Oréal, Shiseido, AirAsia and more. This month, he photographed all ten of our Asia’s Most Stylish honourees, including cover star Nazreem Musa. MUGHNI CHE DIN Mughni Che Din describes himself as a multi-hyphenated fashion creative who is no stranger to the Malaysian fashion scene. He has come a long way since starting his career in fashion back in 2010, and has gone from reporting at the major fashion weeks to styling photo shoots with the biggest names in film, music and fashion. The Asia’s Most Stylish…

“Minimal, effortlessly cool, with a touch of luxe” SHALMA AINAA Shalma Ainaa’s style journey has been one of striking evolution. Once known for her femme fatale silhouettes from body-skimming dresses, sky-high heels, and drama to spare, she now favours a look that blends Scandinavian ease with the polish of athleisure. “Minimal, effortlessly cool, with a touch of luxe,” she says, describing a wardrobe where comfort meets intention. For Shalma, style is inseparable from confidence. “It’s about feeling good in your clothes and owning your choices,” she explains. Her aesthetic leans toward the understated: pieces that whisper rather than shout, but always speak with clarity. It’s a quiet confidence that reflects her own ethos: refined, simple, and rooted in authenticity. While her core remains anchored in understated elegance, she treats fashion…

Hong Kong artist-designer Didi Ng Wing Yin doesn’t just work with wood—he strives to bring the natural properties of the material back to life. Based in Helsinki, the industrial designer-turned-craftsman creates sculptural objects that blur the lines between the organic and the manmade. Take his Wood Feathers collection as an example: the range of wall art and sculptures features intricate, feather-like carvings to remind us that the wood was once a living thing. In another display of experimental surface treatments, his Wood Pleats series uses planks of processed firewood to recreate the original grooved textures of a tree trunk. Ng explains that he tries not to control or alter the natural material too much. “The ideal situation is that the finished piece is 50 per cent done by me and…

Louis Vuitton is no stranger to expanding the definition of luxury. From trunks to travel accessories, ready-to-wear to fragrance, the French maison has always found ways to translate its heritage into new realms. Now, the house is embarking on its most glamorous journey yet with La Beauté Louis Vuitton, its first dedicated make-up line, with a powerhouse in the beauty world, Dame Pat McGrath DBE, as creative director. La Beauté marks a significant moment for the brand. It’s more than just a product drop; it’s an expansion of Louis Vuitton’s vision of beauty as lifestyle, artistry, and personal expression. If anyone can steer a couture-level beauty line, it’s Pat McGrath. The British make-up artist has spent over three decades shaping the visual language of modern beauty, from her transformative runway…

Beneath those two simple words lies a deep-rooted tradition of expressing care, one that transcends generations. “Dah makan?” is not just a check-in or polite habit—it is a cultural shorthand for affection, concern, and familial love. In Malaysian homes, this phrase often takes the place of direct emotional expression. It is how grandparents welcome you through the front door, how parents show concern when words fail them, and how siblings and friends quietly ask if you are doing okay. There is a special kind of warmth in a question so unassuming, it slips into conversation effortlessly—but its meaning lingers long after. From a hot bowl of noodles on a rainy day to a plate of your favourite dish left on the table, the message is always the same: you matter…

Mandy Gioh’s 800-square-foot flat in Bangsar started as a standard developer unit. The built-ins were dated, the finishes uninspiring. Nothing survived the renovation except the bones of the space—one bedroom, a study room, and a shared bathroom. Gioh runs creative direction for two local brands—beauty brand Chuck’s and lifestyle brand Motherchuckers—giving her a deep appreciation for creative work and design. When she approached her long-time friend, Wil Ken Ee from Wunderwall Design, he was intrigued by the challenge. His studio typically works in neutral palettes, but Gioh had a different sensibility. “She is very sensitive to colour, which is in contrast to me and how our studio practises,” Ee says. “I wanted to change that and take it up as a challenge.” They landed on eclecticism as their guiding principle.…

To preserve and not pillage, to transform rather than tear down—that’s the modus operandi for these beautiful hotels that have embraced their locations’ pasts while bringing them into the present. Whether it’s a centuries-old Qing dynasty courtyard that’s now a serene wellness space, or a former printing works that now tells the city’s stories to its visitors, these hotels cater to the growing number of travellers seeking experiences that foster a deeper, more meaningful connection to the destinations they visit. LANSON PLACE PARLIAMENT GARDENS, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA Hong Kong’s beloved boutique hotel brand Lanson Place made its debut down under with Lanson Place Parliament Gardens. The hotel occupies the beautifully restored 1901 Salvation Army Printing Works, with the original brick façade integrated effortlessly with a new tower. The building’s rich history…