Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2016 i Tatler Singapore

MACAU TATLER LADY IN RED SINGER AND ACTRESS KAREN MOK GRACES the cover, and discusses her red-hot career. Having reached the peaks of stardom, Mok explains how she continues to aim high as she assumes the role of director in her most recent concert in Macau. Later in the year, she will turn her attention to Europe, where she will become the first Chinese singer to play concerts in Madrid and Milan. TAIWAN TATLER DEFYING LIMITS This issue celebrates women who have made their marks in fields dominated by men. Among those featured is Taiwanese explorer Chiang Hsiu-Chen (pictured), who talks about conquering the highest peaks on seven continents. THAILAND TATLER ON THE WHEEL Cover star Praowphan Laohapongchana, managing director and co-founder of Quattro Design, reveals the creative vision behind…

JEFF CHANG Always seeking creativity through his camera lens, the Singapore-based photographer unveils the sartorial superwoman in Secret Identity (p.116) If you could get away with one crime, what would it be? Stealing all the cute tiny pedigree pups from Japan’s pet stores. What’s the worst holiday you’ve ever had? I was in Taiwan and rushing to send off edited photos for print when my laptop crashed. Were you a Mummy’s Boy growing up? Yes. It was just me and my mum, growing up. GRACE MA The features and lifestyle journalist looks at how Rebecca Eu empowers victims of human trafficking in Manila with skills and employment for a better future in Threads of Love (p.66) Were you a Daddy or Mummy’s Girl growing up? Neither. My parents…

YVES SAINT LAURENT WASN’T exaggerating when he claimed credit for transforming his era with his clothes. But that journey to the top was not one without its moments of anxiety and fatigue. Witness the highs and lows behind the scenes through the lens of French photojournalist Pierre Boulat, with an exhibition of photos of Saint Laurent and his business and life partner Pierre Bergé taken during the lead-up to YSL’s debut collection in 1962. The most intense and intriguing batch has to be Boulat’s fly-on-the-wall shots of the two in full business mode at their atelier. Catch the Yves Saint Laurent: Birth of a Legend photo exhibition now on till May 21 at the Alliance Française Gallery, as part of the French festival Voilah! 2016 by Institut Français Singapour and…

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM BONHAMS HONG KONG MAY 22 In 2004, Nelson Mandela painted six separate images of his hands and arms breaking free from manacles to celebrate liberty after 27 years in prison. The images, titled Freedom, were reproduced as lithographs in a limited edition of 30 sets, and 30 leading South African and international artists were invited to add their original work to the prints. The six painted by acclaimed Singaporean artist Tan Swie Hian are being sold as a set at Bonhams’ Prints, Photographs and Works on Paper sale (estimate: HK$700,000–1.1m). bonhams.com RATHER NICE INDEED CHRISTIE’S NEW YORK MAY 13 This Pierre-Auguste Renoir painting— Le vieux Nice, vu d’une fenêtre (oil on canvas, 1918)—was in the private collection of the late Jacqueline Delubac, the famous French actress,…

It was an evening of goodwill and good humour as Magic Bus hosted its annual fundraising gala at Capella Singapore. The India-based charity has been dedicated to providing education to underprivileged children for the past 17 years, and this was its sixth fundraising event in Singapore. Following an uproarious cocktail session where guests including Ginny and Richard Wiluan tried their hand at roulette and Texas Hold ’Em poker, everyone adjourned to the ballroom to feast on a menu of delectable Indian cuisine. The show got off on a hilarious start with stand-up comedian Jonathan Atherton, who took potshots at Americans, Singaporeans, Australians and Indians. Award-winning Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan and Magic Bus founder Matthew Spacie both updated the well-heeled guests about the charity’s “childhood to livelihood” commitment, which focuses on…

AHOLIDAY IN THE PHILIPPINES became a moment of awakening for Rebecca Eu last June when the university undergraduate visited a halfway house in Manila that rehabilitated girls who were rescued from the sex trafficking trade. What she experienced broke her heart. “I met girls that couldn’t tell me their last names because they never knew it,” recalls Rebecca sombrely. “Imagine having no identity except being used and degraded every day of your life for as far back as you can remember. Something stirred within me.” So Rebecca decided to take a gap year from her studies at Monash University in Melbourne to create positive change, and in March, launched Love, Mei (lovemei.me), a social enterprise that provides survivors of human trafficking with skills training and employment so that they can…

It was a shopping event with a difference—making a difference. In late February, Paige Parker co-hosted a group of friends at the spring/ summer 2016 presentation of CH Carolina Herrera, whose founding designer once said that her biggest inspiration is the women she meets. A portion of the sales proceeds was donated to the Singapore Committee for UN Women. There was also a mini fashion show planned out by fashion stylist Furqan Saini, who shared his best tips on how to accessorise floral prints and stripes in the elegant style of Carolina Herrera. TREND SETTER Paige Parker all decked out in the latest pieces from CH Carolina Herrera’s SS16 collection…

“We women always look after others, but let this be the message for today: take care of yourselves,” said obstetrician and gynaecologist Ann Tan. She was the guest speaker at a luncheon to celebrate International Women’s Day in March. Organised by Renuca Metharam and Mona Tanwani, the event at Il Lido on the Cliff brought together some of the ladies’ closest friends to support the Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations. Guests also enjoyed a visual treat with Infiniti Jewels’ showcase of its latest collections of coloured diamonds and stones. TOP PRIORITY Dr Tan explains why it’s high time for women to prioritise their health needs…

Style savvy guests gathered for the launch of The Bespoke Club, a new concept store in Suntec City by the Uomo Group. The fine tailoring boutique’s brand ambassador, vice-president of regional communications at Johnson & Johnson Srikant Ramaswami, opened the evening with a welcome address before guests were treated to an introduction to fine tailoring. While invitees mingled over canapes and prosecco, a “tie a bow tie” competition saw guests putting their sartorial skills to the test.…

THE DESIGNER “I like the idea of a swimsuit as a both an accessory as well as a ready-to-wear piece,” says Eres studio director Marie-Paule Minchelli, who spent six years heading the designs of Chantal Thomass, a brand known for its Emily the Strange-meets-1950s pin-up girl aesthetic, before her 11-year tenure as director of the youthful lingerie and swimwear label Princesse Tam.Tam. ART OF BODY Whether it’s beachwear, lingerie, homewear or accessories, the Chanel-owned Eres, founded in 1968 by Irène Leroux, always puts function before fashion, science ahead of style and liberation above constraints. The brand known for its body-loving and figure-forgiving designs owes its “second skin” technology to its exclusive material, the Peau Douce, a knit that becomes a second skin, and Parachute, a polyamide and spandex mix that…

INDIAN SUMMER  Yves Saint Laurent Beauté’s Savage Escape Couture Palette Collector is truly lust-worthy. The sexy smoky case houses five new summer shades, from a shimmery pink base that doubles as a highlighter under your eyes, to the pale blue that we recommend using around the inside corners to brighten eyes. “When I created this, I thought of a girl waking up in the desert in blue jeans, in love with the colours of dawn,” said Lloyd Simmonds, creative director of make-up for the brand. DOWN THE LINE  Tom Ford launched six shades of the new High Definition Eye Liner. Burnished Gold is most spectacular. The shimmery colour of this mechanical eye pencil is so intense it doesn’t fade under the heat of the island sun. After application above the…

A fresh and floral composition of peony accords and fruity notes, the Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet was first launched in Asia in 2008, before the rest of the world. Originally named Miss Dior Chérie, the fragrance was reformulated by perfumer-creator François Demachy and launched as Miss Dior Eau de Parfum, a sensual, musky scent, in 2011. Perfect for nights out, Miss Dior Le Parfum (2012) is highly concentrated with warm Sicilian Mandarin, vanilla and floral notes. A new addition to the range, the Miss Dior Silky Body Mist, moisturises as it imparts a delicate fragrance to your skin.…

BACKGROUND Born in New York, fashion designer-turned-jeweller Diane Kordas studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design and relocated to London in 1995. During a holiday in Athens, she discovered the work of local jewellery craftsmen, which kickstarted her love affair with fine jewels. Kordas launched her brand in 2000, and today runs a standalone boutique in South Kensington, with several points of sale worldwide. DESIGN SIGNATURE “Casual and classic—but above all, timeless” is her design mantra. Kordas prefers to keep it simple with a touch of modern glamour, but once in a while gives in to her playful and edgy side, as seen in her Pop Art, Geometric and Starburst collections. SCENT AMULETS Kordas gets intimate and luxurious with her latest project, Amulette (left), a range of perfume amulets…

START SMALL The universal display of affection is a good place to start. Nothing says forever like diamonds. We suggest this Chaumet Liens ring in white gold with a yellow diamond. EVERLASTING WORDS Borrow a line or two from Lord Byron, Christina Rossetti or the master, Shakespeare to stir her emotions. FLY ME TO THE MOON Sweep her off her feet with a surprise getaway by private jet. Where else should one profess true love than in Paris? FINE ARTS Truly beautiful people appreciate beauty in other forms, like art. Go beyond a museum visit and put down the deposit for a romantic painting.…

THE BEGINNINGS OF SAM GOI’S BILLION- dollar business empire came from a very universal impulse—the desire to step out of a parent’s shadow and make one’s own mark in the world. As a teenager, he had dropped out of secondary school and joined his father’s drinks distribution business, but decided at age 19 to set up an electrical repairs shop. Unfortunately, the business flopped within months, earning him a dreadful scolding from his father, who had loaned him $10,000 as start-up capital. But Sam did not give up. Boning up on his engineering skills through night classes, and with loans from his uncle and a grassroots credit association, he tried again. His second mechanical and electrical engineering business did much better. In 1977, he acquired Tee Yih Jia, then a…

Andre Huber Executive director of Huber’s Butchery “The best advice from my dad [Ernst Huber, chairman] was to uphold the highest integrity in everything I do. It has made my personal and professional decision-making easier and it allows me to concentrate on doing an honest business and not waste time worrying about the consequences of a dishonest decision. Most importantly, I have a clear conscience.” Ruth Yeoh Executive director of YTL Singapore “My siblings and I have always been reminded by my father [Francis Yeoh, managing director of YTL Group of Companies], that to whom much is given, much will be required, and I believe there is much wisdom in this. Having started the sustainability division in our company, which I now lead, I feel a sense of stewardship because…

CHRISTOPHE SALIN WAS SIX HOURS old when he first tasted wine. His grandfather had prescribed a drop of Champagne on the tongue—de rigueur for any self-respecting newborn in the eponymous region. Supposedly Salin’s lips curled into some semblance of a smile, at which point the patriarch was satisfied. “Okay, okay,” his grandfather conceded, “now you may drink milk—but never forget that you are Champenois!” As CEO of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), which owns the revered Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Salin has strayed only slightly from his roots—about 600km to the southwest. Lafite is arguably Bordeaux’s most storied first-growth estate—and one of the world’s most famous wine brands. “I drink red wine every day. For me it’s like taking vitamins,” muses the Gaul. “It keeps me young. You know I’m 92?”…

AS A CHILD I VISITED my mother’s country of birth, Sri Lanka, and fell in love. Whether it was because some part of me knew this tropical island was in my genes or because the mix of culture, history, beach, jungle, music and food awoke my senses in a way that had me yearning for more. When you grow up in a city and only hear stories, myths and legends of the lands of your ancestors, there’s a part of you that longs to discover for yourself the truth. Having visited Sri Lanka as an eight-year-old boy and playing with the giant water monitor lizards known as kabaragoyas that I was told could eat small children, and being dive bombed by coconut beetles as I ran through the groves while…

IN OUR FAMILY ISSUE THIS MONTH, we decided to shine the spotlight on second- or third-generation individuals who are running businesses started by their parents or grandparents. Not hard to find candidates, surely? That’s what we thought. As the Singapore Tatler team discovered, the next generation of businessmen and women who’ve taken over the reins of their family businesses had to be rather firmly persuaded into the spotlight. It wasn’t that we asked anything ignominious of them. Rather, as one scion discreetly admitted in a text message, “Tatler is read by everyone. We won’t have any more privacy!” This is perhaps one of the more telling traits of the younger generation who are quietly going about their business and happy to stay under the radar. If they’re not the social…

YES NAVIN AMARASURIYA “A lack of discipline or strong values would be just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the reasons why the third generation blows the family wealth. I think lacking an understanding of societal context of wealth is a bigger reason. If we dive deeper into the reasons why someone blows through wealth, that person is likely trying to maximise happiness through consumption. A lady may feel unhappy over having the ‘worst’ handbag among her friends and proceed to overspend to gain validation from them. Yet, if she looks beyond her narrow social circle to a slightly wider one, she will see how fortunate she is to not be struggling for survival. Perhaps parents can expose their children not just to the world they are…

GIDDY UP Horses, riders and glammed up guests will take the spotlight at the National Dressage Championships 2016, which also commemorates the Singapore Polo Club’s 130th anniversary. May 20 to 22. singaporepoloclub.org TOP NOSH Chef Édouard Loubet of Michelin-starred La Bastide de Capelongue in Provence, France will cook up a storm at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore on May 27, at the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore’s gala dinner. fccsingapore.com SBA DINNER The Swiss Business Association celebrates strong business ties between Switzerland and Singapore with a black-tie dinner on May 28 at the Flower Field Hall at Gardens by the Bay. Funds raised will benefit The Red Pencil Singapore. swissbusiness.org.sg…

FOR A PUBLISHING HOUSE THAT’S not even five years old, Epigram Books has made an impact on Singapore’s literary scene, not least because its attention to design has added a potent punch to the visual appeal of local titles. That owes a lot to founder Edmund Wee’s background. The Straits Times’ former design chief left journalism in 1991 to start a design agency that became the first in the world to win the prestigious Red Dot Grand Prix for two consecutive years (2006 and 2007). In 2008, he was named Designer of the Year at the President’s Design Award. “When we came on to the literary scene, we upped up the ante,” says the puckish 63-year-old. “We don’t just publish a book and hope it sells. Good design, typography, paper…

JAEGER Feminine florals call for some dainty sparkle on your wrists like this diamond and sapphire Chaumet Joséphine bangle J KOO Stand out from the crowd in a neon number paired with metallic accents. Pick up this Fendi Peekaboo bag and you’re good to go PROENZA SCHOULER Spice up a classic LBD with a pair of statement heels. These whimsical Christian Louboutins are sure to do the trick…

The organisers of the International Antiques Fair toured select Asian cities in February to drum up buzz about the ninth edition of the fair, which will be held this month in Hong Kong. A cocktail reception at French ambassador Benjamin Dubertret’s residence saw Christian Deydier, the former president of the Syndicat National des Antiquairies and the Biennale des Antiquairies, sharing his expertise with interested collectors. IAF brings together more than 80 antique dealers, including prestigious galleries Vallois, Chadelaud and Jacques Barrère.…

UPON ENTERING ROBINSON BLANCKAERT’S APARTMENT, it is clear why the phrase “je ne sais quoi” is used to death in describing the French’s purportedly inexpressible style. From the bare brick wall, the understated living area to the open kitchen, the fine tastes of this Parisian, who made Vanity Fair’s best-dressed list, defy cliches. And then there’s his worldly wardrobe. Maison Margiela sneakers by the door—three pairs, all in similar designs. “I don’t spend my Saturday afternoons shopping. But when I see something I like, I buy in multiples,” he says. Similarly of his recent purchases, Brunello Cucinelli shirts from Mr Porter. But it was the mention of his fashion discovery of the year that lit up his face. Most people would not be so eager to talk about Uniqlo pants,…

FOR NOW Kevin Murphy’s Smooth.Again leave-in smoothing treatment is good news if you’re seeking silky hair instantly. That kink is yesterday’s news. Available at The Big Blow. BEFORE BEDTIME Counteract chemical treatments with Leonor Greyl’s Masque Quintessence. It contains nut oils—cupuacu and manketti, emollients key in saving dry and brittle hair. Available at net-a-porter.com. PROFESSIONAL HELP Fact: Gwyneth Paltrow has gorgeous hair. Fact: Gwyneth Paltrow loves Viviscal Professional, a clinically proven dietary supplement that promotes healthy hair growth. Available at Privé Clinic.…

“Women have a natural glow when there’s an innate source of happiness. For me, it comes from simple things like taking long, relaxing baths, getting restful sleep and above all, having healthy, beautiful and flawless skin. I have Clé de Peau Beauté to thank for that.” —LOH MAY-HAN, CONSULTANT ANAESTHESIOLOGIST AND CLINICAL LECTURER “I feel radiant when I feel good about myself, and that is usually after a good run. Nothing can replace that rush of endorphins, but a cup of coffee and Cle de Peau Beauté’s La Crème come pretty close!” —CAROLINE LOW-HEAH, DOCTOR, LECTURER AND FITNESS ENTHUSIAST “My radiant complexion comes from my beauty regime. I’ve always had a very disciplined approach—even more so now that I’m recovering from childbirth. I use Clé de Peau Beauté’s La Crème…

OVE, WHETHER FAMILIAL, friendly or marital, brings about many a diamond. Parisian jeweller Chaumet has been immortalising all the loves life can bring through priceless jewellery since 1780. At the birth of a child, an 18th birthday, the mark of a lifelong friendship, the declaration of undying love and an irreplaceable bond of intimacy, Chaumet has always been there, front and centre. What most men fail to express with words, Chaumet captures with treasured tokens from the heart. Over the years, its creations have embodied love, commitment and pride, precious tokens with which to mark life’s many milestones. Embark on a journey of revelations as Chaumet’s distinction for capturing the human heart and soul at all stages of a blessed life is on display in an exhibition, Une Éducation Sentimentale,…

Kee Yi Arn Director of Applied Digital System “It’s been the actions of both my parents [Robert and Susan Kee] that have shaped me over my 30-plus years. They don’t lead extravagant lifestyles, which teaches me the value of money and humility. My dad always used to say, ‘Money does not fall from the sky’. As I watch my parents run the family business, I see that success does not come without hard work. My dad also founded the charity Operation Hope Foundation, and both my parents showed the importance of devoting time and effort for social entrepreneurship and doing honest charity work.” Don Cheng CEO and executive director of Hai Leck Holdings “My dad [Cheng Buck Poh] taught me to never take short cuts in life and to understand…

RUBEN PANG In just five years as a professional painter, Pang has had five straight sell-out solo shows, and an artist record at last year’s Christie’s Convergences: A Special Sale of Singapore Art in Hong Kong “With the nature of art, there are no linear measures of success. Critics, gallerists and collectors talk about an artist’s success; we artists talk about whether our works will outlive us, survive time and form our legacy. I get very self-conscious every time I hear the word ‘success’, because whenever I get into something, I’m always ambitious. I spun around in my chair when I got news about Seattle. [Pang made his US debut at The Figure in Process: de Kooning to Kapoor 1955–2015 group exhibition in Seattle’s Pivot Art + Culture last December.]…

RESIDUAL SUGAR IN Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons? It seems like a strange topic for a conversation, but it came up a number of times during three trips to Napa earlier this year, when I tasted the amazing 2012 and 2013 vintages. One of the most memorable conversations was with the winemaker of Inglenook Vineyard, the Napa Valley winery of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. His winemaker, Philippe Bascaules, who worked at Château Margaux in Bordeaux before coming to Ingelnook a few years ago, lamented that some of the top-rated Napa reds were so high in residual sugar that it masked their true character and quality. “Winemakers need to be more confident in their terroirs and make drier wines that reflect the fantastic quality of the region,” he said during a tasting…

ME, MYSELF & I Alas, in any circle, there are always individuals who take their individuality too seriously. Dining companions were held captive—in the ball and chain sense—by a lady all night with hyperbole about her “unique” three Cs: cars, clothes and clubs (cliched much?). Not done, she followed up with lengthy postprandial text messages philosophising on how to live a rich life. LET’S TAKE THIS OFFLINE It’s one thing to ask a friend to remove an unflattering picture of you on Facebook, but quite another to tackle the World Wide Web. One member of our upper crust decided that there were too many old pictures of her (with a previous face) on the internet, and instructed her assistant to have them permanently removed from all search engine results. ONE…

“When you’re young, do everything and anything, but be righteous” LYNETTE LEONG COMES from a family of resourceful entrepreneurs. Her maternal grandmother brought up four children on her own after being widowed at a young age, making a living by selling shoes. Her paternal grandfather owned a chain of bakeries famous for its mooncakes, while her father started his own engineering business. “My father had a lot of creativity, curiosity and perseverance,” says Lynette, who credits him for inspiring her to set high standards for herself. “He would never settle for the status quo.” She once trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris when she was in between jobs, and toyed with the idea of modernising the family bakery. She might well have gone into the family business, “but my paternal…

A coterie of gem-loving ladies was at one with nature at the launch of Vi by Vihari, a new brand of unique jewellery for everyday wear by Vihari Sheth. From displays of the understated pieces against a canvas of tree barks, leaves and flowers to the designs that incorporated brilliant gem-set butterflies, spiderwebs and flower petals, the nature theme rang strong. After sipping champagne and nibbling on canapes, the ladies took the opportunity to get a closer look at the jewellery, many of them slipping on a ring or leaf vine cuff, or draping a necklace around their neck. “Wearing a piece of jewellery should be like blending into nature,” said Vihari. GEM SET These pretty nature-themed cupcakes came topped with icing in the design of a rose and, of…

A new horsepower-house has joined the Aston Martin stable. Simultaneous to its global debut at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show, the feisty DB11 was also revealed here to a crowd of over 200 Aston Martin car owners and guests at the marque’s new showroom. The car, with a new in-house 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12 engine, in an arresting shade of cinnabar orange, was unveiled by Aston Martin’s regional director for Asia Pacific, Patrik Nilsson, and managing director of Wearnes Automotive’s Prestige Division, Pang Cheong Yan. The model, which has a lighter, stronger and more accentuated build than the rest in Aston Martin’s line-up, stands as the front runner in the marque’s new design era. ZIP AWAY The DB11 comes out on top as the most powerful, efficient and aerodynamic of…

Leopard print—many a macho male has been scared off by the slightest of purrs of a feline motif. Yet, this season, designers picked animals from the plains of Africa and plastered them in such a way that turned meek meows into soaring roars. From the giraffe-print tanks and zebra-esque billowy trenches at Burberry to the furry tiger print-trimmed parkas and bombers over neon psychedelic patterns and leopard-print tees at Coach, the men are braving themselves for a prowl on the wild side. By their side are their animal-loving better halves dressed in cross-species Versace patchwork dresses and adorable but lethal leopard- and snake-print minis at Bottega Veneta. There’s plenty of animal attitude to go around. Make sure you opt for unusual colour combos, and splice and dice with other fabrics…

IT’S A DOLL DO Pull these tricks out of your make-up bag the next time you pucker up 1 Dab concealer on moisturised lips for a truer pink pay off 2 Resist a lip liner. The Kylie Jenner pout is not a good look on anyone 3 Even if ’80s fashion has ventured a comeback, resist the heavy gloss with excess shimmer…

BLINK PINK Pink eye—not words associated with fresh-faced sexiness, yet on the spring runways fuchsias and peaches were swept across lids, lashes and even brows. Novices nervous of the been-crying-all-night, hay-fever look should opt for a rose gold smoky shadow, while punchier punk princesses should embrace popping candy-coloured tones. Done well, this look is disarmingly fresh and pretty. Try it—you might just be tickled pink. GLOSS OVER Yes, you love your lipstick. But is it really giving you that “Look, aren’t I glowy and sweet and probably taste like sweets” kissability? No, it’s not. So whip out the magic wand and slick on some shine because glossy smooches are back... and nothing says pucker up like a perfectly polished pout.…

TRUST KARL LAGERFELD TO make the raw look polished, and the humblest of materials, luxurious. As with any couturier au fait with turning in the unexpected, he’s once again inflamed delirious lust over what could easily be, in the wrong hands, dowdy silhouettes (straight midi skirts; puff sleeves), costumey (half-moon shoulders bristling in beads; glittery organza capes) or a drab palette (beige, light beige, dark beige, greige) with Chanel’s spring/summer 2016 haute couture collection. Of course, one might argue that he could stick a Chanel tag on a hemp sack, and someone—heck, many—would buy it. This theory was put to the test with this collection. Would you wear a dress covered in pencil shavings? Or a skirt with a shaggy hem that looks to be jute rope, in a criss-cross…

EARLIER THIS YEAR, Cartier added a new collection, Drive de Cartier, to its ever-growing stable of timepieces. The French maison had entered the arena of watchmaking head-on some eight years ago with the introduction of a fine watchmaking department, proving its chops with innovative haute horlogerie pieces like the Mysterious movement and the Astrocalendaire. In doing so, Cartier had the higher-end of the horological spectrum covered with pieces conceived by genius watchmaker Carole Forestier-Kasapi; simultaneously, it captured the attention of its female clientele with blinged-out versions of its signature collections including Ballon Bleu, Tank and Santos. It has successfully gained male recognition with chronographs, dive watches and annual calendars, while flying its flag of being a proud and legitimate high jewellery maison. Without compromising on its reputation as “the jeweller…

UP HER SLEEVE Napoléon Bonaparte famously indulged Empress Joséphine’s every whim, including her insatiable appetite for the finest of jewellery. She made Chaumet founder, Marie-Étienne Nitot, her official jeweller in 1805, and would hide him when he visited, while she persuaded her beloved to foot the bill. LOVE CONQUERS ALL When Felix Yusupov (the man who was to plot the assassination of Rasputin) proposed to Irina of Russia, the niece of Tsar Nicholas II, he commissioned Chaumet to assemble a chest of jewellery as a corbeille de mariage (a symbol of an engagement), using some of the finest gems of the 19th century, including the Polar Star diamond. A DIAMOND IS FOREVER Alas, not all marriages are. Although the romance between director and playwright Sacha Guitry and French soprano and…

What are the main challenges of reworking an old piece? Goh Shuet Li, La Putri: Casings can hide from view flaws in the stones, for example, cracks, chips, internal inclusions. So we will not be able to fully assess the actual condition of the clients’ stones until after they have been removed from its casings. There is also always a risk that stones can be damaged when being removed from its casings. All this needs to be explained to the client before starting with any job. If they are not prepared to take the risk, neither will we. Are there any stones or materials that cannot be reworked? Venessa Lim, Exotic Gems: We mostly face that problem with emeralds, as if you take them apart they crack or break. If…

Winnie Chan Director of Grandluxe and founder and CEO of Bynd Artisan “My father Percy, who took over Grandluxe from his father in 1964 and is now its managing director, has always taught me to take care of our business partners and suppliers the same way we take care of our customers, because we look for long-term instead of short-term gains His philosophy is that as the business grows, our suppliers will be able to grow with us too. Thus, he doesn’t believe in squeezing our suppliers and always leaves the negotiating table with something for all to benefit from.” Richie Eu General manager of strategic development at Eu Yan Sang “‘Hard work, honesty and humility,’ my grandad [Richard K M Eu] said. This mantra has shaped who I am…

BRIDGET TRACY TAN Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Arts and Art Galleries at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts “What’s on the minds of contemporary artists here would be sentiments related to issues they feel strongly about socially, culturally, politically and even personally—and they do their utmost to express these in their practices. There is a prevalence of what we call multiple media or collaborative works, usually involving audiovisual and elements of installation and performance that reflects a desire to claim spaces other than conventional ‘display’ spaces. Collaborative work may also involve audience and artist, and not simply mean artist with other artists. With the advent of the internet and proliferation of mass media imageries that pollute our visual culture today, it is a considerable skill and effort…

HELINA CHAN Managing director of art gallery iPreciation, which represents acclaimed Singaporean artists, including Lee Wen, Milenko Prvacki, Boo Sze Yang and Tay Bak Chiang “Both seasoned and budding art collectors are now paying attention to Singaporean artists, from the pioneer Nanyang artists to the second-generation, to The Artist Village and the contemporary living artists who are working in new media, installation, performance, photography and conceptual art. While a robust ecosystem is important, we also need a strong base of collectors. Eventually more works will be collected, archived and documented, published and showcased internationally. It’s a real struggle for artists to survive solely on their art alone, so it’s critical for them to have patronage be it from the state, individuals or corporations. This provides some financial stability for them…

CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE BRUNATE Wow—really perfumed and thoughtful, with wonderful depth and purity. A full body, tight and layered. Ultra-fine tannins. Finish is persistent and caressing. A rematch to the superb 2011 but even finer. Drink in 2020. 97 points ROBERTO VOERZIO BAROLO SARMASSA Terrific aromas of pure strawberry and orange peel. Spanish cedar undertones. A full body, perfect balance of ripe fruit and lemon with orange peel. Hints of milk chocolate. Vibrant finish. This will be fabulous in three or four years, but difficult not to drink now. 99 points PODERI ALDO CONTERNO BAROLO ROMIRASCO Very earthy and intense, with ripe fruit and hints of bark and mushroom. A full body, powerful and chewy. Great tannin structure. Better in 2020. 97 points CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE The aromas…

Discerning taste buds can now get their Michelin-starred cuisine fix whenever they fancy and without flying the distance as Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) opens the region’s first Michelin chef showcase restaurant, Curate. Step into luxurious interiors of wood, where seasons are subtly represented by the transition of colour palettes. Adding to the grandeur of the ethereal dining room, which is accented in luxurious marble and copper, are a unique standalone cellar and an open kitchen where the culinary creativity happens. The birth of Curate is heralded by the launch of its Art at Curate series, organised by RWS together with Michelin Guide Singapore and Robert Parker Wine Advocate. There will be four events throughout the year, featuring an outstanding line-up of Michelin-starred chefs from around the world, each with their…

CHECKING IN PACK LIKE A PRO Roll your clothes, stuff your shoes and, ladies, to prevent your pressed powder or eyeshadow from cracking, place a flat cotton wool pad between the pressed powder and the lid. You’re welcome. A STITCH IN TIME... Time is of the essence on a short break, along with comfort. Forget shuttle buses, trains and taxi queues at the airport. You’re not backpacking! That uniformed chauffeur with your name on a card—he’s got an idling Bentley waiting for you. ...SAVES NINE And why not keep the car at your beck and call for the whole weekend? You deserve it. Even if you never use it, just knowing it’s there will drive your stress levels south. CHECKING OUT BREKKIE BUFFET SNOBS Look, we all know a good…