Innholdsfortegnelse for September 1, 2015 i Tatler Singapore

MALAYSIA TATLER DAD’S THE WORD COVER STAR BRYAN LOO, THE CEO OF LOOB Holding and a rising entrepreneur, talks about his relationship with his father, parenthood and expanding his business in the world of food and beverage. Also profiled are Magen Appathurai and Bill Donovan, who co-own foreign film production support services company Biscuit Films. They speak about their work in trying to transform Malaysia into a self-sustaining film centre. THAILAND TATLER DYNASTY DARLINGS The Anniversary Issue features heiresses from Thailand’s richest families, including Boonyapa Benjarongkul, Nishita Shah Federbush, Aradhana Lohia, Pailin Umpujh and Sansana Chirathivat. They discuss the responsibilities that come with their positions. Corporate succession is also a hot topic this month. Thailand Tatler checks in with three business families—Chansiri, Kewkacha and Jurangkool—about their plans to ensure continuity.…

There are over 70 performances and exhibitions taking place each day, according to National Arts Council (NAC). Year-on-year, the local arts scene is growing in size, vibrancy and prominence both locally and globally, with Singaporean artists exhibiting or performing overseas. However, NAC’s CEO Kathy Lai emphasises that this is a joint effort of the government and private donors. “While the state plays a critical role in supporting the arts, NAC cannot achieve its mission alone. We recognise the importance of private patronage and corporate giving.” Thus, to inspire more acts of art philanthropy, the council recognises its major donors’ contributions at its annual Patron of the Arts Award. This year’s ceremony takes place at the newly revived Capitol Theatre on September 3. By invite only.…

MUMMY BRAIN 3min and 37sec—the total length of the video a lady sent to an acquaintance she had just met at a dinner party. Perhaps because the clip of herself modelling outfits at a fashion show had hardly gotten 10 likes on Facebook, did the lady insist that her newest friend like and share it on her own feed as well. ONLINE CENSURE Hundreds of rambling posts on the politics and technicalities of art later, one connoisseur found himself banned from the art forum he regularly contributed to. Moderators and forum readers apparently did not appreciate nor catch on to his thesis-long streams of consciousness. CAR CASTE A guest understandably questioned his own welcome when, after parking in his host’s driveway, the homeowner brusquely asked him to move his car…

WHEN SEPTEMBER COMES AROUND, Singapore gears up for the month’s biggest event: the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, which takes place from September 18 to 20. Apart from the thrilling track action on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, what gets everyone amped up is the entertainment line-up. And this year’s does not disappoint. Headlining the Padang Stage are American Grammy award-winning acts: global superstar Pharrell Williams, who will stage his debut concert in Singapore as a solo artist; pop rock heavyweights Maroon 5, with frontman Adam Levine, are back to fan the fervour of fangirls; while rockers Bon Jovi will stage its first full-length concert in Singapore in two decades. Meanwhile, trending homegrown band The Sam Willows is set to impress with one of its biggest stages yet,…

Copper This two-storey watering hole on Jiak Chuan Road specialises in gin-based drinks infused with herbs, teas and spices. Besides a host of bar grub such as char siew sliders and babi guling (roasted suckling pig) tacos, its omakase restaurant on the upper floor serves a five- and eight-course menu with dishes including duck ravioli and Kagoshima Wagyu. Dstllry Founder Andrew Lum marries his passions for food, drinks, music and photography into this mixed-use establishment, which is styled as a moody, industrial-designed speakeasy, with a recording studio hidden behind a photography gallery. There is no food or cocktail menu—the former is Japanese done omakase-style, while drinks are concocted according to diners’ preferences. The Rabbit Hole A good complement to The White Rabbit located at Dempsey, this al fresco gin garden…

JIM HJELM Take a cue from Jade and pair a bold necklace with a dainty bracelet like this one by Ela Stone, available at On Pedder ISABEL SANCHIS A lacey slinky dress like Yumi’s is an accessory on its own but we love how a timeless arm candy enhanced her feminine look. Chopard’s diamond timepiece helps complete the look CHRISTIAN DIOR A neckpiece is the perfect accessory to draw attention to your face and this sparkler from Atelier Swarovski would do the trick…

It was a high-octane start to a celebration marking Singapore’s 50th year of independence and the 30th anniversary of Stuttgart Auto, sole dealer of Porsche in Singapore. Some 470 guests indulged in a lavish dinner at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre in July where they feasted, drank and soaked up history and exquisite style in a prelude to The Porsche Circuit event. Amping up the glamour were the evening’s host, actress Janice Koh, and Earl Bamber, one of the drivers of this year’s Le Mans winning team from Porsche, who chatted with guests and took photos with them. Giving was a highlight, with Karsono Kwee, executive chairman of Stuttgart Auto, presenting a total of $740,000 to three causes: SportCares, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and West Coast…

Family and friends including the who’s who in business, arts, culture and sports gathered at Grand Hyatt Singapore’s 10 Scotts in July in support of Singaporean violin virtuoso Siow Lee Chin at the launch of her autobiography From Clementi to Carnegie. In the book dedicated to her mother, Lee Chin recounts her musical journey. On how she’d set out on the road less travelled, she aptly quoted Plato: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”…

The biker jacket has made its fashion world comeback time and time again. Whether rounded, oversized, buttoned or zipped, it has swapped faces on numerous occasions to arrive at its current look. Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci unveils its revved-up version of the biker jacket, including signature elements such as dangled raccoon tails on boxy texturised bikers—all designed to scream bad boy. Similarly, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent also revamps the classic motorcycle jacket with added zips and waist-belt details. Revel in that attitude and opt for standout pieces such as leather bags, biker boots and studded accessories, and balance out the heavy embellishments by pairing them with black jeans and monotone basics for a nonchalant, carefree look. For variety, mirror Tisci’s styling by casually throwing it over a pinstripe suit…

NOT ALL LOVE STORIES HAVE A HAPPY ENDING. BUT Carol Chen found hers, just not the type you watch in most romantic comedies. Although the relationship she crossed oceans for last year didn’t last, Carol’s love for Singapore did. She stayed and turned heartbreak into career fuel. Since then, her company, Covetella, an online retail business that sells and buys new and pre-loved dresses has taken flight. She confesses that fashion wasn’t always in her blood. “I felt like an ugly duckling growing up. I was such a tomboy.” If there was an ugly duckling in her showroom where she showed me gown after gown from known names like Marchesa and Christopher Kane, to rising designers such as Phuong My, it wasn’t her. Always immaculately made up, she says, “I…

GAZE OF GLORY Graphic or cat-eye, the road to perfect lines starts here: 1. Prep eyes with a primer and line lids with a pencil liner before a liquid one for an all-day flick 2. Prevent eyelid creases and under-eye smudges by applying translucent powder on the creases and below the bottom lashes 3. Use a shadow stick to colour in areas of a chunky design. A kohl pencil is best for smudged looks while a sharp marker liner is great for dainty patterns…

WAS THAT A MAN? Or was it a woman?” These questions were undoubtedly on the minds of the audience at Gucci’s autumn/winter 2015-16 show. With only five days to design his debut men’s ready-to-wear collection, new creative director Alessandro Michele had Frida Giannini’s premature departure from the fashion house to thank for his swelling reputation. The quick appointment of a largely unknown successor served an even more compelling question, when the last male model walked down the gritty subway-inspired runway in an flimsy silk shirt, slouchy pants and fur-lined loafers: “What does this mean for Gucci?” The phrase “out with the old” couldn’t be more apt. “Sexiness is an old word. It’s about sensuality now. I am trying to cause a little revolution inside the company, to push another language,…

WHILE THIS IS THE FASHION issue, I’m going to talk about a not-so-fashionable aspect of watchmaking, one that’s vital if your timepieces are to continue functioning optimally: after-sales service. Quartz watches require some care, but their maintenance is generally straightforward, as it’s usually just a battery change and perhaps new gaskets every few years. So we’re talking about mechanical timepieces, which truly are miniaturised machines that require regular maintenance. As the movements work day in and day out to keep the time, there’s an inevitable amount of wear and tear on critical components. A watchmaker needs to open the timepiece and inspect the movement to determine what attention, if any, is required. This can range from simple cleaning and lubrication to replacing key parts or, at the extreme, a complete…

WHEN WORN close to the skin, a jewel often takes on the personality of the woman wearing it. It becomes an emblem of attachment, a protective talisman or a symbol of success, projecting the various personalities the multifaceted woman of today portrays. Whether she chooses a stone that she considers lucky, or a design that speaks of a milestone completed, the jewel would be one that speaks to her on an intimate level. Many women have chosen the Tiffany Keys by Tiffany & Co. to celebrate life’s biggest achievements. Its symbolism is rooted in the fact that a key is used to unlock doors; similarly, the Tiffany Key represents new horizons and an optimistic bright future that lies behind a previously shut door. It is often gifted to young ladies…

According to WWF and The Water Footprint Network, over 20,000L of water for irrigation is needed to grow 1kg of cotton in India, which is the equivalent of one T-shirt and a pair of jeans. “More than 250,000 farmer suicides have occurred in India in the last 15 years, making it the largest recorded rate of suicide in history,” says Andrew Morgan, director of documentary The True Cost. A WWF Switzerland report showed that a regular pair of jeans travels up to 100,000km before reaching consumers—from cotton plantation to various processing facilities to retail stores (or online shoppers). Weekly fast fashion drops have seen transportation needs skyrocket, resulting in higher consumption of non-renewable resources such as fossil fuel and higher carbon emissions. In light of the cruel crocodile farming and…

2013 SEÑA VALLE DE ACONCAGUA The aromas are super, with blackcurrant, rose petal, mint, lavender and stone. A full body, incredible fruit density, complex, yet agile and bright. Tannins are perfectly polished. A Bordeaux blend from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2019. 99 points 2014 ERRAZURIZ PINOT NOIR ACONCAGUA COSTA PIZARRA A new super pinot noir from the owners of Seña. Shows depth, finesse and length. Gets the full Burgundy treatment, showing the great character and style of Chilean pinot noir. Burgundian winemaker Louis-Michel Liger-Belair consulted on this wine. Drink now. 98 points 2011 MONTES SYRAH VALLE DE COLCHAGUA MONTES FOLLY Fabulous aromas of dark berries with granite, flowers and sliced raw meat. A full body, velvety texture and incredible length. Clearly the best syrah of Chile. Drink and enjoy.…

It’s always choices galore each time the Mid-Autumn Festival rolls around, as food purveyors vie to offer the next most novel spin on the mooncake. For gourmands who seek out new flavours to delight their taste buds and those who simply crave a well-made traditional mooncake, the line-up from Crystal Jade Culinary Concepts has all the bases covered. Sweet delights come in the form of the assorted mini snow skin selection, available in four delectable fillings in a box of four or eight. Citrusy yuzu with lemon is zesty and fragrant, while fresh strawberry with cranberry contains a creamy berry blend. With just a touch of savoury to balance the sweet, the rich salted caramel snow skin and natural sea salt with dark chocolate (made with 70 per cent dark…

INTO THE BLUE MALDIVES A breathtaking short flight from Male and a luxury speedboat trip deliver guests to the slice of heaven that is Outrigger’s latest opening: Konotta Maldives Resort. With the fine white sand of the atoll between your toes and a fresh sea breeze in your hair, any vestiges of the stresses and strains of daily city life will be gloriously swept away. Outrigger has borrowed the Hawaiian ethos of “Ke ’Ano Wa’a”—making the guest feel part of the family. The most interesting member of Konotta’s family is surely the resident marine biologist, on hand to take you on a guided tour of the reef and introduce Outrigger’s coral conservation initiative. outrigger.com WINE COUNTRY DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL Six Senses’ first resort foray into Europe immerses guests in the…

Bentley’s current home in Crewe was also where it once shared production with Rolls-Royce until the German suitors rendered them asunder. In those early days, Bentley would make the chassis and the engine, but a separate coachbuilder like Mulliner would build the bodywork. Once complete, the body and chassis would be “married” at the Bentley factory. Of course, those days are long gone but Mulliner still exists on the grounds of Bentley as a division that is charged with delivering the ultimate in interior opulence to please the wealthy, cognizant few who seek the ultimate in a luxury car. Mulliner’s expertise does not only extend to the interiors as it can, with the right motivation, make a slightly different body for the customer like with the Queen’s Bentley. Previously, the…

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA IS a frustrating enigma for international investors. In almost any of its diverse countries, they encounter energy, initiative and tenacity among entrepreneurial, disciplined individuals and companies eager to improve the lives of their families and communities. These countries also have rich natural resources, developing infrastructure, young demographics and a rising middle class with disposable wealth. Of course, this characterisation smacks of condescension, inferring that the vast continent with a population of a billion people is a special case, an unreliable applicant for entry into the investible universe. Yet there is an image problem. Many in the media portray Africa as overwhelmed by poverty, disease and war, while aid agencies and academic experts perpetuate the notion of the continent as a victim in constant need of rehabilitation. It’s hard…

BHUTAN MIGHT BE AN unconventional destination for a family trip when you have an 18-month-old child, but it was a place I knew I had to visit after hearing so much about it. Along with my husband, we spent 10 days in the serene country that is now my favourite place in the world. Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, which is slightly more developed than the rest of the country, still made me feel like we had travelled back in time. There are no modern buildings in sight, no traffic lights on the roads and they got their first escalator just a few years ago. All the buildings are of traditional Bhutanese style, with no trace of Western influences. The weather is humid and hot during the summer months, and to respect…

BACK IN MY ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL, the topic OF matching lingerie was once a subject of great debate. “Who cares if it matches? Who will see it?” the austeres scoffed. “We’d rather buy nice shoes.” “No one needs to know but you,” the sensationals drawled in retort. “It just makes you feel better knowing that what people can’t see is also well-put together.” At a training session conducted by Audi Singapore recently, I was briefly reminded of The Great Lingerie Debate when our trainer Richard Sorensen spoke of how Audis are so well made that they even pay attention to how the engine’s soldering must be neat and presentable. “It doesn’t affect the performance of the car,” he opined. “And no one opens the hood to look at the engine and…

YES I’m not one who says no to something that’s provocative or out of the ordinary. So, men in heeled shoes or even high heels? Definitely! Men should be able to dress how they feel and want to as long as it makes them feel good and happy. When I think of men in heeled shoes, iconic names like John Lennon in his Chelsea boots, and David Bowie and Prince in platforms and stilettos immediately come to mind. These are talented and famous men who popularised this look during the ’60s and ’70s, and have them etched in our memories until today. As I always tell my stylist: “Have fun, break the rules, make brave and daring choices, and bring a whole rack of fashion like it’s 1965 all over…

MAIN FIESTA The Embassy of Mexico in Singapore celebrates its nation’s 205th independence day with a private reception on September 15 at The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, where guests can indulge in classic Mexican cuisine. SUPER SPEED Ital Auto will be hosting its annual party for Ferrari owners and its VIPs on September 16 at Raffles Singapore’s Raffles Grill, themed to Formula One. SECRET SERVICE Those in the market for serious gems should mark October 1 to 4 on their calendars for auction house Christie’s closed-door private jewellery sale at The St. Regis Singapore. Jewellery experts will be on site with sagely advice.…

1 HEAD CHEF KITCHEN CHIEF Swiss-born executive chef Sabrina Stillhart was part of the opening team of Bread Street Kitchen’s London flagship and has nearly a decade of culinary experience at Gordon Ramsay’s other restaurants including Savoy Grill and York & Albany. The chef oversees the menu for the Singapore outpost, incorporating local ingredients into classic British European dishes. 2 EAST MEETS WEST PERK ME UP Whet the appetite with spicy tuna tartare, an Asian-inspired starter which sees raw tuna seasoned with a tangy marinade of chilli, garlic and sesame oil. Fresh wonton crisps balance the dish’s piquant flavour while also adding crunch. 3 MEAT EATS FINELY CHARRED Another starter to try is the signature roasted veal carpaccio. Thinly sliced veal are lightly roasted and perked up in flavour with…

PUSHING BOUNDARIES EXPO CHICAGO SEPTEMBER 17–20 Officially titled The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, but often referred to as Expo Chicago, this fair includes a variety of special programmes. Younger galleries are the focus of a section called Exposure, while Special Exhibitions highlights non-profits, and Dialogues hosts a range of panel discussions. Expo Video examines new media, film and video works, and In/Situ and In/Situ Outside, which are dedicated to site-specific works, round off the fair. The event is the highlight of Expo Art Week, which runs from September 14–20 and involves some of the city’s most prestigious museums and galleries. expochicago.com HER NAME IS RIO ART RIO 2015 SEPTEMBER 9–13 Now in its fifth year, Art Rio is a firm favourite among the culture-savvy Brazilian public. The…

AS SHE FLITS ABOUT THE expansive living room of this grand District 10 home, a spring in her step and a sparkle in her eyes, it’s easy to think that Grace Goh-Lee is one of those people who’s just very contented with her life. And why wouldn’t she be? The daughter of self-made millionaire Tommie Goh, she co-founded the popular ThaiExpress restaurant chain with her serial entrepreneur husband Ivan Lee and whizzes around town in a red Ferrari (a gift from Ivan for her 33rd birthday). To top that, she’s a proud, and very svelte-looking, mum of two little girls and has time to indulge in her passion for running. Her childhood was simpler. As both her parents worked, she lived with her maternal grandmother in a two-bedroom flat shared…

Honouring the United States’ commitment to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the United States Embassy in Singapore went big with its celebration of the 239th year of American independence in July. More than 1,500 diplomats, business owners and representatives of American organisations mingled on the beach and event centre of Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa, which also featured a showcase of iconic American brands such as Google, Harley-Davidson and Microsoft. In their speeches, US ambassador Kirk Wagar and Singapore’s minister for the environment and water resources Vivian Balakrishnan paid tribute to both nations’ shared drive for innovation. Of course, no American party would be complete without jazz music and classic American fare such as hot dogs and mini burgers. Fireworks were set off as a grand finale…

The iconic Woobar at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove’s weekly mid-week Heel Before Me ladies’ night had extra sparkle in the mix in June when hosted by World of Diamonds. With thumping beats and flowing champagne, the electric atmosphere was given additional buzz with a rare 0.19-carat fancy blue diamond worth $24,000 up in the mix, as each guest who purchased a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé stood a chance to win the sparkler.…

“I enjoy experimenting with my outfits. My favourite evening looks channel Hollywood icons such as Audrey Hepburn and the daring Josephine Baker, making the opulent rich tapestry gowns by Andrew Gn on my wish list. Staple pieces in my collection would be the Tod’s Cape bag and my comfortable Current/Elliott distressed jeans, which go well with everything. My current love for loafers and brogues led to my recent acquisition of Miu Miu’s silver-tipped loafers. I’m also eyeing a pair of Burberry open-toed boots!”…

JUST PRESS TO AIRBRUSH Lancôme’s Blanc Expert Cushion Compact gives other cushions in the market a run for their money. With a silky serum formula, this foundation promises four hours of hydration while giving coverage that “blurs” out imperfections like large pores. Adenosine and pine extract tackle wrinkles and dark spots, while SPF 23/PA++ tops off the anti-ageing protection. In four new shades, specially tailored to perfect Asian skin. THIRST QUENCHER Your skin is like a sponge—and the liquid between skin cells keep it plump and healthy. But if skin loses its ability to retain moisture, whether due to ageing or damage, it feels dry, loses radiance and elasticity. Cosme Decorte’s all-new Decorté Liposome Treatment Liquid sets about to repair the skin’s “storage space” and boost dermal cell regeneration. Pat…

A PEACE TREATY Eight around-the-world designers work with artisan workshops across 10 countries to bring you printed scarves, geometric jewellery and silk kaftans. EKATERINA KUKHAREVA Make a double statement with the designer’s bold prints. She’s known for her knitted maxis and for being an eco-chic dresser. FREEDOM OF ANIMALS You’ll want one of their minimalist structured bags. Actors Sarah Jessica Parker and Kerry Washington are fans. SUNO Designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty’s funky coats and loud wrap dresses are inspired by traditional African textiles. (Available at Net-a-Porter.com) HONEST BY. The story behind each piece by Bruno Pieters is completely transparent, down to the button origin and—believe it or not—the store markup calculations. MAIYET In partnership with non-profit organisation Nest, Maiyet produces timeless fashion that incorporates crafts from Indonesia, Kenya…

ABOUT A MONTH ago I enjoyed a seven-day tasting tour through Spain. It was an incredibly exciting voyage into the tradition and excellence of the country’s winemaking culture. The trip renewed my enthusiasm for Spain and its wines, which I tasted extensively during visits in the 1980s and early 1990s. Wineries such as Pingus are truly at the top of the game, making reds that compete with the best in the world. It’s the La Tâche of Spain. It was awe-inspiring to be in the Ribera del Duero region and taste a vertical of 10 vintages of the tempranillo-based red. I will publish my tasting notes next month. I had so many epiphanies in Spain, along with everyday moments of enjoyment, such as the typical breakfast of toasted bread covered…

RENOWNED FOR ITS safety and practicality, Swedish carmaker Volvo is the go-to marque for those looking for a “sensible” car. But whoever said sensible is congruous with boring? To prove the point, Volvo has added some measure of Scandinavian flair to the design and craftsmanship of its all-new XC90. Built on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) modular chassis technology—which will provide the design direction for the company’s portfolio of new launches in the near future—the second-generation XC90 brings a new dimension to the luxury SUV segment with innovative design features, generous interior space, improved driveability thanks to the outstanding combination of power and fuel efficiency, and world-first class-leading safety features, naturally. First introduced in 2002, the original XC90 was a late bloomer in the SUV game but it addressed…

GUESS WHO CHOSE WHAT! “Although it will be the first in his wardrobe, I can imagine my husband rocking velvet pants. He approved of the smoking jackets from Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana’s AW14 collections, so I believe he would give this look a shot, especially if it has a clean-cut silhouette.” “Dark leather pants for men are chic and unique. With his tall physique, my husband would look suave in a pair, especially if he wears it with an overcoat. I can already imagine him in a pair strolling down the streets of Japan during our annual holiday there.” “My husband has a bright personality and bold style. I’d like to see him juxtaposing colours, floral motifs, pussy bows and ruffles with his masculinity. It’ll also match his…

sep From Singapore’s favourite musical son to the art world’s two great modern artists, here are the names to note on your arts and culture radar this month 3 DICK LEE: THE ADVENTURES OF THE MAD CHINAMAN UPSIZED Recounting his musical journey from the ’60s to the debut of his alter ego The Mad Chinaman, Dick Lee revives his legendary show with a live band of Singapore’s top musicians. At Esplanade Concert Hall. esplanade.com 6 SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL AVIARY Singaporean harpist Laura Peh collaborates with filmmaker Min-Wei Lee and choreographer Renee Leong for a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary performance. At The Arts House’s Play Den. laurapeh.com 8 GLOBE TO GLOBE HAMLET Shakespeare’s Globe, in collaboration with ABA Productions, stages a touring production of one of the Bard’s greatest tragedies. Till September…

CHRIS CHONG ARRIVES IN A snazzy outfit, doesn’t flinch when his hair and face are fussed over, and slips easily into the requisite poses. One would never expect that this is the CEO of upscale integrated retail and residential development Orchard Turn Developments, calling the shots at luxury mall Ion Orchard for almost two years now. Certainly, “expected” isn’t a word one would associate with this man. Trained in engineering, the Raffles Junior College alumnus admits he never worked as an engineer. Upon graduation from a university in France, he served his bond working at the Economic Development Board’s Paris office for five years before joining luxury goods conglomerate LVMH in Paris and Hong Kong. Today, the fluent French speaker—handy when you regularly meet the heads of French luxury maisons—is…

Grey skies and a heavy drizzle couldn’t stop the steady stream of enthusiasts from thronging Artspace@ Helutrans for the unveiling of the all-new Volvo XC90. The Friday night launch party in the industrial space saw guests, some with children in tow, mingling over canapes and drinks, sampling Balvenie whisky and checking out Bowers & Wilkins speakers in a sound room. Christopher Wailes, Volvo’s market area director, Asia Pacific, made the introductions before the sporty luxury SUV was unveiled in dramatic fashion: in the dimmed halls, two shrouded vehicles’ headlights blazed through their covers, which were finally pulled off by mini motorised Volvo cars. The spacious seven-seaters were promptly swarmed by Volvo buffs wanting to check out the XC90’s anatomy. Read about the all-new Volvo XC90 on p.237…

It was an exhilarating afternoon as a host of VIP guests took in the Emirates Singapore Derby 2015 from the glass-panelled hospitality suite at the Singapore Turf Club. After filling themselves up with the lavish spread from the international buffet and free flow of wine, the guests watched the races and made their own bets on the winners. On the track, Quechua, ridden by jockey Corey Brown, galloped to the finish line in first place, while indoors, Lise Commandeur won the best-dressed prize, snagging two business class tickets on Emirates to Australia.…

Belinda Chua of Flower Diamond Boutique welcomed guests to the jewellery store’s launch event of the Tessitore Collection of Tubogas jewellery. Fourth-generation jeweller Enrico Tessitore flew in from Naples to share with guests more about his company’s unique jewellery, which sports tubular gold links hand-joined into flexible “snake chains”.…

LIKE A LADY The cascading ruffles and silk tulle from Chanel have us in awe. Karl Lagerfeld’s gamble with the asymmetrical skirt and geometric heels pays off. HOT AS ICE Atelier Versace marries opposites—the sweet and the sexy—by wielding fiery golden leaves with an icy, slinky embellished skirt. Smart! BLOODY MARY Nobody does red like Valentino, which means there won’t be a diverted eye when you’re in this pagan column gown for Grecian goddesses. THE AGE OF INNOCENCE This Christian Dior dress leaves much to the imagination except your impeccable taste in footwear, so pick a hot pair! RUNAWAY BRIDE Wearing a princess gown like this Ralph & Russo one? Let your hair loose and go smoky on the eyes, so you won’t be mistaken for a lost bride.…

Beauty can mean many things, but ask Kelly Randall Sia for her thoughts on the subject and she quotes a biblical verse from the Song of Solomon. “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you. Isn’t this how every woman would love to be seen?” she says. The familiar face on the society circuit never fails to turn heads with her impeccable dress sense, dewy skin and disarming poise. A style chameleon with a taste for couture, she never follows fashion trends blindly. Here is a woman who follows her heart, be it in fashion or life choices. The domestic goddess writes a new chapter of her life with her foray into the wonderful world of television. Putting together her two passions, couture and cuisine, she…

BOUCHERON The Epure Vague de Lumière watch features three-dimensional marquetry of round and baguette diamonds on a wave that unfolds on an aventurine glass. FP JOURNE What makes this Tourbillon Souverain Bleu unique is a case that is entirely made of tantalum, a hard blue-grey metal that’s notoriously difficult to work with, and a reflective blue chrome dial that gives a peek at the FP Journe movement featuring the renowned constant-force device and dead-beat second. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS This Pierre Arpels Heure d’Ici & Heure d’Ailleurs double jumping hour and retrograde minutes watch pays tribute to the colours of Monaco, with a radiant Mediterranean blue dial matched with white calligraphy. HARRY WINSTON With the home time indicated by sapphire and aluminium hands inspired by the four-point shuriken star, Harry…

PORTICO Porch, complete with colonnades in grander villas LOGGIA Veranda GIARDINO SEGRETO Secret garden, an ornamental garden tucked away from view GIARDINO DEI SEMPLICI Garden of simples, where medicinal herbs are grown GROTTO Cave, almost always artificial in Italian gardens, that look like huge rocks on the outside and inside might house fountains, shrines or whimsical ornaments TERRAZZO Terraces over which the gardens were arranged on a hill in larger villas CATENE D’AQUA Water chains, a long, cascading water feature that usually feeds fountains and pools…

FASHION SEASONS USED to change twice a year, four times at most for the more illustrious brands with inter-season collections. But now, like the world’s climate, there’s less predictability to the cycles, and if not capsule collections, there are collaborative releases, event/destination/anniversary launches, limited editions… It’s conceivable that the world of high fashion, its designs devoured by high-street brands that then propagate countless permutations of what’s trending, is in turn pressured by fast fashion’s weekly drops to itself spawn more “must-haves” at a higher frequency to feed the insatiable demand for newness, to captivate the attention span of an increasingly distracted consumer. Even without stepping into a mall, there is no missing it: Brands send out newsletters about the latest trends; social media “influencers” parade every minute fad with a…

Peking duck has been enjoyed since as early as the Yuan dynasty, which ruled China from 1206 to 1368, and is a classic Chinese dish that has been iterated in the most traditional as well as novel preparations over the years. TungLok XiHé Peking Duck restaurant has made its name in marrying the best of age-old techniques with an innovative line-up of condiments: the bird is presented with skin perfectly crisped, along with interesting options of blueberry sauce, “popping candy” and mustard on the side. This original signature dish, however, has now been replaced by Peking London Duck (named not for where the ducks are from but where they gained popularity). The restaurant has upgraded its key ingredient to the “Wagyu of ducks”: 42-day-old soy- and wheat-fed crossbreed reared exclusively…

WE WANT POWER AND performance in a car, but also comfort and everyday functionality. This is the demands we have for a car and we’re not alone on this. Indeed, listening and adapting to what modern-day consumers want, is a determining factor for the success of a car manufacturer. This is clear to Porsche, whose road-going cars thrill drivers with a spectrum of racecar features. Enter the Boxster GTS, the first GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) variant of the beloved entry-level roadster. Even without looking under its bonnet, the Boxster GTS is noticeably sportier. A nose job has succeeded in sharpening and elongating the car’s visage, while smoked bi-xenon headlights and taillights lend mystery to its demeanour. Slide into the car, which sits 10mm lower than the entry-level Boxster but isn’t…