Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2018 i Tatler Singapore

ONE IS A CULT FASHION ICON, while the other is a jeweller renowned for its spellbinding masterpieces, both beloved by women the world over. So when the high heels of Manolo Blahnik meet the high jewellery of Bulgari, the result is a one-of-a-kind bejewelled pair of shoes, and a lesson in creativity and craftsmanship. Reflecting the shoe couturier’s passion for vivid and effervescent tones and the jeweller’s mastery in audacious colour juxtapositions, the ankle straps of the striking green silk satin Manolo Blahnik pumps are embellished with a touch of Italian extravagance in the form of sparkly diamonds with pink and purple rubellites and amethysts in the shape of chilli peppers or peperoncini, a motif apparent in a Bulgari High Jewellery necklace from the last Festa collection. More than how…

THE LATE 1980S MARKED THE BEGINNING OF THE contemporary art epoch in the Singapore art history. At the forefront of this movement was Amanda Heng, one of the founding members of the Singapore art collective, The Artists Village, which was founded by eminent contemporary artist Tang Da Wu in 1988. Singapore’s first “artist colony” brought together like-minded artists to explore progressive new ways and ideologies in making art in response to societal changes. The signature works of such iconic Singaporean artists will be at the centre of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival, which takes a new direction this year. Held from January 17 to 28, the 14th edition of the festival sees 16 local and international works themed around Let’s Walk, the title of a series of walking performances first…

“The best thing about travelling is being completely alone on the plane, when my phone isn’t ringing, and text messages and e-mails aren’t coming in. I use flight time to watch movies and catch up on sleep, as I usually wake up at 4.30am, work, study, and then head to bed at 11pm.” “Before I guest conduct with an orchestra, I try to attend one of its concerts incognito beforehand so I can understand its style, limits and where I can push it further. I’ll also know how the performance hall and the audience are like, and can then visualise how I want my concert to be. I’m a kiasu Singaporean like that.” “Musicians are like athletes; we need time to ourselves to practise and study to maintain our skills.…

Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but at The Covette Clinic, the international panel of aesthetic doctors and plastic surgeons will ensure that only the most discerning eyes are present to assist those on the quest for beauty and wellness. The team is led by medical director, Dr Frank Lee, the only Singaporean doctor on the board, who specialises in non-invasive medical aesthetic treatments with no downtime. With over 20 years of experience, he has treated over 30,000 customers. At this state-of-the-art luxury aesthetics clinic, the medical team’s philosophy is to provide natural and bespoke results through the most effective minimally and non-invasive treatments. Other medical luminaries, who have accumulated decades of experience in their respective fields, include Dr Roberto Pizzamiglio from Italy and Spain; Dr Ondrej…

THERE ARE BUTTERFLIES IN the desert. They are bright orange-brown with intricate black striping, their fluttering wings stark against the dusty green desert shrubbery. They flit among the myriad flowering shrubs that wrap the sandy landscape in a dense coat of green. Pink-flowered vines drape over towering cacti, flanked by ground-dwelling white blooms and stunted trees that look much like Mother Nature’s attempt at starting a bonsai garden. Here and there, a white-bellied bird perches on a branch, possibly waiting for its fluttering prey to pass by. Yet more birds circle, silhouetted against the cloudless blue sky. And just over the horizon, a glimmer of blue. The incongruity of being between desert and sea isn’t lost on me, despite my jet lag—if anything, the absurd beauty of the landscape is…

01 When the Chanel Coco Crush collection was launched online in 2015, half of the pieces sold out in the first 24 hours. 02 The collection features Chanel’s signature matelasse quilting, synonymous with its signature 2.55 bag. The motif was inspired by Gabrielle Chanel’s girlhood memories of horse riding, and the pattern is commonly used for horse blankets and equestrian wear such as gilets. 03 The sleek contemporary lines of the Coco Crush collection belie its bling—bangles are dusted with diamonds, and the fully-paved ring (in a size medium) feature a whopping 330 diamonds. 04 Chanel’s exclusive pink gold alloy, which it calls Beige Gold, joined the family in 2016, completing the trifecta with white and yellow gold. 05 That same year, a lion motif was added to the cuffs…

KAREN ONG-TAN SINGAPORE Statuesque. That is the first word that comes to mind when Karen Ong-Tan enters the room. Which is why she was inducted into Singapore Tatler’s Fashion Hall of Fame in 2016, and picked as the Most Stylish Lady for 2017. This fashion maven knows how to cut a striking figure in daring ensembles, topping the best-dressed list at most events she attends. Her demeanour, too, exudes pure elegance, but also strength—the mark of a woman supremely comfortable in her body. “Karen is the epitome of elegance,” says Singapore Tatler editor-in-chief Kissa Castañeda. “Whatever the occasion, she is always impeccably dressed and polished. This, however, doesn’t mean that she is predictable. Far from it. The corporate consultant and mother of one has a flair for adding unexpected elements,…

AFLASH OF A FIERY RED SOLE CAUGHT MY eye, and I immediately knew that I would be fast friends with the brunette wearing that impractical pair of Christian Louboutin heels for the rocky train ride ahead. We were at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow for a briefing on the following day’s departure aboard the luxurious private train, Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express (goldeneagleluxurytrains.com) along with 72 global companions. Over 15 days, the train traversed more than 10,000km across eight time zones; from Moscow to Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, to Vladivostok in the east of Russia, near its borders with China and North Korea. Before embarking on our rail journey, we took the opportunity to explore Moscow with some of our train mates: Marcel, an 85-year-old Texan originally from Paris; May and Phatt,…

IN A CITY RIFE WITH picturesque landmarks, the breathtaking beauty of Paris’ Palais Garnier stands second to none: magnificent gilded statues, ornamental details, sweeping marble staircases, a majestic mirrored hall—it is a spectacular symbol of the Napoleon III-era opulence. And yet, on the ceiling of the velvet-cloaked auditorium is Marc Chagall’s painted modernist mural—looming in apparent discord with its neo-baroque surrounds. A controversial addition in 1964, the opera house’s ceiling is considered a star attraction today—a striking marriage between classical and contemporary sensibilities. Just before it celebrates its 350th anniversary in 2019, since it was founded by Louis XIV as the Académie d’Opéra, the Opéra National de Paris embraced modernity again by announcing a 10-year collaboration with Devialet, the award-winning French audio start-up that is revolutionising how we listen to…

You know the drill every Chinese New Year. The celebration begins with the iconic yusheng to welcome the new year on a good note, followed by a parade of traditional dishes. Dancing Crab shakes things up with the Dancing Crab yusheng, its modern take on the festive dish. It still has all the elements of the classic yusheng, but uses premium ingredients. The base features assorted greens, including carrot strips to bring in good luck; Alaskan king crab and smoked salmon slices for abundance and prosperity; golden crackers and crispy fish skin for bountiful wealth; and pepper and cinnamon powder to attract wealth and treasures. It is drizzled with honey mustard sauce (symbolising sweet and loving relationships) and olive oil (countless sources of wealth), before it is topped with sesame…

Gursehaj Dhillon celebrated his sixth birthday in style with a lavish Minion-themed party thrown by his parents Nayantara and Gurpreet Dhillon. The young attendees were kept busy with carnival games, sand art, a bouncy castle, a magician, as well as Minion-themed food and ice cream. While the scene-stealing sidekicks from Despicable Me were seen everywhere, the real stars of the show were birthday boy Gursehaj and his younger brother Girvaan, wearing matching outfits—Minion-themed, of course!…

To mark its 45th anniversary, Cortina Watch hosted a celebratory dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, which was attended by VIPs, customers and members of the local watch trade, as well as Swiss ambassador Thomas Kupfer. The commemorative Officine Panerai Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic watch in stainless steel and red gold designed to fete the milestone was also on display.…

1 RENAISSANCE PERIOD In my twenties, I was very much inspired by the Renaissance period. This was a colourful moment in time, when art and intellect were of utmost importance and elevated to creative heights. The dynamic dialogue around art during this period was what drove me to pursue a career in beauty. 2 WORLDLY WOMEN Each woman who visits my salon has shown me the value of friendship and the power of trust. My clients always come back because they trust me with their hair and they know I will always bring out their natural beauty. They are the reason why I am so dedicated to my craft. 3 SWINGING LONDON The cultural revolution in London during the mid-to-late 1960s was forward-thinking, fun loving, and ultimately inspiring. I was…

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between fashionable and stylish? The distinction is almost negligible, if you ask me. But it is also a tiny detail that most people miss. A fashionable person is stylish. But a stylish person need not be fashionable. Confused? Let me illustrate the difference with two menswear icons—David Bowie and Paul Newman. Bowie paired loud colours with clashing patterns and prints. His look of silky, printed tops with billowy sleeves and slim-cut, high-waisted trousers, complete with a red mullet, sported in 1973 comes to mind. That was the au courant style aesthetics, and Bowie truly carried it well, leaving an indelible mark in the annals of menswear. On the other hand, Newman would always wear the classic combo of sweater and chinos or even a slim-cut tuxedo…

The 14th edition of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival takes a new direction with its theme of Let’s Walk, also the title of a 1999 work by pioneer performance artist Amanda Heng…

11 SINGAPORE MOTORSHOW 2018 With over 20 automotive brands spread across two floors, including two new marques, Mini and Seat, making their show debut, this annual motoring event also features world-class stunt driving demonstrations by British precision driver, Russ Swift. Till January 14, at Suntec Singapore. motorshow.com.sg 16 TOKYO SKA PARADISE ORCHESTRA Famed for its flamboyant and high-octane live performances, this Japanese ska and jazz band returns to the Esplanade Concert Hall with its own unique twist on traditional ska tunes for another foot-stomping and head-bopping party. tokyoska.net 17 PERFECT STRANGER Made up of 48 textual artworks, artist Dawn Ng’s new installation at Chan + Hori Contemporary uses words and colour to play with ideas of consciousness and unconsciousness. The surreal, glimmering images invite visitors to explore questions of memory…

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS LADY ARPELS PLANÉTARIUM Van Cleef & Arpels turns poet once again with its latest mechanical masterpiece—the feminine version of the Midnight Planétarium, a watch the maison introduced four years ago. Truly a marvel to have on the wrist, the timepiece mesmerises with a miniature version of a portion of the solar system. On a beautiful aventurine dial, the Lady Arpels Planétarium illustrates Mercury, Venus and Earth rotating around the sun in their actual positions, while the moon completes its orbit around the Earth in 29.5 days. VACHERON CONSTANTIN TRADITIONNELLE COMPLETE CALENDAR COLLECTION EXCELLENCE PLATINE Since 2006, Vacheron Consantin has offered collectors the opportunity to own a timepiece from its Collection Excellence Platine line crafted in a 950 platinum case and with a sand-blasted dial bearing the…

GHINA’S LAST EMPEROR was likely to be the first Chinese gentleman—at least, in the English sense of the word. Aisin Gioro Pu Yi, who was also known as the Xuantong and Kangde Emperor at different points in time, was enamoured with Western customs and products, influenced by his Scottish tutor Reginald Johnston. Pu Yi wore glasses, loved the cinema, and cut off his traditional Manchurian queue in favour of a full head of hair. He also spoke constantly of wanting to study at Oxford, and reportedly became addicted to buying pianos, radios, Western clothes, leather shoes, spectacles, clocks—and watches. This was the 1920s, and Pu Yi wanted to be a man of the modern world. It was this gentlemanly Pu Yi who came to mind as I strolled through Chopard’s…

“MANY COLLECTORS ARE PRETTY SHY AND PREFER TO BE LOW-KEY.IT CAN TAKE A LONG TIME, SOMETIMES YEARS, BEFORE THEY AGREE TO EXHIBIT THEIR COLLECTION” – DANIEL TEO Asian Persuasion TUCKED AWAY IN A DISCREET CORNER OF THE FORMER Catholic High School campus on Waterloo Street (now reborn as arts and heritage space 222+51), The Private Museum has the feel of an insider secret. Since its inception in 2010, this unassuming independent art space has hosted exquisite exhibitions of rarely-seen works by some of Singapore’s most important pioneer artists, including Chua Ek Kay, Lim Tze Peng and Anthony Poon. Its mission: to be a platform bridging artists, collectors and the public. The space is the brainchild of property developer Daniel Teo, whose affinity with art started way back in primary…

“The plate is always the canvas on which to paint the food, but it’s also art in itself ” “IDETEST SQUARE PLATES,” declares Jason Tan, chef patron and co-owner of one-Michelin star Corner House, when I catch him in between lunch and dinner service. “Apart from that, I’m very open to patterns, shapes and colours that fit my gastro-botanica cuisine.” Tan declares that he is addicted to tableware, a “personal hobby” that sees him buying pieces in countries he visits. “I can never have enough plates, but it’s too much for my team who has to find storage for them,” he admits. He has just returned from Thailand the day before, bearing new pearlware—bowls and spoons. A few months back, it was hawker bowls from China. His staff are meticulous…

PILATES WAS LIFE-CHANGING.” Words I never thought I would say. “I know,” says Graham Rowe, who heads Amanpuri’s wellness immersion programme, as he bites into his Thai pancake, made fresh in an outdoor sala by the resort’s pool. His breezy reply leads me to suspect that he has heard this a million times. I find out later too, that the on-site Pilates instructor James Jackson has also fixed Graham’s old ankle injury. I am spending a couple of days immersed in the wellness programme at Amanpuri in Phuket. The venerable Aman spa experience has become a trademark of the intimate, tranquil hotel and resort collection, often made even more heavenly as these treatments are savoured in the world’s most remarkable locations. Not surprising, it is only natural that the group’s…

Chinese New Year is the time we celebrate heritage, history, culture and family. At this time of year, our hearts—and bellies—lean towards the traditional. So, we turn to the age-old question: where should we dine? While the current profusion of Chinese fine dining restaurants offer diners numerous options, why not head to an old favourite? Hua Ting was one of the earliest Chinese fine dining hotel restaurants to open in the city in 1992, and has since been firmly established as a premier destination for Cantonese cuisine. In 2017, the signature restaurant at Orchard Hotel Singapore underwent a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, rejuvenating not only its space but also its menu. Playing a key role in this revamp is master chef Lap Fai, who has helmed Hua Ting’s kitchen for more than…

SINGAPORE MARRIOTT TANG PLAZA HOTEL 320 Orchard Road, tel: 6831 4605 singaporemarriott.com/cny Want to host a memorable Chinese New Year dinner, but your personal chef is out of town? Find a fuss-free but just as luxurious celebration at the famed Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant. The restaurant has accolades to prove its worth, but you will discover its virtues for yourself when you dine there. For Chinese New Year, lavish gastronomy awaits. Set menus, which are available from January 16 to March 2, have been expertly curated by executive Chinese chef Brian Wong for four to 10 persons. These include dishes such as wok-fried lobster meat with caviar; braised South African 22-head abalone with goose web and seasonal greens; Wan Hao signature roast ginseng duck; and mini abalone, salmon and crispy…

Over 300 high-powered executives and industry experts gathered for the fifth edition of the CEO Asia Conference by Influential Brands to exchange valuable insights and market analysis on the topic of business transformation and innovation. Supported by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Deloitte Singapore and the Singapore Institute of Management, the event culminated in an award ceremony for head honchos. Award recipients included One Championship’s Chatri Sityodtong and ceramist Iskandar Jalil.…

Shruti Hora celebrated her 40th birthday in the best possible way—in the company of family and friends, and together with her eldest daughter, Eshana, who turned nine the same month. Held at FOC Sentosa, it was a night of non-stop partying with copious amounts of food and drinks. The famous DJ Khushi, who flew in specially from India, kept spirits up and pumping with his energetic sets, while guests enjoyed interesting fringe activities, which included glittery manicure sessions, tarot card reading and magic performances. To cap a wonderful celebration, a spectacular display of fireworks lit up the evening skies.…

1 COLLECTORS’ EDITION The anchor event of the Singapore Art Week 2018 (artweek.sg) and Southeast Asia’s flagship art fair, Art Stage Singapore (artstage.com), returns for its eighth edition, from January 25 to 28, with a focus on “interactions”. Along with a special country focus on Thailand, expect a diverse programme including dialogues and panel discussions featuring acclaimed keynote speakers at the Southeast Asia Forum, and even exclusive viewings of private collections with the Signature Collectors’ Visits. This year, there is also a focus on the interaction between art and design with Singapore’s first Asian-focused showcase on collectible design in collaboration with The Artling. So if you are looking for a stunning new addition to your art collection or stylish home decor, this is the place to be. At the Marina…

1 TRADITIONAL STYLE CARB CRAVINGS Pasta is a staple in Italian cuisine—and in Michele Pavanello’s kitchen. His new menu includes the homemade beetroot pasta, which uses chitarra, also known as guitar pasta due to how it is made (the square-tipped strands are shaped using a stringed wood frame that looks similar to the instrument). He cooks it al dente before tossing it in a savoury emulsion made with anchovies, broccoli, parsley and olive oil. Beetroot is served on top to add a sweet and earthy finish. 2 KEEPING IT SIMPLE OCEAN TREASURES “We chefs like to surprise guests,” says Pavanello, and his Boston lobster tart is a fine example of that. It is packed with juicy lobster chunks, which he steams first to enhance their natural sweetness, before baking them…

“To support art is not just to support a production for immediate return in investment, but an investment for our future that will serve to embrace and acknowledge the tenacious spirit of human existence” A COMMITMENT TO GROW the arts sector can only be fuelled by a personal passion. Kris Tan loved music so much growing up that she not only encouraged her two sons and daughter to be music lovers and accomplished musicians like herself, the director of Kris Foundation has also actively supported the local classical music scene through her foundation, and as a member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) Ladies’ League. Set up in 2011, the Kris Foundation’s mission is to provide young classical musicians with opportunities to develop their skills, expand their knowledge and enrich…

OFTEN, SOME watchmakers are defined by one collection: think Audemars Piguet and the Royal Oak, or Hublot and the Big Bang. There are others that have a body of work so compelling and extensive that you would be hard-pressed to pin-point its cash cow. Take Omega and its range of Speedmasters, Seamasters, Constellations and De Villes—all unique in their identity and aesthetic, but still emblematic of the watchmaker’s 170-year legacy. While it is hard to pick a favourite, we all have that one collection that speaks the most to our personality and lifestyle. For me, it would have to be the Aqua Terra, and in particular, its Worldtimer Master Chronometer, launched in 2017. The Seamaster Aqua Terra line is the chic and elegant descendant of the Seamaster collection. Released in…

1 Bloom brooch in white gold with Akoya cultured pearls and diamonds by Mikimoto 2 Turquoise Waters necklace in white gold with diamonds and multi-shape blue sapphires by Chanel 3 Moissons sous le vent brooch in yellow gold with pear-shaped, brilliant-cut and marquise-cut diamonds by Chaumet 4 Jasmine ring in white gold with multi-shape diamonds by Nirav Modi 5 Cactus de Cartier bracelet in yellow gold with emeralds and brilliant-cut diamonds by Cartier 6 Olive high jewellery bracelet in white gold with peridots, amethysts, green tourmaline and fancy yellow pave diamonds by Bulgari 7 Guirlande de Fleurs earrings in yellow and white gold with mandarin garnets, emeralds, pearls, pink sapphires, tourmalines, spinels, sapphires, turquoise, fire opals, hauyne, tsavorite and spessartite garnets, amethyst, ruby and yellow diamonds by Dior 8 Peony…

It has been more than three decades since he began his career, but Timothy White still gets butterflies in his stomach before every photo shoot. “I go into every situation not really knowing the outcome, which is exciting and fun,” says the award-winning celebrity photographer, who has shot famous actors and musicians, including Anthony Hopkins, Audrey Hepburn, Yoko Ono, Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Sophia Loren, Paul McCartney and Harrison Ford, mostly for movie and TV posters and international glossies such as Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair. “I will continue to ‘make pictures’ that will stand as a document of my time and how I have preserved the personalities of pop culture during my lifetime” However, White doesn’t let nerves get the better of him. He comes to photo shoots “prepared…

PERFUMERY AND WHISKY may seem unlikely bedfellows, but they share an important reliance on our olfactory sensitivity. And that is what makes The Macallan Edition No 3, the latest in the upscale Scotch maker’s limited-edition series, so inviting. A collaboration between celebrated British perfumer Roja Dove, and Bob Dalgarno, the brand’s master whisky maker, the amber nectar has a smooth, multifaceted character that keeps titillating the palette. That it is concocted by a whisky maker, but with a perfumer’s nose directing it, is what gives the No 3 its superior edge. The aromatic influence this time around not only dictates the flavour of the drink, but also elevates it. You see, scent and taste aren’t disparate—just think of how everything tastes flat when you have a cold. In fact, as…

There is nothing quite like a seafood extravaganza to usher in the new year on a bountiful note. And there is no better restaurant to entrust the all-important Chinese New Year reunion meal to than Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, which will remain open throughout the festive period. A pioneer in bringing in live, premium seafood to Singapore’s discerning foodies—think air-flown Alaskan king crabs, lobsters, Scottish razor clams, abalone, geoducks, and more—Long Beach has since established a reputation as the go-to restaurant whenever exotic fruits de mer are on the cards. Nothing but the best will do for the sacred lo hei ritual of tossing for prosperity, and it doesn’t get any fresher, and any more luxurious than at Long Beach. Live lobster and live geoduck sashimi for your yusheng? Done.…

Gourmands flocked to the JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach for the unveiling of Singapore Tatler’s T.Dining publication, as well as the Best Restaurants 2017/18 list and the award winners. The Best New Restaurant title went to Ivan Brehm’s Nouri, while the Best Service award went to Waku Ghin and Odette. The latter also bagged the Restaurant of the Year award. Cassia, Jade, Jiang-Nan Chun and Oso Ristorante were honoured with the Hall of Fame awards, while Willin Low was the Local Champion of the Year, and The Dempsey Cookhouse and Bar earned a nod for the Best Interior Design. After the ceremony, guests stayed on for delicious bites and tipples, while entertained by Nikolai David Kea.…

What does leaving a legacy mean—is it the wealth that passes from one generation to another, or something more intangible? This was the subject on hand at the Crib Legacy Building and Impact Series with the Community Foundation of Singapore, as like-minded investors and philanthropists gathered for a panel discussion. And who better to weigh in on the topic than father-daughter duos Richard and Rebecca Eu, and Keith and Sharon Chua, who shared personal anecdotes on charity and legacy building.…

Singapore’s generosity was celebrated at the annual President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards, officiated for the first time by president Halimah Yacob. Eight of the city’s most inspirational givers were awarded this pinnacle accolade for affecting positive change in Singapore. The sixth edition of this award ceremony saw guests enjoy an entertaining evening, which included musical performances by children from Metta School, MINDS and Dream Stage Kids, as well as local band Lorong Boys.…