Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2018 i Tatler Singapore

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK, always—don’t let fashion tell you otherwise. McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, has introduced a sleek, all-black design for its 570GT supercar with the MSO Black Collection. And it is more than just a paint job—for the record, the carbon black paint is exclusive to MSO. Part of the McLaren Sports Series, the 570GT MSO Black Collection exudes an air of mystery thanks to the MSO Defined Black Pack, which extends a palette of black-on-black to the front and rear splitters, side skirts and air intakes, along with the twin-spoke forged wheels. Its dark and handsome demeanour is further enhanced in the cabin with the MSO Black Collection trim, with features such as the centre console, steering wheel and speaker surrounds…

SHE MAY HAVE SUNG THE ROLE OF AIDA TWICE—WITH THE Dublin Opera and the Kentish Opera in the UK—but every production is a new experience for soprano Nancy Yuen. She will once again take on the titular role in Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, which will be staged for the first time by the Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO) from June 1 to 6, at the Esplanade Theatre. For Yuen, what keeps it interesting is “working with new colleagues whom I haven’t worked with before”, such as South Korean soprano Jee-Hye Han who shares the role of Aida with her, as well as a number of young singers from Singapore. They were discovered from the SLO-Leow Siak Fah Artists Training Programme (named after SLO’s late founding chairman) and the Asean Vocal Competition, two…

1. MONTEX ATELIER Embroidery firm Montex, which was acquired by Paraffection in December 2011, was tasked by Chanel fashion studio director Virginie Viard and creative director Karl Lagerfeld to create the accent braids. Braids are embroidered by needle, made of wisps of tweed, 310 rhodoid elements, 1,430 metallic tubes and 685 stones, requiring 181 hours of work. These embroidered braids will embellish the collar, the pockets and the hem of the dress, as well as the Maison Michel cap. 2. LEMARIÉ ATELIER The Lemarié atelier, established in 1880, specialises in feather appliques and fabric flowers—in fact, it creates 40,000 fabric flowers every year. The organza of the dress is overlaid with white feathers, which are then carefully hand-painted with wide horizontal blue stripes in the spirit of a “sailor’s top”,…

An unyielding dedication to quality. The exquisite craftsmanship of skilled artisans. And of course, the supreme savoir faire of master watchmakers. These are just some of the elements that make each Patek Philippe timepiece a horological masterpiece that stands the test of time, and is so highly coveted by true connoisseurs. It is this allegiance to time-honoured traditions—infused with a spirit of innovation—that have shaped the new expressions of mechanical perfection by Patek Philippe. Launched earlier this year at the annual Baselworld fair, these timepieces embody the Swiss watchmaker’s mastery of technical microengineering and aesthetic know-how. Turn the page for the highlights that discerning collectors cannot wait to get their hands on: World Time Minute Repeater Ref 5531R Merging a minute repeater with a world time display for the first…

VISITING A WATCH manufacture is always a pleasurable experience; it is almost like watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly. You start with nondescript blocks of metal and, through some special process of transmutation, end up with a beautiful piece of art. And while human engineering still can’t quite keep up with the mastery of Mother Nature, we still think that the watches that come out of Blancpain’s two watch manufactures—one in Le Sentier and one in Le Brassus—each year are worthy of admiration. The manufacturing of components and assembly of the vast majority of Blancpain’s watches take place in Le Sentier, while Le Brassus handles the hand-finishing and decorative metiers d’art, as well as the assembly of high complication watches. The journey of a Blancpain watch begins before any…

First, the good news. In the ongoing race to stay ahead of the curve, Singapore is having a promising year, as far as international rankings are concerned. It ranked third in the 2018 Bloomberg Innovation Index, up from sixth place in 2017. It scored particularly well on diversity of talent on a new global ranking from the US tech trade association Consumer Technology Association, which named Singapore one of 13 Innovation Champions. Global advisory firm ABI Research also scored Singapore the world’s smartest city after analysing 10 megacities for their innovation programmes and strategies for dealing with issues such as mobility, education and public services. But when it comes to future-proofing this land-scarce island with no natural resources, there is no such thing as resting on your laurels. We take…

PAKTOR Singapore has had one of the world’s lowest fertility rate for years. While policymakers continue to work on creative strategies for encouraging couples to have more babies, players from the private sector are trying their hand at kindling the first connection that makes eventual baby-making possible. Known as the Tinder of Southeast Asia, Paktor is a dating app that was born when co-founder Joseph Phua found existing digital platforms less than satisfactory. Endearingly named after the colloquial term for dating, the app attracted 25,000 active users within a month of its launch. Today, that number has grown to over 19.5 million, one of the largest user bases in the region. In April, Paktor hit a record number of one million matches. SMART ELDERLY MONITORING AND ALERT SYSTEM (SEMAS) With…

Imagine waking up every morning with nothing but the endless blue sea and the lulling waves to keep you company. That dream can become a reality on Dream Cruises’ mega cruise ships Genting Dream and World Dream, which traverse the coastal cities of Asia. Make sure to book The Palace experience as it further elevates your luxury cruising journey with a 24-hour butler concierge service, access to private lounges and facilities, and priority boarding, so you can travel to your island getaway in style and comfort. Furthermore, The Palace suites boast spacious interiors outfitted with Italian linens from Frette, a walk-in wardrobe and vanity area, as well as a bathroom with a full bathtub and Salvatore Ferragamo amenities. You can also wake up to the amazing views of the ocean…

“CAN ART BE AN AGENT for change in the world?” It was with this loaded question that the Incredible Women session began at Hong Kong’s The Upper House, hosted by Sarah Bailey, executive brand editor of Porter magazine. She was joined by successful women in the art world, including Daphne King-Yao, director of Alisan Fine Arts; Henrietta Tsui-Leung, CEO of Galerie Ora-Ora; Lisa Schiff, founder of Schiff Fine Art; and Yuri Yasuda, founder of Tokyo Art Office. It was the first time that Porter had hosted its Incredible Women Talks in Asia, after thought-provoking runs in the UK and the US with panellists such as Jane Goodall, Sofia Coppola and Victoria Beckham. The premise of Incredible Women came to life when Porter was first conceived as an editorial offshoot of…

BACK IN 1928, WHEN Hugh Clifford, then-governor of the Straits Settlements, opened the Fullerton Building, he said, with astute foresight: “The building is, and will be for many years, one of the principal landmarks of Singapore.” Ninety years later, his words still ring true. The Fullerton Building, now home to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, will celebrate its 90th anniversary this month. Before its current incarnation as a luxury hotel (which officially opened in 2001), the building began life as the General Post Office during the colonial days. It was also an important reference point for public roads in Singapore back then as the British, using the milestone system for measuring distances, referred to the post office as “Mile Zero”. During World War II, the grand dame also played a significant…

Think of fresh and sumptuous seafood dishes and Long Beach Seafood Restaurant immediately comes to mind. First started in 1946, with its long-standing Long Beach Seafood name established in 1982, the brand now boasts five outlets in Singapore and is known for concocting the original and famous black pepper crab that The New York Times and the Courvoisier’s Book of the Best have dubbed a masterpiece. It is with good reason as the meaty crustaceans are always served fresh; upon order, the crabs are harvested from the live tanks displayed in the restaurant and steamed to allow their natural sweetness to emanate. What is more, they are then doused in a rich black pepper sauce, with the right amount of spicy kick. Not surprisingly, this isn’t the only star on…

The wet and gloomy weather didn’t deter investors who were keen to explore the show flats of Parksuites by Far East Organization. Singapore Tatler friends turned up at the River Valley Road show flat to discover the different facets of this integrated development, which will be completed in 2023. Boasting facilities including numerous swimming pools, a gym and more, the low-rise towers are surrounded by greenery and are in close proximity to Holland Village and some of the island’s best schools. Following a short introduction by Keith Poh, the general manager of Far East Organization’s property sales business group, guests were then taken on a tour to discover the modern interiors of the apartments. WRITTEN WORD A calligrapher was on hand to pen special notes or names requested by the…

1 THÉOULE-SURMER ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR When I want to switch off, I go to this small village on the Bay of Cannes. The villa we stay at hangs on the edge of a hill and looks straight out over the sea, where you’ll see Nice and Cannes twinkling in the distance. I love being elevated and looking onto water. Somewhere in the sun, I’m in my element. “THERE’S A LINK BETWEEN ARTISTS AND PERFUMERS. WE ARE PAINTING PICTURES BUT INSTEAD OF PAINT, WE ALLOW RAW MATERIALS TO EXPRESS OUR VISION, USING THE LANGUAGE OF PERFUME” 2 SMALL INDEPENDENT , PERFUMERS Perfumery is undergoing the same change as the cosmetics industry did 15 years ago. There’s been a backlash against big mainstream brands, and names like Frederic Malle, Kilian and…

EAST MEETS WEST No one marries Asian and European design like hotelier and designer Anouska Hempel does, and her latest canvas, Six Senses Duxton, couldn’t have been better placed—within a row of 19th century shophouses along Singapore’s Tanjong Pagar. The hotel is a brilliant embodiment of her vision of utopia, borrowing elements from Chinese, Malay and European motifs that look right at home amongst the heritage architecture of the Chinatown district. The hotel’s rooms are especially grand, each decorated with unique items from Hempel’s personal collection, evoking the feeling of a home away from home. Before jetting off for your honeymoon, enjoy your wedding night at the top-of-the-line Pearl Suite, which features a celestial palette of white and ivory—the perfect setting for newlyweds. sixsenses.com RITZ AND GLAMOUR Heading to the…

BEAUTY LIES IN THE EYES OF THE beholder, but anyone who had seen Dessy Handojo on her wedding day would concur that she was a stunning bride. The Indonesian, dressed in a gown by Adrian Gan, tied the knot with her husband Dexter Fung on March 16 in Singapore, a day marked by intimate moments shared with the family; fabulous food; a special performance by former Westlife crooner Shane Filan; and, of course, lots of love. The couple first met six years ago through a common friend and hit it off instantly. After dating for five years, Dexter finally popped the question in Japan in 2017. “I was on a family holiday and Dexter joined us as well,” recounts Dessy. “It was cherry blossom season, and Dexter surprised me with…

THE SURPRISE PROPOSAL “I started planning the proposal about six months before we headed to Bali last September, because I knew I needed time to lock down a venue, photographer and videographer, and coordinate all of them. I had already asked Angelina’s parents for her hand in marriage, but I think she wasn’t expecting a proposal until this year! On the day of the surprise, I was pretty calm right up to the dinner set-up, which was so elaborate that I feared it would give my intention away. Thankfully, I managed to shift Angelina’s attention elsewhere and pulled off the surprise proposal successfully!” — Desmond THE WEDDING PLAN “We knew from the get-go that we wanted our wedding to be modern, elegant and dreamy with a personal touch, so we…

SUN-KISSED SKIN On the catwalk: Alexander Wang’s make-up artist, Diane Kendal, said she wanted her models to look like healthy California girls who had just stepped out of the Pacific Ocean. And she certainly achieved it—but given that the show was taking place in the heart of Brooklyn, this took some skill. After using foundation and concealer, she applied a peachy liquid blush across the entire cheekbone, a pale pink balm on the lips, and a sparkly loose highlighter over the brow. Eyes were dusted in nude shades, finished with the gentlest flick of mascara, and hair was left loose and tousled. Down the aisle: Whether your wedding is on a beach in Phuket, in a church in Italy or at a five-star hotel in Singapore, laidback, natural make-up is…

Among the myriad things that fill a couple’s mind when planning the wedding reception of a lifetime, location is inevitably one of the foremost considerations. Let’s face it, a dreamy, remote beach wedding sounds like a good idea, until you have to deal with the flurry of feedback from frustrated guests, including “How will I get there?” Boasting a strategic location in the heart of Orchard Road, and with ample parking space at Tang Plaza for guests who drive, Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel is without a doubt one of the city’s most convenient and accessible wedding venues. It is versatile as well, as the hotel offers a diversity of venues for all types of wedding receptions, be it an intimate party for eight to 15 tables at The Gallery;…

THE FULLERTON Heritage marks the 90th birthday of the Fullerton Building, now home to The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, with a big bash complete with gala dinners, art exhibitions, live music performances and exquisite car displays. The Fullerton Concours d’Elegance, which takes place within The Fullerton Heritage precinct from June 29 to July 1, will be anchored by a grand showcase of more than 90 cars—some dating back to the 1920s—lining the waterfront. Some cars to look out for: a 1934 Austin Seven Ulster Special, a 1967 Lamborghini Miura, and the first 2018 Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge to be seen on our shores. And for the first time, visitors will witness the largest display of cars from the personal garage of Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar. On the final day of…

7 25TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL The silver jubilee of this festival brings together six virtuoso pianists, including Argentine Martha Argerich, who makes her Southeast Asian debut performing Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No 3. Till June 13, at Victoria Concert Hall and Esplanade Concert Hall. pianofestival.com.sg 8 UNSANCTIONED: VOICES OFF THE WALL Explore street art’s diversity in style and technique, along with its enduring influence today, through the works of some of the genre’s most influential voices including Seen, Blek le Rat and Keith Haring. Till June 22, at Opera Gallery Singapore. operagallery.com 9 M1 CONTACT CONTEMPORARY DANCE FESTIVAL 2018 With an invitation to experience contemporary dance from its developmental stages to its polished form, the ninth edition of this festival features 28 works from 14 countries, with a focus on…

WINE RUNS IN Justin Dry’s blood, and that is absolutely not our polite way of calling him a lush. After all, he is the first to offer up his wine-steeped origin story. “My ancestors planted some of the first vines in the Barossa Valley,” he says with discernible pride, referring to Australia’s famous wine region. His uncles were in the wine trade, and did tastings with him when he was a kid. He later studied wine marketing and winemaking at university, and also worked in the industry. In his early 20s, Justin started going to independent wine shops to ferret out rare, interesting wines. And that is when his passion started to bump up against what he describes as the elitist nature of wine culture. “I remember walking into one…

Addressing students at the Singapore University of Technology and Design’s Ministerial Forum in April, prime minister Lee Hsien Loong declared: “It is time for us to reimagine and rebuild Singapore.” Indeed, the developments that will transform key parts of the country are already underway. The ports at Tanjong Pagar have relocated to Pasir Panjang, as part of the plan for an even bigger move to the future mega port in Tuas. With prime land freed up by the move, the emergence of a Greater Southern Waterfront is poised to revitalise a large swathe of the island. Paya Lebar Air Base will also shift to Changi, lifting height restrictions for the eastern part of Singapore and freeing up more than 800ha of land for redevelopment. And don’t forget about the high-speed…

IT HAS BEEN A RATHER unusually bitter winter in Europe, but Ferrari has wisely chosen the region of Puglia in southern Italy to introduce us to its new baby, the Portofino. In summer, Puglia’s stunning beaches and whitewashed towns are packed with holidaying foreigners; while in the depth of winter, the roads are nearly empty and ideal for some driving fun. The Portofino takes its name from a picturesque fishing town on the Italian Riviera and supersedes Ferrari’s front-engine California T, which in turn replaced the original 2008 California four years ago. The original California was conceived as Ferrari’s entry-level model, with the same level of aesthetic refinement as the rest of its cars. It was highly successful, thanks to its coupe-convertible design, and its 4.3L, naturally aspirated V8 engine…

FERRETTI YACHTS 780 For this 24m superyacht, Ferretti Yachts enlisted the expertise of luxury yacht architect, Studio Zuccon International Project, to design an aerodynamic all-GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) flybridge beauty for clients who love the outdoors. Distributed by Hong Seh Marine in Singapore, the yacht is powered by two 1,400hp MAN diesel engines and comes with a comfortable beach club area and a roomy foredeck seating area. Large glass windows and patio doors allow plenty of natural sunlight to flood the main deck saloon and eight-seat dining area, both of which exude a minimalist vibe with wood and marble finishings. Below deck is a full-beam master cabin with a walk-in wardrobe and separate office space, as well as two doubles and a twin cabin. For the Asian market, Ferretti Yachts offers…

What better way to end the work week than with an intimate get-together with like-minded friends? It was a champagne-fuelled Friday evening when Singapore Tatler invited some of our stylish society friends for a fashionable night out at Giorgio Armani’s Hilton Shopping Gallery boutique. Guests were treated to a mini fashion showcase with celebrity stylist Keith Png presenting the key looks from the Italian brand’s spring/summer 2018 collections, from casual suits and stylish athleisure for men and vibrant hues and prints for ladies. RUNWAY READY Celebrity stylist Keith Png shared the key looks of the season such as striking prints for ladies and athleisure for men…

It was a riot of colours at Serene Chua’s birthday celebration as she feted her big day with her closest girlfriends at The Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. Guests came dressed in their most vibrant outfits, standing out in bright pinks, bold reds and eye-catching prints. The birthday girl and her friends tucked into the sumptuous Peranakan buffet spread, but made it a point to keep some space for the special chendol birthday cake prepared by The Coconut Club. The group was later joined by Serene’s oldest daughter Amber Sng, who stole the show as Elsa from Frozen, complete with an adorable tiara. ALL DOLLED UP The birthday girl chose a Barbie doll-themed cake especially for her daughter Amber…

What are the do’s and don’ts of choosing a wedding gown? Always consider your venue, which will usually set the tone for the wedding—and hence the look of your gown. Do take your personal style into consideration, because your gown should be a reflection of who you are. Most importantly, seek professional advice. Don’t follow trends blindly, and don’t buy your dress from dubious sources just because the price seems attractive. Simply said, the “right” price may not get you the “right” dress. There has been a rising trend of non-white wedding gowns. Are there any colours brides should avoid? Colours really speak to every individual differently, so frankly, there’s no particular colour a bride should avoid. Rather, we will only advise her to steer away from hues that don't…

CAPTURING THE MAGIC OF Japan in the springtime, the John Jacob ballroom at The St Regis Singapore was transformed into an enchanting wonderland of delicate cherry blossoms for the wedding celebrations of Esther Zhong and Foo Chuan Yi. Like with every other aspect of their wedding, the sakura theme was an embodiment of the couple’s passions and personalities. In fact, as if echoing of their own love story, the wedding was intimate and personal in scale, but detailed and lavish in its execution. The couple met at a common friend’s wedding, and were seated next to one another. An easy flow of conversation led to them exchanging numbers, and two years later, Chuan Yi proposed. “He called me out to the balcony and when I looked down, there were the…

“WE WERE VERY HAPPY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PROCESS. THE VENUE AND DECOR EXCEEDED OUR EXPECTATIONS”—Jeremy Tan and Soh Gail in November last year, Soh Gail, media personality and co-founder of Project Weekends, and her husband Jeremy Tan envisioned a “grand and dreamy wedding like in a K-drama”, and that was exactly what Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel delivered for their party of 350 guests. “We chose the Enchanting Eden set-up and were really pleased with how the poolside pavilion was outfitted for the ROM ceremony. We needed no introduction to the hotel as it is well-known for both its prestige and its convenient location, and our wedding planner Denise Loo from Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel took excellent care of us throughout the entire journey. Our guests were also raving…

FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD possess the kind of dreamy allure that has enraptured travellers for centuries as Morocco. The jewel of North Africa has inspired some of the world’s most well-travelled, from Saudi royalty and legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent to beauty heiress Aerin Lauder. You’ll know you’ve entered the country’s most fabled city, Marrakech, when you see the red sandstone buildings that take on a rosy hue during sunset, alluding to the moniker “Red City”. We check into Four Seasons Resort Marrakech, a luxurious base from which to explore the city. It is just a 5min drive away from the alluring buzz and colour of the famed Jemaa el Fna square and marketplace. As we cruise along the palm-lined Boulevard de la Menara to the resort, we are…

Emirates takes you to Casablanca via Dubai, on an 8.5-hour flight, then to Marrakech. The updated interiors of its Boeing 777 fleet boast the new fully-enclosed First Class private suites with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors. The seat pan can be placed in a zero gravity mode inspired by Nasa technology, so you’ll feel weightless, and completely relaxed. Meals are a five-star, white-cloth affair. The regionally-inspired menu features a mezze platter or chakchuka followed by your main of fish tagine on flights to or from Casablanca. The newly upgraded inflight ICE entertainment system offers over 2,500 channels of movies, world news, documentaries, games and audio entertainment. Noise-eliminating Bowers & Wilkins headphones offer optimal audio, while content is delivered on a 23-inch high-definition LCD screen. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Emirates also offers a…

AS ANYONE WHO HAS watched The Crown will know, the British royal family may not be the ideal guide to wedded bliss, but they sure know how to pick a holiday spot. And the queen’s children and grandchildren have gone one step further, choosing some of the most idyllic places on earth to escape to after their weddings. These honeymoon destinations range from picture-perfect Greek beaches and tropical Indian Ocean islands to Portuguese retreats and African camping sites. So if you’re unsure where to go for the most romantic trip of your life, simply ask yourself, “What would the royals do?” and prepare to be inspired. THE ROYAL COUPLE: PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE Where did they go? Well, at the time of print, we don’t know where the newlyweds…

“I’m most attracted to stories that highlight real social issues in Singapore. As an actor, I want to be a voice for the under-represented or unheard groups in our society; to let the audience I perform for know about their situations, get them to talk about these issues and change their mindsets. That’s when I feel like I’ve done my job.” “I’ve always felt that the real Siti Khalijah Zainal, the private individual, is a very boring person. She doesn’t know how to convey her thoughts eloquently and is quite shy. She’s quite different from Siti, the actor, who she envies for being able to vocalise her opinions well because the lines have been written for her.” “My most memorable performance so far has been Best Of by The Necessary…

1 THE BEGINNINGS Chef Tim Meijers (right), who helms the kitchen at Tim’s Fine Catering Services, started off as a young apprentice at the renowned Muller restaurant in his hometown of Groningen in the Netherlands. Since discovering his passion early on, he has sharpened his skills at several Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe including Sketch in London, and backpacked across Asia in search of culinary inspiration. This led him to Singapore where he headed Saint Pierre’s catering arm for two and a half years, before setting up his own business. 2 BESPOKE OFFERINGS No two events are alike, which is why chef Meijers and his team customise their menus according to customers’ preferences. “We have a dialogue with our clients to understand what they would like to achieve,” he shares, adding…

Anything heavier than linen in the sauna months of summer might sound ludicrous, but before you write it off as madness, designers are making a serious case for crocheted garments this season. From breezy, eyelet-patterned pieces by the likes of Sonia Rykiel to the woven, lace-up lattice boots by Dior, you might be surprised at just how cool you’ll feel, both literally and fashionably.…

TRUE TO THE ESSENCE OF CHANEL, it all began with Coco. In the 1960s, a small independent atelier named Lemarié created a fabric camellia for Gabrielle Chanel. Since then, Lemarié’s artisans have been handcrafting the maison’s iconic 16-petal blooms to this very day. Today, creative director Karl Lagerfeld continues to work with these small specialised ateliers that are skilled in all manner of metiers d’art. They are considered an extension of the main Chanel ready-to-wear and haute couture ateliers; the ultimate collaborators magnifying the standard of craftsmanship in every creation. Many of these metiers d’art ateliers have worked with Coco herself, including shoemaker Massaro who is behind the iconic two-tone beige and black shoes since 1957. However, traditional craftsmanship has struggled to bloom in today’s industrialised climate of globalised production.…

HUBLOT LOVES FOOTBALL— the tagline was emblazoned everywhere at the Baselworld 2018 watch fair in March, and we bet that you will be seeing it even more often if you have even the slightest interest in football. After all, Hublot is a branded licensee for the 2018 Fifa World Cup, which kicks off in Russia this month—an event no football fan would dream of missing. Hublot Loves Football is the Swiss watchmaking brand’s catchy tagline for any of its football-related campaigns, and already tells you everything you need to know about why Hublot has invested so heavily into the sport. Except that it doesn’t. As with any partnerships, Hublot’s link with the world of football is very much a calculated business decision—one we suspect will pay off very well for…

GARDENS ARE MINIATURE ecosystems that teem with life—lush greens share their spaces with vivid blooms, while butterflies and beetles nestle peaceably alongside busy bees and bustling birds. Humans sidle among nature’s joyous cacophony and try to tame it into a placid, tranquil garden. These gardens have long served as sources of inspiration for creatives the world over, who have found beauty within the heart of a flower or the flutter of a bird’s wings. Dior’s watch and jewellery department, it seems, is no different. The marque’s latest Grand Bal Jardins Imaginaires collection is one that captures the unpredictability and unique enchantment of Mother Nature’s manicured domain. Dior has always impressed with its beautiful command of metiers d’art in its watches, but the brand has outdone itself with the Grand Bal…

RED LETTER DAY The 36mm Omega De Ville Trésor, pictured here in Sedna gold, is small enough to be a ladies’ dress watch, but large enough to appeal to today’s modern woman. Its elongated Roman numerals and the asymmetric setting of diamonds on the bezel and the lugs inject a contemporary and chic vibe BRINGING SEXY BACK This 39mm Trésor watch in steel is just as eye-catching from the back as it is on the front. Omega has ingeniously turned the entire back of the watch into a mirror, for moments where it’s necessary to be discreet about checking your reflection Flower ring in red gold with mother-of-pearl, Ladymatic ring in red gold with diamonds and Aqua Swing ring in red gold with diamonds, all by Omega SPECIAL DELIVERY Quartz…

It might not be common knowledge, but Singapore has birthed quite a few game-changing technologies. For one, Sim Wong Hoo’s Creative Technology created the SoundBlaster audio card in 1989, which enabled PC computers to emit more than just primitive beeps and pings. In 1999, Tan Min-Liang’s Razer spawned a whole new industry of gaming equipment with the Boomslang gaming mouse, and in 2000, Singapore company Trek Technology invented the now-ubiquitous thumb drive. Those who travelled during the 2003 Sars outbreak may also recall the MTech FeverScan S3000, created by local company MTech Imaging to detect passengers running a fever using precise thermal imaging. On a more prosaic but super useful note, if you are simply trying to find your way around the island, Quantum Inventions’ intelligent navigation system Galactio is…

AS THE HEAVY WROUGHT IRON GATES swing open, I realise the Kaliandra Eco Resort and Wellness Retreat is unlike anywhere I’ve ever been. We’re just over an hour’s drive from Surabaya, in the foothills of Mount Arjuna, but the sprawling, traffic-choked streets of the financial hub, the capital of the Indonesian province of East Java, seem so much further away. All around the lush resort are gentle slopes shrouded with pine woodland and dotted with ancient Hindu temples, and picturesque trails where silence reigns supreme lead hikers up towards the peaks. It’s an idyllic scene. Located on a 40ha estate 850m above sea level, Kaliandra provides a tranquil and peaceful environment for both the body and the mind, offering a range of holistic treatments and luxury accommodation fit for royalty—and…

As new Ferrari owners explore the entry-level Portofino, longtime fans of the marque look to its apex model, the 812 Superfast. It is an 800hp beast that one can own, but few will ever tame. It is a faster but less scary evolution of the terrifyingly quick F12 Berlinetta due to extensive development and the inclusion of a rear-wheel steer. The 812 Superfast is capable of scorching to 100km/h in a scant 2.9sec, and releases a spine-tingling war cry as it continues to climb to its top speed of 340km/h. When driven at a normal pace, it manages to remain docile enough to keep you relaxed and able to savour every moment. Similar to the Portofino, this is in part due Ferrari’s work on its electric power steering system, which…

Anyone with a smartphone can be a photographer today, but what separates the wheat from the chaff is the type of camera used. Most budding photographers might not want to lug around a hefty DSLR camera, so the next best option is a mirrorless one: essentially a more compact device with interchangeable lenses that operates electronically without the bulky reflex mirror found in DSLRs. And when it comes to mirrorless cameras, there is one company that is constantly innovating and designing the best in the market—Fujifilm. The Japanese brand’s latest X-H1 camera strives to be the be-all and end-all for its X Series mirrorless camera range. A first look at the 24.3MP X-H1 will surprise some—after all, its size is larger than the popular X-T2 camera, which is already a…

Sundays are made for feasting. Well, at least at the Lime Restaurant and Bar at Parkroyal on Pickering, which has revamped its glorious lunch buffet spread and now offers over 70 mouth-watering international and Asian offerings. Start on a light, savoury note and pop by the seafood station for a generous helping of Fine de Claire oysters, meaty king crabs and Maine lobsters so fresh that they taste like they have just been caught from the sea. Don’t miss the fresh sashimi slices and expertly rolled medallions of sushi either, as they duly showcase Lime’s commitment to excelling at a range of different cuisines. Now that you have prepped yourself for the main event, head to the interactive live stations for a hearty selection of gourmet dishes such as the…

Restaurants with a view are the norm these days, but what if the view changes every second of your two hour-long meal? Only a revolving restaurant like Tóng Lè Private Dining can offer you such an experience, thanks to its location perched atop the iconic OUE Tower. One moment you are looking out onto the glistening Marina Bay waterfront, and the next it’s the bustling central business district that’s in front of you. And as you peer out of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and take in the sights, senior executive chef Ken Ling and his team will be cooking up a storm in the kitchen. The TungLok Group restaurant specialises in traditional Chinese cuisine for the modern diner—think braised cave bird’s nest wrapped in egg white and garnished with edible…

How do you entertain a roomful of kids for an entire afternoon? Just ask Dimple and Sameer Aswani, who threw an activity-filled birthday bash for their three-year-old daughter Angel—there was a magician, an artiste blowing bubbles, a Shimmer and Shine show, a train track, a bracelet-making station, a glitter tattoo artist and a balloon sculptor to keep the birthday girl and her friends duly entertained. The parents of two welcomed their friends and family to the tea time affair at the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, which saw the Straits Ballroom decorated in pretty shades of pastels, florals and accents of gold. Elaborate buffet and dessert spreads and an open bar kept both the young and old satiated, and the afternoon culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony where the adorable…

WHIMSICAL ROMANCE “We predict 2018 will be the year of the ‘Whimsical Wedding’, a breathtaking fusion of fairytale romance with the unimaginable—subtle madness in an elegant display of the whacky and wonderful. Think charming trinkets hanging from trees, eye-catching food stations and creative balloon displays. This year we look forward to letting our creativity unfold, working with couples to bring to life their unique and quirky visions. Festival weddings are also on the rise and we recently designed one at a private residence in Scotland that featured indoor roller-skating at the reception, along with tipi glamping to host guests at the site.” Jessica Seal, director of events, Quintessentially Weddings (London) SURPRISE GETAWAY “More and more of our couples are choosing to have weekend-long celebrations rather than just a one-day ceremony…

It is really not that hard to choose a gift for the man in your life as most men will agree that the accessory they enjoy wearing most is their watch, as it is an extension of their personality and reflects their lifestyles and passions. The Rolex Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, the latest launch by the Swiss behemoth, will certainly appeal to men of all tastes. The versatility of the GMT-Master II will surely find itself many fans as it is a sporty yet elegant timepiece, suitable for all occasions. It is perfectly at home when paired with a spiffy business suit in the boardroom or with a well-fitted polo-and-chinos combo for the fairways on the weekend. That the new variant comes in Oystersteel also affirms its practicality—its steely exterior…

Whisky connoisseurs will have you know that there’s no greater pleasure in this world than savouring The Macallan while celebrating a marriage. One of the most sought-after and revered whiskies, The Macallan sits at the pinnacle of the single malt category, and is without a doubt the most fitting beverage to celebrate a joyous union with. For a party that your guests will be talking about for a long, long time, consider The Macallan’s newly launched Wedding Experience, which promises the celebration of a lifetime. Marrying the brand’s dedication to flawless product quality and excellent service, The Macallan’s Wedding Experience encompasses six package choices and a suite of highly customisable services to suit your needs. The most impressive of all is The Macallan Wedding Bar, which will be set up…

MARINA BAY SANDS Marina Bay Sands overlooks the country’s bustling Central Business District while offering a panoramic view of the Singapore River, marrying the best of both worlds. Feel on top of the world as you exchange your vows amid the lush gardens of the Sands SkyPark, 200m above sea level. If a grand celebration is more to your fancy, the world-class venue is home to Southeast Asia’s largest ballroom, which accommodates 6,000 guests in a banquet setting. Eleven smaller ballrooms can also be configured to suit the scale of your wedding. Leave your wedding planning to their experienced planners, who will put your mind at ease—from dressing up the venue to your desired theme to choosing your personalised invitation cards. 10 Bayfront Avenue, tel: 6688 8868 marinabaysands.com…

Since its inception in 2008, The St Regis Singapore has been a choice wedding venue among the discerning. Apart from the sterling reputation that comes with the St Regis name, wedding couples are also drawn to the provision of their very own St Regis Wedding Butler and Specialists, on hand to take care of their every need. They are responsible for ensuring that every request, no matter how big or small it is, is met: from coordinating to ensuring the seamless event execution by the hotel’s experienced banquet team, to taking care of the nitty gritty details, like making sure your gown and suit are crease-free and that you have a warm meal sent up to your room at the end of a very long day. Indeed, to be able…