Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2018 i Tatler Singapore

It was one of the hottest days in May when an enthusiastic crowd gathered at private members’ club, 1880, for the unveiling of the Generation T List 2018. The event unveiled the new crop of 50 individuals who were joining the burgeoning regional Gen.T community, which is currently made up of 450 entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals from eight Asia Tatler regions including Singapore, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Animated conversations and boisterous laughter filled the air as guests enjoyed glasses of champagne on the club’s outdoor terrace at sunset, before taking their seats at an intimate closed-door dinner in honour of the newly minted Gen.T 2018 listers. More bubbly, wines and Rémy Martin XO cognac flowed throughout the four courses. Seated among the Gen.T listers were several members of the…

Annabel wears swimsuit and bangle, both by Hermès; sunglasses by Givenchy. Nick wears printed swim shorts by Vilebrequin; Escale Time Zone 39 watch by Louis Vuitton; beach towel by Ermenegildo Zegna. Nicholas wears printed swim shorts by Vilebrequin; sunglasses by Carrera…

THERE’S NO QUESTION THAT fashion and pop culture share a deeply symbiotic relationship, and there hasn’t been any other brand that has successfully permeated the consciousness of the mainstream public and get namechecked as much as Versace has. The curiosity and obsession that gravitates around Versace spiked in the 1990s, as founder Gianni Versace created a cult of personality with his ostentatious and outrageous lifestyle, as well as his intimate relationships with the era’s supermodels. Since then, it has become a pop culture reference, from Migos’ rap song Versace to Bruno Mars’ love anthem Versace on the Floor. TV producer Ryan Murphy even based the second season of his true crime anthology series American Crime Story on the assassination of Gianni. Versace projected this hyper-glamorous dynasty that you could ultimately…

IT IS A WELL-KNOWN FACT THAT Patek Philippe watches are worthy investment pieces. Not only do the special or exclusive watches consistently fetch handsome prices at auctions, the regular ones are just as impressive. Made with utmost respect to the storied craft of watchmaking, each ticker boasts beautiful lines and supple curves complemented by a state-of-the-art movement. But Patek Philippe is more than just a watchmaker; it is a bona fide artist too. Year after year, the Genevan manufacture rolls out superlative collections of metier d’art watches inspired by disciplines such as astronomy, geography, music and nature. This year is no exception as Patek Philippe unveiled 50 dome clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches at its Rare Handcrafts exhibition in Geneva in April. Singapore Tatler was given exclusive access to the…

GOING BY THE CONCEPT OF life cycles, the Chanel J12 is a young adult. After all, it has been 18 years since the French fashion powerhouse debuted the high-tech ceramic, sports-inspired watch in 2000. Even in the early days, it impressed the horological cognoscenti with its strong looks and clean lines complemented with equal verve and versatility. It didn’t matter if the J12 was presented in black or white ceramic—it always held its own and attracted its own legion of fans. As it grew in stature, the brand took the opportunity to introduce technical innovations such as tourbillons and chronographs into the line to further up its appeal. The J12 was making long, steady strides in the world of horology, earning plaudits and respect for its efforts. As the line…

FIRST INTRODUCED IN 2001 , the Kalpa is a milestone in Michel Parmigiani’s watchmaking career for being his first tonneau-shaped watch. The timepiece quickly became an icon within Parmigiani Fleurier’s line-up, and has long served as the manufacture’s calling card for shaped timepieces, which are complemented by teardrop lugs. Parmigiani Fleurier penned a new chapter for the Kalpa this year at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie by introducing three models that refresh both the aesthetics and technical details of the collection. The new Kalpa Chronor, Kalpagraphe Chronomètre and Kalpa Hebdomadaire retain the collection’s signature shape, but come with slightly reworked cases. The tweaks are subtle: slightly shorter but wider and thicker lugs; a new case profile that creates a concave caseback; and a larger opening on the caseback…

HIGHLIGHT The most expansive integrated resort in Bali boasts a holistic wellness programme that includes Asia’s largest thalassotherapy spa. For ultimate bliss, opt for a massage at its exclusive Spa on the Rocks. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Think Ayana Resort, and the Rock Bar will indubitably come to mind. While the 100ha integrated resort is best known for this cliff-side bar, it has many other tricks up its sleeves to gratify the varying needs of jet-setting travellers such as its 19 restaurants that span Asian to international delights, or its 11 swimming pools. If rest and respite is what you’re after, the resort delivers a peerless experience at Bali’s largest spa facility operated by Thermes Marin Bali, which boasts 53 treatment rooms as well as Asia’s most extensive thalassotherapy spa, where the…

HIGHLIGHT Natural and holistic treatments that engage the mind, body and soul with an emphasis on mindfulness. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Mr & Mrs Smith Hotel Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra is a traditional Kerala-style beachfront property nestled within lush greenery. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, the resort is naturally secluded and peaceful, and located away from the overcrowded beaches of Kovalam. With a leading position in wellness, the resort preaches the importance of mindfulness, which is the ability to be fully present and aware of your surroundings without being overwhelmed by what’s going around you—something I certainly don’t cultivate enough in my extremely busy life. I was thus encouraged to partake in treatments that balance the mind, body and soul. The award-winning spa offers a wide selection of international…

HIGHLIGHT With the belief that knowledge is the catalyst to lifting the mind, body and spirit, Sangha by Octave aims to provide a mindful space to help you find harmony between your inner self and the outer environment. The holistic wellness sanctuary comprises three sectors coming together: At One Wellness Retreat; The Village, an interactive learning community space; and Sangha Homes, a collection of private residences available for purchase. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Mindfulness has been a buzzword in wellness in recent years, but for Frederick Chavalit Tsao, chairman of the Singapore-headquartered IMC Group, it has occupied his thoughts since as far back as the 1980s. In fact, it was this insatiable interest in Chinese and Western philosophies towards mindful living that has led him to establish Sangha by Octave, a suburban…

WHILE ITS NORTHWESTERN neighbours on the Arabian Peninsula are fixated with all things bigger, taller and glitzier, Oman has remained gracefully low-key—this was immediately apparent when we arrived in the capital Muscat, where the city skyline boasts no glittering skyscrapers, only whitewashed low-rise buildings. There are the occasional grand flourishes: the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque once held the title of the world’s largest hand-woven carpet in its main prayer hall, but Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has since taken the reign. Oman doesn’t define itself in superlatives, but would rather let its beauty speak for itself. Since coming into power in 1970, the long-reigning monarch, Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said, has transformed an impoverished backwater into a modern state, while preserving much of its cultural heritage. And unlike…

“We didn’t treat the Cullinan as a brute utility vehicle to build. It’s simply a Rolls-Royce that sits higher and is more usable—a high-bodied limousine” THERE IT WAS, SO CHARMINGLY glossy and stately: the Rolls-Royce Cullinan in the flesh. We had been patiently waiting for this launch for three years, ever since Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced in 2015 that it would be introducing an entirely new “high-bodied” model. We were finally invited to a private preview of the car in April within the confines of a private museum in Beijing, but weren’t allowed to share any information until its world premiere on May 10. As such, security was tight—we were chauffeured to the secret location, and upon arrival, our smartphones were sealed in an opaque plastic bag to prevent pictures…

Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Polish ambassador to Singapore, believes that the paths of the Red Cross and diplomacy will—and should—cross in order to harness the strength of each other to do greater good. The inaugural Singapore Red Cross Diplomatic Night at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Singapore saw high commissioners, ambassadors, consular representatives and business leaders gather for an evening of networking. Kosiniak-Kamysz, who is also the dean of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps in Singapore, highlighted that last year’s charity events that the embassies took part in raised a healthy amount of contributions to benefit the underprivileged. HEALING HANDS Kenn Foundation chairman Kenneth Kam presented a cheque for $70,000 to Singapore Red Cross chairman Tee Tua Ba…

While her debut concerts in Singapore on July 3 and 4 at Marina Bay Sands are sold out, the Celine Dion Live 2018 Tour will see the five-time Grammy award winner perform in seven cities across the Asia-Pacific region BECAUSE YOU LOVED ME She may be the reigning queen at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, but Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion hasn’t forgotten her fans on this side of the world. She performs for the first time ever in cities including Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Manila and Bangkok this month, before heading to Australia and New Zealand. celinedion.com…

TO THE WOMEN OF THE FENDI family, the iconic Peekaboo bag isn’t just your run-of-the-mill luxury handbag. To Silvia Venturini Fendi, creative director of accessories and menswear, it is her baby, a creature that belongs to her. Her strong sense of ownership is understandably so, especially when you realise that she is the mastermind behind one of the brand’s most successful and bestselling items. To her eldest daughter Delfina Delettrez Fendi, it is precious like a piece of jewellery and should be looked upon as an heirloom that can be passed on from generation to generation. This is an interesting comparison given the fact that the fourth-generation Fendi heiress happens to be a renowned jeweller in her own right. With many fashion brands today churning out product after product, and…

ROGER DUBUIS HAS established itself as the watch brand for the extravagant adrenaline seekers of the world. Its partnerships with renowned racing tyre maker Pirelli and motor sport giant Lamborghini Squadra Corse have only served to reinforce this image, especially with the latest result of their collaboration, the Excalibur Spider Pirelli Sottozero, which looks like it would be perfectly at home on a wintry racetrack. We say that because a wintry racetrack is precisely where Roger Dubuis launched the watch—in the Italian Alps, to be precise. The scene was Lamborghini’s Winter Accademia, an annual snowbound driving experience to teach automobile enthusiasts how to handle the Lamborghini fleet—including the record-breaking Huracán Performante—in low-grip situations. Naturally, the vehicles were fitted with Pirelli’s Sottozero tyres—sottozero means “below zero” in Italian. This mise en…

KAIA GERBER IS THE hottest It girl of the moment—after all, she has already appeared on a number of magazine covers, starred in countless campaigns, and even opened the Chanel spring/summer show 2018. It helps, of course, that she is the daughter of famed supermodel Cindy Crawford, and she has most certainly inherited her mother’s charisma in front of the camera. In 2017, both Kaia and her brother Presley became Omega’s brand ambassadors, joining their mother, who has been part of the brand family since 1995. “I love Omega because I grew up with it and I feel like I’ve always been surrounded by everyone there,” Kaia enthused at the watch’s launch in Berlin in May. “We’ve been family ever since I can remember.” Presley can be seen on billboards…

HIGHLIGHT Customised wellness retreats are best enjoyed at the two purpose-built spa houses, Thuy Lien and An Son. The former, where I stayed, comes with a hammam, steam room, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool, ice fountain, relaxation deck and a 15m pool overlooking a serene lotus pond. An Son comes with a banya thermal facility. Wellness immersions can be booked regardless of the room type. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Health and well-being has always been an integral part of Aman, whose distinctive design ethos encourages guests to embrace simplicity. Its recently launched wellness immersions—currently available in only four properties at the time of print—displays commitment to helping Aman junkies find their chi. It’s easy to find the headspace to relax once you arrive at Amanoi, a tranquil escape set on 43ha of land…

HIGHLIGHT The resort’s flexible wellness programme is designed for travellers who want to dip their toes into this journey before making the full commitment. The number of offerings—50 to be exact—ensures that there’s something for everyone, whether you want to improve your physical strength, nourish the mind or simply just need a breather from the daily grind. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary’s wellness programme is anchored on the belief that your well-being is linked to not just your physical strength, but also your social relationships, mental soundness and connection to nature. In order to guide its well-heeled residents on this journey, the resort offers 50 weekly activities that include practice classes, workshops and inspirational activities. Each one caters to different aspects of well-being, but guests are given the freedom…

OUR TRAVEL COMPANION Alejandro was visibly shaken. An alpha male silverback had just pushed past him beating its chest as we were trekking through the Virunga massif, a range of eight volcanoes bordering Congo, Uganda and Rwanda. Despite its intimidating 200kg weight, the magnificent mountain gorilla was incredibly agile on the difficult terrain. The animal was also the reason why many travellers like us journey long distances to Rwanda to see it in its natural habitat. But before getting to the spot where we saw the silverback, each of us had to first obtain a US$1,500 permit, which goes towards a conservation fund for the gorillas. Then, it was a two-hour trek of moderate intensity following a well-beaten animal trail to the heart of the Virunga massif. Machetes had to…

It used to be that if you were insecure with your appearance or unhappy with your features, you could only will yourself to live with it. But with advancements in aesthetic treatments and technology, the quest for perfection may not be such a far-fetched pursuit after all. Enter The Covette Clinic, an exclusive, one-stop beauty clinic that promises to bring out your very best from head to toe. From facial and hair treatments to body sculpting, the boutique clinic takes on a holistic approach to beauty that is beyond skin-deep, combining cutting-edge aesthetic programmes with wellness consultations. Common skin concerns such as pigmentation, enlarged pores and dark circles can be easily addressed with The Covette Clinic’s customised concoction of treatments: Clear Pigment utilises pico-toning and phototherapy to combat skin discolouration…

It was the Singapore Lyric Opera’s (SLO) most expensive production to date, almost hitting the million-dollar mark. The company kicked off its 2018/2019 Season in June with Giuseppe Verdi’s iconic opera classic Aida, which featured a stellar international and local cast, along with a 100-strong chorus and over 70 orchestra members. On opening night, SLO invited its long-time patrons and supporters, business leaders and diplomats to a closed-door reception at the Esplanade Theatre, before the curtain rose to a spectacular performance of one of the best-loved operas of all time, telling the tale of the love triangle between Ethiopian princess-turned-slave Aida, Egyptian general Radamès and Egyptian princess Amneris. EPIC TALE Set in ancient Egypt, Verdi’s Aida was first performed at Cairo’s Khedivial Opera House in 1871…

FOR THIS MONTH’S COVER SHOOT, WE flew lawyer and fitness personality Meaghan See to one of Asia’s foremost wellness destinations, Amanoi in Vietnam. Few other brands capture the mystique of travel as well as Aman does, whose hotels in extraordinary locations transport travellers to a different time and space. This one certainly lived up to the brand promise. The only resort located in the verdant Nui Chua National Park, Amanoi is a serene respite that is perfect for reconnecting with nature and oneself. Although the weather wasn’t really on our side, Meaghan was ready for any challenge put in front of her, including diving into the resort’s cliff pool in the rain to achieve the cover shot. The multi-hyphenate and Puma ambassador is a real go-getter—balancing a full-time job with…

IT’S TIME TO DON YOUR SPRING florals, summer suits and fascinators at Singapore’s most glamorous race event, the annual Emirates Singapore Derby. As jockeys and their horses push themselves to be the first to cross the finish line at the race’s 23rd edition on July 15, at the Singapore Turf Club, racegoers will be in a matchup of their own, vying for the title of the Best Dressed to the Races. Of course, it’s not all hard work and no play—the convivial Sunday afternoon will be marked by a sumptuous buffet lunch and an endless flow of wines and beer. turfclub.com.sg 242 The number of years of independence the US will be celebrating on the Fourth of July. The US Embassy in Singapore will host a by invite-only celebration at…

“Our goal at GuavaPass is to help people get healthier by giving them access to a curated list of the most exciting and appealing classes around town. However, for them to even start being active with us, we have to make the decision to start exercising easy by providing a seamless search and booking experience via our app. At the same time, we’re building up a global ecosystem that supports our goal.” “I grew up in Hong Kong, Taipei, Manila and Singapore, and moved back to Singapore at the end of 2014 because I wanted to be a part of Asia’s burgeoning start-up scene. Fun fact: my first drink after moving here was a negroni, which is one of my favourite drinks. Whenever I have it now, I’m reminded of…

1 LOST TREASURES Chef and restaurateur David Yip is back on the local scene, after a successful stint in Hong Kong, with the opening of Circa 1912, which specialises in Lingnan cuisine. “It’s the food that I grew up eating,” he shares, adding that the menu is a nod to its golden age in China, which peaked in 1912 and forms the backbone of Cantonese cuisine as we know it today. 2 COMBINED EFFORT There are two chef-scholars in the team, Yip and co-owner Xu Jingye, whose responsibilities include reviving old recipes such as the winter melon with crab and Chinese ham (above). “We spend time researching how these dishes originated and evolved over time, so we can replicate them as close as possible,” says Yip. They work closely on…

WHEN MATTHEW SPACIE first started working in the travel industry in Mumbai, India in 1996, he noticed many teenage boys living on the streets, skipping school, and getting into the occasional bout of trouble. In the hopes of instilling discipline into these boys, the Englishman set up a football team for them to enjoy kickabouts. This simple act of charity planted the seed for the larger-scale non-governmental organisation Magic Bus, which Spacie formally set up in 1999. Today, Magic Bus works with some 400,000 children and 10,000 young people living in poverty across 22 states in India to help them break out of the cycle. It takes a long-term approach with its Childhood to Livelihood programme, and provides support to youths aged 12 to 17 with a holistic seven-year journey…

1 The Fendi Peekaboo derived its name from the classic childhood game, thanks to its defining feature—easy-to-open side pouches that are secured by a central turn lock closure, which when left unclasped offers a sneak peek into the interior of the bag. 2 These bags are aesthetically pleasing as they are functional. Each bag is split into two compartments that’s separated by a stiff partition in the middle ensuring that your belongings are well organised. 3 True to Fendi’s dedication to exceptional craftsmanship, each bag is crafted and handstitched by an artisan in Italy, ensuring top-notch quality for every piece. 4 Each bag is just as beautiful and functional on the inside out, as only super high-quality soft leathers are used to ensure longevity. 5 While the fashion industry is…

HUBLOT IS RENOWNED FOR ITS ART of Fusion philosophy, which encompasses the idea that unusual design elements and unexpected materials can be merged together to form a bold horological whole that is far greater than the sum of its individual parts. This quest for ever more innovative designs and materials has led it to create entirely new ways to construct movements (the inimitable MP-05 LaFerrari comes to mind), and create new watchmaking materials such as its proprietary Magic Gold, the world’s only 18K scratch-resistant alloy made of liquid gold and ceramic. This year, Hublot has debuted yet another timepiece that cleaves perfectly to its Art of Fusion principle—the Big Bang Meca-10 Blue Ceramic. According to Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe, the Big Bang Meca-10 Blue Ceramic “demonstrates the complete mastery we…

IT’S HARD BEING JOSEPH SCHOOLING. He is after all Singapore’s wonder boy in the swimming pool, having won the nation’s first Olympic gold medal in the men’s 100m butterfly at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. The country’s hopes of excelling on the world stage in the pool lie squarely on his broad shoulders. But how does the 23-year-old, who has recently inked an agreement with Tag Heuer to be its friend of the brand, deal with the pressure? Speaking exclusively to Singapore Tatler, he said: “I usually take a step back, close my eyes, and take a couple of deep breaths to get clarity back in my mind. It works almost all the time.” Simple but effective, this method is probably what Schooling, who recently completed his collegiate stint with…

HIGHLIGHT The resort’s uplifting, holistic wellness journey typically ranges between three and seven days, and is tailored to your needs by resident Ayurvedic doctor, Jayachandran Thampi. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY The resort embodies the Anantara philosophy of “without end” with its extensive array of mind, body and soul-rejuvenating experiences. At the spa, which sits on a lush, quiet corner of the compound, you can indulge in a range of Sri Lankan, Western and other Asian treatments within one of the eight treatment suites. Travellers like myself who are seeking respite from hectic urban life will discover a gem in Pinda Sweda, an anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic massage recommended by Dr Thampi to improve circulation in the body using warm bags containing heat-generating herbs and spices. To address my constant battle with low energy and…

HIGHLIGHT Achieving a lasting and holistic lifestyle improvement, in total privacy. There are 30 rooms, villas and suites scattered across the 9ha estate, so it sometimes feels like you’re the only guest. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY When it comes to destination spas, few do it better than Como Shambhala Estate, which is situated just north of Ubud, nestled within a jungle and along the impressive Ayung River, touted as Bali’s longest. The strategic location sets the mood for a holistic wellness retreat, where we left our worries at the door. Heavily influenced by the principles of Ayurveda, the property touts itself as a “retreat for change”: wellness programmes are adjusted to each individual’s needs, and guests are educated on adopting lifestyle practices and healthier diets for a continuous wellness journey. These programmes—Cleanse,…

HIGHLIGHT Taking wellness retreats beyond the established offerings, Asaya is the Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ integrated wellness concept that offers a holistic approach, one rooted in the belief of self-acceptance and self-discovery. The immersive programmes offer thoughtfully designed treatments that blend world-class products, indigenous resources and targeted therapies, paired with a variety of alternative treatments. WELLNESS PHILOSOPHY Situated along 600m of secluded beachfront at Emerald Bay, the 71-room Rosewood Phuket is the first Southeast Asian property for Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. It features all the extravagances visitors have come to expect from the brand, and also embodies its A Sense of Place philosophy that seeks to reflect each location’s history, culture and sensibilities. Hence, the eight-month-old resort also celebrates the natural yet easily forgotten charms of the island. In contrast…

above 1,000. Chris Roche, chief marketing officer of Wilderness Safaris, says that ecotourism in Rwanda has helped push this cause forward. “Tourism is the biggest contributor to the country’s GDP. Targeted ecotourism started in the country in the early 1980s and has continued to grow since, serving as an economic stimulus to local communities. It also emphasises to the locals the greater value of a live gorilla than a dead one, so news of targeted gorilla poaching has dwindled significantly.” For more information, visit wilderness-safaris.com. As tourism in post-war Rwanda picks up, the nation is also gaining global recognition for its wildlife conservation efforts. Mountain gorillas, for instance, are listed as critically endangered by the World Wildlife Fund and only found in the Virunga massif and in Bwindi Impenetrable National…

THERE’S A CERTAIN FEELING THAT comes with being on a boat, an air of complete escape, a clean, confident break from the daily routine. That sense of going beyond everyday life is hypnotic, liberating, and it’s apparent as soon as you step onto Rascal, an intimate luxury yacht that trawls the sumptuous waters of Indonesia, some of the most stunning seascapes on the planet. Launched at the end of 2016, the 31m cruiser is the brainchild of three young British men who moved to Singapore, fell in love with Indonesia while travelling, and quit their day jobs to embark on their first hospitality project. The ironwood and teak boat was built at a remote fishing village in South Sulawesi, a five-hour bumpy drive from the nearest airport, by traditional builders…

From colourful scenes depicting daily life to vibrant impressionist cityscapes, the rich history, culture and heritage of Myanmar were on show in the art of six established and emerging artists at a special exhibition, Discover Myanmar, by Artchetypal. The art connoisseurs among our Singapore Tatler friends were invited to discover over 70 paintings created by artists Kyi Hlaing Aung, Moe Myint Zaw, Byardate, Ngwe Aung, Ngwe Phyoe and Lapyae. Independent art commentator Danny Tan offered insights into the contemporary art scene in Myanmar, noting the censorship imposed on artists during the former military regime, and even the restrictions on the use of certain colours in their paintings. Guests later embarked on a guided tour of the showcase, with all six artists on hand to talk about the inspirations behind the…