Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2019 i Tatler Singapore

The Sustainability Issue profiles Novetex Textiles CEO Ronna Chao, who is pioneering a waterless textile upcycling process that has the potential to revolutionise the fashion industry. Five local entrepreneurs also share innovative solutions for eco-friendly living. Restaurateur and foodie Rani Anggraini Safitri’s love for Indonesian food, culture and diversity pervades her life. The successful entrepreneur talks about how she built her business, Fish Streat, from a small eatery to a thriving group of restaurants. On the cover is hotelier Datuk Lai Voon Hon, one of the five individuals featured in a story that details how key businesses in Malaysia are protecting the environment. Elsewhere, M for Malaysia chronicles the moments leading up to a historic change in the country’s governance. Sustainable travel takes centre stage with globetrotting entrepreneur Jeremy Jauncey,…

As far as posh cocktails go, The Bar at the Baccarat Hotel New York has the Last Word—or at least an elevated take on the classic Prohibition-era cocktail that consists of equal parts gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and lime juice. First created in the 1920s by vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty at the Athletic Club Bar in Detroit, the cocktail was priced at US$0.35—the club’s most expensive drink at the time. Today, the Baccarat Hotel’s modern-day version, named L’Imperial, will set you back by US$5,000. Why the hefty price tag? For one, exceptional spirits are used: a rare green chartreuse dating between 1921 and 1926, priced at US$1,150 per serving, gives the cocktail its edge, while Nolet’s Reserve gin and cherry oak-aged maraschino liqueur are also used in the concoction.…

1 Growth Spurts Noka at Funan is Spa Esprit Group’s latest offering to Singapore’s buzzing dining scene. The sister outlet to Open Farm Community at Dempsey Hill, it follows the same concept of grow your own food and sustainable farming with a 5,000sqft rooftop urban farm established in partnership with Edible Garden City. It has over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables that head chef Seki Takuma uses in his Japanese fare. 2 Kitchen Culture Niigata-born Takuma has over 20 years of culinary experience, during which he worked at renowned establishments such as The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles and the now-defunct Hide Yamamoto in Singapore. Using traditional Japanese culinary techniques that he had mastered under the tutelage of veteran chefs, he whips up his unique dishes with locally…

Over the course of an hour of speaking to Adrian Zecha, the legendary hotelier had mentioned the word “luck” about a dozen times. “It’s not because I’m clever, it’s because I’ve been very lucky. I’m dead serious,” he said firmly about the reason for his unprecedented success in the hospitality industry. “Of course, I work hard. You have to do that,” he added. Zecha and I met in his office in Singapore—a minimalist space swathed in white and dotted with wooden accents and books, a look similar to the streamlined “tropical luxe” interiors his hotels have perpetuated in the last four decades. While most people associate his name solely with hotels, it was only after leaving a career in journalism at 40 years old—he worked for Time magazine and then…

Do the splits with this season’s hottest colour trend. Going two tone makes any accessory more versatile—especially when it comes to mixing and matching. A cream and tan purse from Gucci pairs well with both black and brown looks. A colour-blocked velvet platform sandal by Jimmy Choo flatters more than just your legs. And remember that rule about mixing metals? Go ahead and break it with bicoloured bijoux from Hermès and Alexander McQueen.…

LITTLE WONDERS EVE LOM’S CLEANSING OIL COMES IN BIODEGRADABLE, SINGLE-USE CAPSULES One of Eve Lom’s cult products, the oil cleanser takes a new form in capsules, formulated with essential oils including grapeseed and camelina, and botanicals such as clove and eucalyptus that work to remove all traces of make-up while not stripping the skin of its nutrients. Best of all, it’s travel-friendly. Sunshine in a Bottle RELISH MEMORIES OF SUMMER WITH LALIQUE’S SOLEIL Misting yourself in this Lalique fragrance is like reliving those gorgeous summer days at the beach. A summery scent, Soleil happily marries sunscreen and salt on the skin. It’s a combination of fruity and spicy notes such as cardamom, pear granita and mandarin juice with coffee, almond and sandalwood. The decorative 100ml coral-and-gold bottle also features a…

ULTHERAPY Concentrated ultrasound energy is used to tighten facial muscles, which naturally lifts your face. This is a convenient choice if you’re someone who’s always on the go, as no downtime is involved, although you might notice some redness for up to 24 hours afterwards. COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE Cosmetic acupuncture boasts a host of benefits for skin problems, from acne to ageing, and has long been performed by Chinese medical practitioners. Often combined with facials, it reduces puffiness. It’s not always a quick fix and several appointments might be needed before you begin to see real results. CRYOTHERAPY The next big trend in anti-ageing, LED light and cold vapour are blasted to boost cell rejuvenation and collagen, which plumps the face. Not for the faint-hearted, this treatment isn’t the most relaxing,…

EMPORIO ARMANI ARS9203 Chronograph Automatic Giorgio Armani is the patron saint of Italian fashion, so it comes as no surprise that he’s expanded into the world of watchmaking. While there’s no shortage of covetable watches coming our way, Emporio Armani’s stand out from the crowd because of their high-precision movements combined with sophisticated silhouettes inspired by old-world elegance. And if there’s one man you can trust to steer you right, it’s Giorgio himself. DIOR Dior Grand Bal Plume Oeil du Tigre One of several fashion brands to have opened state-of-the-art manufactures in Switzerland’s watchmaking heartland, Dior has, despite scepticism from purists, enjoyed a surge in popularity for its automatic wristwatches that effortlessly blend couture-inspired design (think of the graceful swirl of a Dior ballgown) with exceptional mechanisms. The Inversé 11…

It was a monumental task: to select the five most deserving candidates for the 2019 Rolex Awards for Enterprise from a shortlist of nearly 1,000. Since it was established in 1976 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the world’s first waterproof watch, the iconic Rolex Oyster, the biennial Rolex Awards for Enterprise has supported enterprising individuals initiating exceptional projects to conserve our cultural heritage and protect the environment. The 2019 Rolex Awards jury comprised a group of independent experts, including business leader and philanthropist Ravi Venkatesan, geneticist and author Adam Rutherford, retired golfer Annika Sörenstam and National Geographic Society executive vice-president and chief scientist Jonathan Baillie. In February, the shortlist was whittled down to 10 finalists, who four months later presented their projects to the participants of the National Geographic…

It is not just Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel who was obsessed with the stars. Countless women share her passion, thanks in large part to the many stunning creations from the Chanel Comète fine jewellery collection over the years. At the centre of this collection is a motif symbolic of Chanel’s universe—the five-point star with a sparkling trail that marks it as a precious piece from a dazzling meteor shower. The beginnings of Comète can be traced all the way back to 1932 when Coco put on display her very first high jewellery creations in Paris. The exhibition, titled Bijoux de Diamants and legendary for its extravagance and boundary-pushing creativity back then, was largely inspired by stars and comets. Stars, of course, held a special meaning in Mademoiselle Chanel’s heart and were…

JUNE RIN Shuttling daily from Cambridge to London during her first year as a medical student in 1997 in the UK, June Rin stumbled upon the launch of the Fendi Baguette at Harrods. It was quite the original It bag that caused a storm, a piece that even today’s viral personalities would be jealous of. Holding the Baguette in one hand, June contemplated if she needed it as a long line formed behind her. “I hadn’t slept for 36 hours, I was really tired and not very rational,” she recalled, sheepishly. “Who would buy this bag? It was so OTT! People behind me asked, ‘Are you going to take it?’ The answer was… yes!” That moment in Harrods was when Fendi truly caught her attention. Designed in a simple shape…

Tatler Table sessions are all about good food and great conversations, while connecting guests with old and new friends. And that’s exactly what the latest edition of the series was centred on, as we celebrated the Singapore Tatler July 2019 issue with cover stars Brandon and Julien Leo. (Our third cover personality, Mae Tan, was away for work.) The Leo twins, currently based in New York City to pursue their studies and music, were in town in July so there was no reason to not get together. Held at 1880, the intimate candlelit dinner included Tatler friends Zeena Tan, Pierre Gregory Ip, Priya Anand and siblings Ariel and Maverick Mok. With a soundtrack of R&B tunes playing in the background, the conversations flowed from work projects, through food, to music—a…

Bridging sustainability and high fashion, British designer and environmental activist Vivienne Westwood has curated a collection of classic staples for her label Anglomania’s autumn/ winter collection, which is set to last through the seasons. Singapore Tatler friends were invited to discover the collection at the brand’s Scotts Square flagship store with Tatler fashion director Desmond Lim, who shared styling tips on putting together various looks, from glamorous outfits to androgynous ensembles that seamlessly pair womenswear with menswear. At the end of the evening, Peggy Jeffs took the Best Dressed prize and walked away with a Vivienne Westwood bag, while Stephanie Flecker was the lucky winner of a pair of Asicstiger x Vivienne Westwood sneakers from the grand draw. Match UP A surprising mix of prints with pops of colour inject…

Beauty and grace prevailed at the Singapore Women’s Association (SWA) Charity Gala Dinner held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel in July. Unlike other charity dinners, the annual event sought to promote philanthropy through beauty pageants, where the crowned winners will get to represent Singapore in international competitions. SWA president Lee Li Hua enthused, “Not only will these young women be exposed to individuals from various backgrounds and cultures, they will also be promoting philanthropy for a good cause.” Almost $120,000 was raised that evening, with the full amount going towards SWA beneficiaries including the Lions Home for the Elders and Soroptimist International of Singapore (Garden City), and fund SWA’s own VisionCare Programme to educate the elderly on the prevention of eye diseases as well as deliver eye care to…

Calling all junior trendsetters The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is looking for uber-stylish kids to be The Shoppes’ Little Superstar! This contest is perfect for little ones who love dressing up and posing for the camera. To participate, submit a picture of your child—in an outfit purchased from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands—with a completed contest form from MarinaBaySands.com/LittleLuxuryStars, and send it to ShoppesEvents@MarinaBaySands.com. Look out for the kids’ snapshots on @TheShoppesMBS’ Instagram account in early October and get friends and family to vote as part of the judging will be based on social media engagement. Three lucky winners will get to strut their stuff on the runway—following a fashion show—at the Kids Event on October 26, 2019, and will be rewarded with hampers full of goodies from…

GOODNIGHT MOON by Margaret Wise Brown “It’s a very simple book that is good for winding down for bed with the children. It says goodnight to everything in the room and there is also a little mouse on each page that the kids love to find.” – Belinda Huber, mum to Hunter (2), Ashley (5), and Hayley (6) GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE by Giles Andreae “The story teaches our kids not to cast stereotypes and to believe in themselves and in whatever they set out to do—values that Ken-Yi and I would like to instill in Max and Isabelle.” – Stephanie Lee, mum to Isabelle (1+) and Max (3) THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle “This colourful storybook is a good introduction to the days of the week. It’s also…

The myopia rate in Singapore is expected to spike in the next 20 years, according to a study by the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), and this is primarily due to our sedentary lifestyle. Coupled with a rapidly ageing population, there is likely to be an increase in the demand for eye care. In 2016, SNEC and the Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) launched VisionSave, a philanthropic campaign promoting eye care research, treatment and delivery in Singapore and the region. Last year, the campaign raised nearly $1.3m at its annual fundraising gala, The Eye Ball, to further its efforts particularly in helping the underprivileged who are vision impaired. This year, SNEC and SERI hopes to bring VisionSave even closer to its fundraising target of $25m by 2020 with a spirited…

Sustainability is gaining traction in the fashion world, and entrepreneur Raena Lim wants to help propel it forward. The COO of Style Theory, a subscription-based fashion rental start-up she co-founded with her husband Christopher Halim in 2016, hopes to change the way people consume fashion by using a business model based on the sharing economy. Similar to the concept of ride-sharing with Grab and home-sharing with Airbnb, Style Theory gives its customers in Singapore and Indonesia access to an “infinite wardrobe stored in the cloud” with over 30,000 items, including apparel and accessories, available for rental. Raena wants to shift people’s mindsets away from buying a new outfit every time they want to and towards a new norm—sharing and renting clothes, in the pursuit of a more responsible, eco-conscious lifestyle.…

FACADE COMMISSION: WANGECHI MUTU METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 9 TO JANUARY 12, 2020 The Met will be showcasing an installation on its historic Fifth Avenue facade for the first time: an array of sculptures titled The NewOnes, Will Free Us created by Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu specially for the site. The works, crafted from bronze and organic materials, and depicting modern and classical mythological figures, is the first of a new commission, which will see one artist transform the museum’s exterior each year. metmuseum.org RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS: PICASSO, CHAGALL, MODIGLIANI & CO (1900-1939) LOUVRE ABU DHABI SEPTEMBER 18 TO DECEMBER 7 This major exhibition showcases the art of 1920s Paris, when artists from across Europe gathered in the French capital, making it a hotbed of creativity. Highlights…

More than three decades since it was first staged, Stella Kon’s one-woman play, Emily of Emerald Hill, has become an enduring classic of Singapore theatre. Homegrown thespians, from Margaret Chan to Ivan Heng, have made the story’s formidable Peranakan matriarch their own. (In fact, Heng reprises his gender-bending performance this month, marking another milestone for theatre company, Wild Rice, with the opening of its new theatre in Funan.) Kon explores distinctly Singaporean themes in her body of work. “I grew up in the first years of independence. As a citizen of a new Singapore, you are almost obligated to do your part for nation-building.” There is one story, however, that she has been wanting to tell all these years—that of her great-grandfather Lim Boon Keng, a prominent figure in Singapore’s…

Most recently artistic director at Sonia Rykiel, De Libran has always been enamoured with dresses—they were the first garment she created as a 14-year-old aspiring designer, and she debuted her made-to-order line of 20 dresses during Couture Fashion Week in July. De Libran, who has worked at Prada and Louis Vuitton, sources exquisite archive and deadstock fabrics to create her evening wear, which clients can order in three lengths to avoid waste. The frocks range from spare silhouettes in jewel tones to heavily embellished columns with ruffles and vintage details, each named after the powerful woman who inspired it.…

GLOWING GODDESS Make-up artist Pat McGrath perfected this super-fresh look for Victoria Beckham’s show by using Foreo UFOs and mini-masks to prepare models’ complexions. Co-opt similar pared-down, dewy, no-make-up make-up looks, also seen at Loewe, Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant and Valentino, any day of the week by applying a hydrating mask 30min before make-up, then layering a serum like La Mer’s The Concentrate under your primer, and a lightweight foundation like Giorgio Armani’s Maestro Fusion Foundation, before adding a shimmery tinted lip balm like Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil on top. TAUPE FRENZY Models at Tom Ford, Max Mara and Elie Saab were awash in monochrome make-up, wearing similar shades of taupe on their eyelids, cheeks and lips. Steal this inspiration for every day using just two products: a…

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s apartment on rue Cambon in Paris is full of them, and Karl Lagerfeld’s office was famously lined with them as well. We are talking about books—the preferred companion of Coco and Lagerfeld, who were both known to be voracious readers. Literature shaped their worldview as well as the way they designed; it also had a profound influence on the very essence of the house. So, it’s fitting that the new Chanel artistic director, Virginie Viard, who is a bibliophile herself, decided to dedicate her first haute couture show to their shared love of books. Viard, who took the creative reins after Lagerfeld’s passing early this year, has already showed her desire to start a new chapter for the house while being respectful to the narrative that Coco…

Watch enthusiasts with a taste for unique horology go to The Hour Glass for mainstream classics as well as creative timepieces that push watchmaking boundaries. One such brand in the latter category is Urwerk, which has come to be closely linked with the watch purveyor for the past 15 years. As The Hour Glass marks its 40th anniversary this year, collectors looking for special commemorative watch releases launched in celebration of the occasion must make sure to check out the exclusive Urwerk UR-105 Commemorative Edition in Bronze, which features the watchmaker’s iconic “wandering” hours complication. While the complication within this watch is familiar, its new case combines the design features of past Urwerk models that have been launched throughout its partnership with The Hour Glass. These include the large crown…

London may be home to historical landmarks such as the Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, but it is also a city known to fervently celebrate the old and the new, the classic and the contemporary. Some of the best examples can be seen in its diverse architectural landscape, where you can easily find a neoclassical building right next to a Brutalist structure and a modern glass skyscraper. The same bold juxtaposition of starkly different aesthetics can be found in Cartier’s new high jewellery collection. For the 69-piece Magnitude collection, Cartier artisans took notes from the French maison’s jewellery-making heritage, combining them with those they had extracted from the world of astronomy. This resulted in clashing combinations of materials, which gave birth to striking pieces that resembled celestial entities…

ICE SAFARI IN ANTARCTICA Going to the Great White Continent is a once in a lifetime expedition and the Ventures by Seabourn programme is poised to help travellers make the most of it. Zodiac cruises take guests though the surreal icescapes, with scientists sharing the story of how climate change is disrupting the delicate balance, especially for the whales, seals and other animals that call this place home. A highlight is the optional kayaking tour, which provides unprecedented access to this untouched region. WILDLIFE SPOTTING IN THE AMAZON History has taught us that civilisations flourished near water and so did wealth—this rise and fall of fortunes, which is related to the rise and fall of the Amazon River, is one aspect you’ll learn more about in the small channel of…

“The BMW 7 Series was designed for those who drive the world,” said Arnt Bayer, managing director of Performance Motors, the dealer of BMW cars and motorcycles in Singapore, at the launch of the new car at the Esplanade Theatre. One of the biggest releases for 2019, the 7 Series is the flagship car of the German marque, which, according to Bayer, “stands for leadership, innovation and luxury”. In truth, the new iteration of the model needs little introduction given that it grabs your attention instantly with its imposing design. In the front, it features a larger, more prominent kidney grille, while at the rear, an LED strip spans the width—details that ensure the car makes a strong impression whichever way you look at it. A group of Singapore Tatler…

Preschool selection can be very overwhelming for some parents, given the sheer number of kindergartens, childcare centres and playgroups available. With so many options—each institution offering varying and unique features—how do you pick the one? No longer do preschools have teacher-led, cookie-cutter curriculums, there is a wide array of different award-winning pedagogies, language immersion programmes, beautifully-designed campuses, first-class amenities…the list goes on. How do you even begin to choose? To help us, we asked two experts for advice. Dr Elaine Kim is the founder of Trehaus School—a Silicon Valley-inspired preschool in the heart of the CBD—which recently launched in August, revolutionising how parents and children can seamlessly work and play under one roof. With this modern approach to school-work-life balance, Trehaus School is set to pave the way for a…

Being a mum is no walk in the park, what with the sleepless nights, diapers, breastfeeding, teething woes and more. All that is followed by an endless stream of consciousness: To sleep train or not to? To be a mindful parent or a pedantic one? To school or to unschool? Whatever decision you make, know that there is no right or wrong answer, but one that works best for you and your child. For former lawyer Karen-Ong Tan, homeschooling seven-year-old Kara was something that happened organically. It was also a decision that she and husband, Samuel Tan—who manages personal and family investments, felt very strongly about. “This path of homeschooling resonated with us as it allowed for more shared family experiences, and helped us fulfil our responsibility as parents to…

Transformation can happen overnight, across decades, or with one flick of the expert hands of a hairstylist. Like a Met Gala of memories, our cover photo shoot served as a mini exhibition of the style evolution of four society ladies; it bridged the novelty of autumn/winter 2019 selections with the nostalgia surrounding some of the women’s archival fashion pieces. Mother-and-daughter duo Ginny Ng and Dawn Koh’s roles as matriarch and protege constantly switched as they sorted through their personal Prada collections, and revealed how they inspire each other’s style. Caroline Low-Heah, who has always stuck to her guns as one of Dior’s most loyal customers in Singapore, stepped out of her comfort zone for our shoot and embraced a seasonal look she normally wouldn’t have picked out. While the ensemble…

OUT OF FAVOUR One young socialite had been patiently waiting for her invitation to her best friend’s wedding, but it never came. She later found out that she had been intentionally left out of the guest list. Could it be a case of her friend’s new BFF not being too fond of the little missus? EXIT STAGE LEFT It came as no surprise to his colleagues when they heard that this scion’s father had removed him from his sales director role at the family business. Word has it that he has been putting in expense claims for late-night revelries with friends at karaoke bars as client entertainment.…

Celebrated contemporary artist Sterling Ruby debuted his first ready-to-wear collection to great fanfare at Pitti Uomo in June. Utilitarian shapes, materials such as thick, processed fabrics, and bulky pockets formed the foundation of the clothes, with Ruby drawing aesthetic inspiration from American heavy metal and punk music. The innovative denim pieces, tie-dyed jumpsuits and neon cable-knit sweaters are reminiscent of the artist’s past experiments with collage art and mixed media.…

Cars and watches go together like two perfectly meshing gears in a well-oiled machine. There’s logic behind this natural affinity—both are highly mechanical inventions of precise engineering, and objects that are equally sought after in the luxury category, which make them ideal bedfellows in a business partnership. Perhaps more importantly, they also present a great opportunity for watch brands to innovate, as well as add complementary value to their brand equity. By aligning themselves with the most prestigious of automakers and car races, these brands can elevate their positioning, while widening the breadth of their marketing. It’s a win-win situation—everyone, including the customer who stands to enjoy the resulting timepiece, can benefit from such a union. One such brand that has capitalised extensively on this fact is Swiss watchmaker Hublot,…

CLARET FOR THE AGES La Conseillante 2005 We all know Pétrus. However, teeny Pomerol’s other stars remain lesser known because, unlike elsewhere in Bordeaux, there is no official classification to highlight them. La Conseillante is more than deserving, with lusciousness befitting the world’s greatest merlot region. This vintage is as luxuriant as a floor-length mink coat, but with a stiletto spike of acidity to balance it. BURGUNDY TO BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES Red: Clos des Lambrays 2015 The most affordable of the “tradeable”, this red has always been a favourite of those in the know. It wafts a perfume of lavender, mossy herbals and cherry bitters, and its texture is like the dense velvet interior of a jewellery box. White: Domaine Hubert Lamy St Aubin Premier Cru En Remilly…

Singapore’s top hairstylists gathered to celebrate the one-year launch of the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer–professional edition at the Mediacorp Campus in July. Created with hairstylists in mind, the hair tool has been nothing less than a game changer in the industry, featuring fast, focused airflow technology that prevents heat damage and results in healthier locks. During the event, guests were treated to the inaugural Dyson hair show featuring four dramatic looks created by Hidetoshi Saiga, Dyson Japan ambassador, who is also CEO of Toni & Guy Japan. After the hair show, the party continued late into the evening, with food, drinks and live music by jazz singer Dawn Ho and her band. Wind POWER Dyson Japan ambassador Hidetoshi Saiga (pictured above left) created hairstyles live on stage with just the…

An initiative to bring people from all walks of life together through creative expression, Real Life to Runway, organised by MTM Skincare, together with Cortina Watch and DeFred Jewellers, was a day of mingling, networking and a celebration of individuality. The fashion show was the highlight of the evening, with both real models and society faces such as Fanty Soenardy, Serene Chua, Chloe Ng and Jeffrey Piak, to name a few, walking down the runway. Backstage ACCESS Society friends turned up as early as 8.30am for make-up, fittings and rehearsals before the show…

New parents Andrew and Stephanie Chia talk to us about their consultation session with Amy Lim, a Mothercare Nursery Advisor who has been in the babycare industry for over 15 years. Tell us about yourselves. Andrew Chia (AC) Stephanie and I met in church and junior college back in 2003, when we were 15. We didn’t start dating until three years later, and got married in November 2014. I currently work at an integrated marketing agency, while Steph is in the asset management industry. Stephanie Chia (SC) Andrew and I dated for eight years before he finally proposed! We had our first child in August, and I was lucky to have had a smooth pregnancy with little morning sickness. This gave me a lot more energy and time to enjoy…