Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2021 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Hong Kong artist Stephen Wong Chun-hei captures the city’s dramatic mountains and coastlines in his landscape paintings, which are in demand among local and international collectors, as well as museums—one of his pieces is now in the collection of the Hong Kong Museum of Art. His next solo exhibition opens at Gallery Exit this month. tatlerhongkong.com TATLER INDONESIA Entrepreneur Mario Suntanu is helping revive the local hospitality industry through his catering companies YummyCorp and YummyKitchen. With US$12 million raised in Series B funding and an uptick in transactions last year, he now plans to expand outside Jakarta. tatlerindonesia.com TATLER MALAYSIA Award-winning actor Bront Palarae talks to Tatler Malaysia about his showbiz journey and his new movie, Edge of the World, which chronicles the ascent of Sir James…

27TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL Four virtuoso pianists including Li Churen (pictured) and Kseniia Vokhmianina will perform familiar favourites and modern masterpieces at the 2021 edition of this annual festival helmed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Till June 6, at the Victoria Concert Hall. pianofestival.com.sg JJ LIN SANCTUARY FINALE VIRTUAL CONCERT Singaporean singer JJ Lin will be hosting his Sanctuary World Tour finale concert online, featuring a new show format that boasts an immersive experience. To elevate the singer’s exceptional vocals and performance, the virtual show will also include customised stage design and audio-visual 4D elements for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Held for one night only, at sistic.com.sg FAGHAG Catch the restaging of Wild Rice’s critically acclaimed cabaret starring Pam Oei as she recounts heart-warming…

Singapore’s foreign workforce numbers went beyond 1.2 million in December last year. This figure includes work permit holders such as foreign domestic workers and those hired in the construction sector. Many of them face cultural and language barriers, which can lead to related issues such as not being able to understand workplace safety and health regulations as well as enduring social isolation. For Sazzad Hossain, whose family left Bangladesh for Singapore when he was 11 years old, these issues hit close to home. And it was from his own experiences as a foreigner in a new country that led him to start his social enterprise, SDI Academy, eight years later. When Sazzad arrived in Singapore, he knew very little English. He struggled to keep up with his peers after enrolling…

WHY KNOT? Graff is known for its diamonds. The London-based jewellery house cuts, polishes and sets its gemstones in-house into striking structures that are reminiscent of starry night skies, architectural designs and swirling galaxies. The jeweller’s newest collection, Tilda’s Bow, focuses on white diamonds, which are mounted into three-dimensional bows that are extraordinarily lifelike. Choose from a variety of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. BIOGRAPHY OF A CITY The Escale à Venise 70-piece high jewellery collection takes inspiration from Gabrielle Chanel’s trips to the Floating City, which occurred more than 100 years ago. Divided into four chapters, this latest line was designed by Patrice Leguéreau, director of the Chanel fine jewellery creation studio, who dramatically weaves camellias, lions, stars, pearls and chains into gold forms set with pink spinels, pearls,…

What changes did the Covid-19 pandemic bring for Boucheron? We had to rethink pretty much everything. Before, the luxury business used to be highly concentrated on tourism. Suddenly, it was only local consumption. We had to change the format [of conducting business], especially for the launch of the high jewellery collection in July last year. Was there a shift in the demand for jewellery? Even if people didn’t really have much chances to wear jewellery because we were all staying in, we never throw away jewellery because there’s value to it. So, in a part of your mind, you always know that buying fine jewellery is a good investment—and that’s the reason why this product category is resilient during a crisis. What about sourcing for materials during a pandemic—what were…

PUSH AND PULL This year marks the 220th anniversary of the tourbillon, which was first created by master watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet in the summer of 1801. A mechanism that constantly rotates a watch’s balance wheel, balance spring and escapement while the movement is running, a tourbillon counters the effect of gravity and increases the timepiece’s accuracy. The pictured 18-karat gold pocket chronometer by Breguet was sold by Christie’s auction house in 2014 for an eye-popping US$898,000. PLAY THE GAME The new Chronomaster Sport is the first regular production Zenith to be powered by the watchmaker’s Caliber 3600, which has already been used in a few of the brand’s limited-edition timepieces. The chronograph’s overlapping sub-dials and colour scheme take their cues from the 1969 El Primero A386, while a 41 mm…

Get vaccinated. For your protection and for others, please get vaccinated. Peace of mind is essential to having a great time. Beach workouts. Don’t be the last person holding onto those Covid-19 pounds. Start shedding stat and have fun while doing so. Do your normal exercises outdoors and try some new ones like surfing or roller-skating. Don’t forget your SPF! Rent a classic car, RV or Airstream caravan and go coastal. The best itinerary is having no itinerary. I love driving up and down the coast of California, stopping in quaint towns, having breakfast on the cliffside, picking fruit from farms, visiting museums and more. Beauty up. Invest in yourself with the latest and greatest in aesthetic medicine, whether it’s an advanced facial with medical-grade products and technology, or non-surgical…

The hotel industry is waking up to the needs of some particularly special family members—our pets. Luxury hotels around the world are now offering five-star stays tailored to our furry friends, featuring everything from massage therapists for dogs to pet perfumes. At the Beverly Hills Hotel in California, dogs are welcomed with personalised homemade cookies—with their names written on them in icing—and dog walkers are on call 24 hours a day. Pet-friendly packages are also available at Belmond’s Splendido hotel in Portofino, Italy, which reopened in May. The 16th-century monastery-turned-hotel now has a dedicated pet concierge who can arrange a trip to Portofino’s luxury shops, where you can buy bespoke bowls, pet perfumes or a pampering grooming session for your dog. The glamorous hotel, which was a favourite of Richard…

The claim that an average American goes through seven careers in their lifetime might seem slightly dubious to most of us. But the notion might not be too far-fetched, especially if we consider futurist Rohit Talwar’s prediction that in the next 10 to 20 years, 30 to 80 per cent of jobs that exist today will no longer be relevant. It’s a reality that we journalists have to contend with as well, as there are now AI programmes that can write articles. True, the software still isn’t very sophisticated, but given the warp speed with which content must be churned and digested every day, it’s only a matter of time until we’re replaced by a machine that can string a sentence, or three, together—with perhaps better grammatical accuracy than we…

Growing up in Afghanistan, where her father worked for the United Nations (UN) and her family lived during the Soviet occupation in the 1980s, Singaporean artist Lakshmi Mohanbabu was exposed to diverse cultures. The small international UN community in the war-torn country was close-knit with people from around the world. “It had a huge impact on me because such an experience made you a little bit more open to difference,” she explains. So it is no wonder that cross-cultural elements and philosophies feature prominently in her artistic practice. “I like to mix different elements, where they don’t look like they belong to one particular place but are a blend of different cultures and ideas.” “I like to mix different elements, where they don’t look like they belong to one particular…

Renowned for its elegant design and exquisite craftsmanship since its inception in 1985, French luxury furnishings brand Liaigre now adds its first-ever modular sofa offering, Arpège, to its acclaimed furniture line-up. Produced in France by artisanal craftsmen, Arpège boasts the design finesse synonymous with Liaigre: classic, refined and timeless. The modular design of the sofa forms a deft balance between luxury and comfort. The Arpège rests on sturdy oak feet hidden under a smooth leather base. Capacious seats, paired with feather and duvet cushions, exude cosiness. Conversely, the sofa’s straight back and sleek geometric lines create a sophisticated silhouette. Versatile and adaptable, the dynamic sofa can be configured from a selection of 14 modules to fit any occasion or purpose. It’s easy to personalise the seating configurations—modules are seamlessly attached…

Even if you’ve never heard of the Paris-based luxury label Elleme, you’ve likely seen the Baozi (the Chinese word for “dumpling”) bag on influencers like Tiffany Hsu or the Vague bag on celebrities like Beyoncé. Chinese native Jingjing Fan founded Elleme (derived from the French phrase “elle aime”, meaning “she likes”) in 2015, and the label has since gone from strength to strength—it’s now stocked at more than 65 stores around the world, including Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Fan recently launched Elleme’s first ready-to-wear collection for fall-winter 2021. How did you first realise you wanted to work in fashion? My background is in political science, but right after my graduation from the Paris Institute of Political Studies, I was at a point in my life when I was asking myself…

With age, that luminous and youthful lit-from-within glow is hard to achieve as our skin gets ravaged by the effects of time. Its natural cellular turnover slows down, which results in a build-up of dead skin cells that sit on the dermis and dim reflected light. Also, when skin becomes dry, it lacks the moisture needed to give you that dewy glow. Of course, stress is the biggest culprit. Long hours at work and late nights chasing deadlines also often leave skin looking tired and grey. To help skin regain its glow, La Prairie found inspiration atop the Swiss Alps, where the sun’s rays sweep across the mountain face, bathing everything in gold. Dubbed the magic hour by photographers and cinematographers, this golden hour is a short window of time…

Tell us about the Flora & Fauna collection. It’s my latest collection, for which geometric, floral designs are made to feel modern. The shapes are very colourful and unique. What inspires you? Gemstones. Jewellery ideas form when I play with them and compare their different shapes, colours and proportions. What’s your first memory of jewellery? My mother gave me an amethyst- and diamond-set pendant and matching ring when I was 13 years old. I remember the set so clearly: it featured a beautiful swirl design. Yellow or white gold? Yellow gold. Sapphires or emeralds? Emeralds. What trends should we look out for? Heart-shaped jewellery is going to become increasingly popular. Who would you love to design for? Charlize Theron. Which celebrity are you most proud of having worn your jewellery?…

Since establishing my own high jewellery brand, Nuò by Cindy Yeung, one request has always stayed with me. As chairwoman and CEO of Emperor Watch and Jewellery, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious retailers, founded by my grandfather in 1942, I’ve been able to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most extraordinary gemstones and jewellery designs. But when a well-dressed French lady came to see me at my Central boutique about sourcing three beautiful pieces of fei cui jade eight years ago, I was especially moved by the reasons behind her commission. We Chinese call jade the “stone of heaven” and for very good reason. The Chinese word for jade also means “precious stone” and it’s a jewel that has been worn by the region’s nobility…

Bulgari is largely inspired by its Italian roots. In what ways has this impacted this year’s novelties? We are an Italian brand but, more important than that, we come from Rome. We’re a unique brand in the world of luxury that comes from the Eternal City. This inspiration is particularly present in our Divas’ Dream collection, for which we showcase great savoir-faire. Tell us more about this year’s Divas’ Dream watches. This collection is about the very best in métiers d’art. This year, we have an amazing dial that’s decorated with peacock feathers. We also have tourbillon and skeletonised versions, which are similarly adorned with feathers and diamonds. Which is your favourite Divas’ Dream watch from this year’s releases? The Divas’ Dream Peacock Dischi has a dial that’s just absolutely…

One of the world’s top tennis players, Naomi Osaka has paired up with Swiss luxury watch brand Tag Heuer. “It’s a partnership and friendship that exemplifies our shared mindset and values,” the 23-year-old said about the collaboration. Born in Osaka to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, Osaka was the first Asian woman to hold the No 1 position in singles, and the first Japanese player ever to win a Grand Slam event: the US Open in 2018. Frédéric Arnault, CEO of Tag Heuer, commented: “We are excited to support Naomi as she kicks off her 2021 season and prepares for her Olympic debut.”…

For as long as he can remember, Arthur de Villepin has lived with paintings by the Korean artist Myonghi Kang. “Her art was always hanging in my family’s homes,” says Arthur, who last year opened a gallery in Hong Kong with his father, former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin. “And in 2010, when I was leaving home to move to Hong Kong, my parents said to me, ‘What do you want to take?’ I chose three African masks and a small Myonghi drawing. It has some gold in it—in certain light it sparkles.” Arthur still owns that drawing, which he now keeps in his bedroom next to another painting by Kang. Downstairs, a large canvas dominated by vivid splashes of green that hangs above his dining table. Every morning,…

Derek Tsang was lying on his sofa at home after a long day on March 15 when his phone started lighting up with messages from friends who were congratulating him, just at the moment it was announced he had become the first native Hong Kong director to be nominated for best international feature at the Academy Awards. “I knew it was going to be that day, but I didn’t know there was a live broadcast,” Tsang says, and although he was hopeful for a nod for his teenage film noir Better Days, which handily swept the Hong Kong Film Awards and received multiple international prizes, he was not watching the news very closely. “That’s when it hit me that we were in the final five, and I just became elated,…

DARREN GABRIEL LEOW A fashion and commercial photographer based in Singapore, Darren Gabriel Leow frequently contributes to Tatler Singapore and other lifestyle publications, as well as shoots campaigns for various local and international brands. This month, he turned the lens on Mighty Jaxx’s Jackson Aw (p.136). JO HENG Currently based in Thailand, Jo Heng is a stylist whose work is influenced by her own heritage, Eighties pop culture and the shapes and textures found in nature. This month, Heng styled the dynamic fashion shoot in Thailand, which features bold colours and strong silhouettes (p.68). GREG KAHN Greg Kahn is an American documentary fine art photographer whose work concentrates on issues that shape personal and cultural identity. His images have been exhibited around the world and he was a finalist for…

NIGHT FEVER As nightlife slowly re-emerges from its slumber, make sure you’ve got a killer look ready for the dance floor. SUN, SAND, STYLE The ultimate beach checklist should include at least one of these summery staples. LOOSE ENDS Unwind through your accessories, starting with these knotty leather goods. HEAR HER ROAR The pièce de résistance from Christian Dior’s pre-fall 2021 collection is the Bar Jacket wrapped in leopard print, a nod to Mizza Bricard, one of Monsieur Dior’s greatest muses. PRINTS CHARMING No longer confined to the scarf, the bandana print has migrated to cover everything from swimwear to totes. POOL RULES Your new swimsuits deserve to be paired with these chicest summer slides from your favourite fashion houses. ROLL WITH IT Move over, gorpcore, skatecoreor skater style—is edging…

Poppy Delevingne calls me from her home in London. “How is everyone in Hong Kong?” she asks with heartfelt concern. “Oh! To think that there’s a world beyond the four walls of my living room. Just knowing that you’re there gives me butterflies.” Delevingne has visited Hong Kong twice, but hasn’t travelled internationally since last July, which is an unprecedented stretch for the 35 year old, who comes from one of London’s most well-connected high-society families. Her maternal grandmother served as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, while her mother, Pandora, was one of the glamorous trendsetters of the 1980s. Delevingne, similarly, knows how to make a statement. She was a top model before younger sister Cara, 28, ever walked a runway, and has since become an outspoken advocate for causes…

Being a fearless go-getter means pursuing your dreams, no matter what. For Shabnam Arashan, this entailed quitting a high-powered law career a decade ago, to care for her son and manage her household. To her, the modern and independent woman today can accomplish anything she sets her mind to, as long as she is “confident, optimistic and determined”. This is why she feels that the modern woman will appreciate what French jeweller Boucheron has to offer. “Over the years, Boucheron has stayed true to its values and designs. I see its archived designs being used in today’s creations, but in a way that speaks to the modern woman who knows what she wants,” she enthuses. She appreciates the functionality and modularity of the creations, the new Histoire de Style, Art…

Annie Darling Watches & Jewellery Director of Tatler Asia There’s more to ultra-thin watches than you might expect, and Piaget’s Polo Skeleton is a perfect example. This 42 mm sports watch has very much revolutionised movement architecture, making it extra slim at just 6.5 mm thick. Thirty per cent thinner than the watchmaker’s other Polo watches, this stainless-steel model is powered by a 189-part automatic skeleton 1200S1 calibre and comes in Piaget-blue or slate grey.…

It’s hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store when stepping into the Mighty Jaxx studio. With a traditional Chinese signboard, patterned floor tiles and wooden display cases, the entrance foyer to this acclaimed art collectible studio is designed to look like a Peranakan shophouse. “In the Mighty Jaxx context, our NFTs are digital collectibles, but in a different realm. The owners of our NFTs have full control over their assets” But instead of sweets, a treasure trove of Mighty Jaxx’s collectible toy figurines—many of which easily fetch anywhere between 10 and 30 times their retail value on the secondary market—line the shelves. For those who can tell their Alex Face from their Goin (Thai and French street artists, respectively), this space probably holds some of the…

What does “regenerative travel” mean, and how is it different to sustainable travel? Simply put, being sustainable and eco-friendly means not doing harm, or reaching net-zero carbon emissions, while regeneration is looking to restore and replenish the environment and fix the damage that has occurred. Regenerative travel is about creating better conditions for the environment and for the community. Bill Reed, principal at Regenesis Group, who worked with my co-founder on the vision for his resort Playa Viva, explains it well. He says, “You’re not going to make a sustainable planet with 100 million certified LEED Platinum buildings or 100 million living buildings. They don’t make a green planet. They make buildings that are less damaging to the planet. But it doesn’t heal the damage that’s already been done or…