Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2021 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Gilbert Yeung, owner of some of Hong Kong’s most prominent nightclubs, including Dragon-I, Tazmania Ballroom and Cassio, discusses the future of the nightlife scene post-pandemic. A pioneer in his field, the entrepreneur has spent decades making Hong Kong one of the world’s go-to party destinations. tatlerhongkong.com TATLER INDONESIA Beatrix Santi Anugrah, the founder of fashion and fabric brand Narasi Wastra, speaks to Tatler Indonesia about the importance of promoting and preserving traditional Indonesian textiles—and the artisans who make them. tatlerindonesia.com TATLER MALAYSIA Tatler Malaysia talks to advertising industry veteran Kit Ong, who recently switched gears to filmmaking and writing stories for children. These are not your typical childhood fairy tales, but instead address complex issues such as domestic violence and Alzheimer’s. tatlermalaysia.com TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler Philippines speaks…

“If I had my way with things, I’d be a footballer,” says Matt Oon. But when the founder and CEO of mental health startup Acceset realised that his skills would never allow him to play for Manchester United, he gave up on that dream. After completing his national service, he felt a strong urge to “find meaning” in his life and be involved in a business for social good. So he jumped at the opportunity to volunteer with peer support service Audible Hearts in 2013, when a friend posted about it on Facebook. “It resonated with me largely because I grew up with a mum who has schizophrenia and I always found it challenging to relate to others and vice versa,” Oon shares. “It was a service I would have…

SWAY WITH ME The best partner for your swingy dress? A maxi hammock tote to match your movements. SOFT TOUCH We’re calling it now: jewel-tone suede will be all the rage this fall, but you can start introducing it to your wardrobe now with these bright, buttery shoes. CREATURE COMFORTS Winter’s cushion trend is here to stay, refreshed in miniature shapes and honeyed hues for summer. SOUR CANDY The most delicious accessories this month take their colour cues from your favourite childhood sweets. DOUBLE TROUBLE Calling all self-professed bag ladies: here’s your formal invitation to carry your prized purses all at once. SEEING GREEN Walk by with the shoe hue of the season—tennis court green—and watch the world look on with envy. LOONEY TUNES Designers turn to bright, bold graphics…

Hot on the heels of Hermès and the introduction of its game-changing lipstick collection last year, the house of Valentino is starting its own beauty line with a launch that has kept the fashion world bright-eyed with excitement since it was announced in April. While Gucci Beauty keeps things Gucci with its retro-kitsch, grandma’s-attic aesthetic, and Dolce & Gabbana Beauty’s packaging nods to the Italian label’s bold prints, the new Valentino Beauty designs stay true to house codes with red lacquered packaging marked with a V. (This is, after all, a designer so closely associated with the colour, he started a second brand called Red Valentino.) It’s a hefty collection, featuring 50 lipstick shades under the label Rosso Valentino (there are multiple shades of red, of course), experimental eye make-up…

At the age of 17, Tania Bardhan was introduced to Ayurvedic astrology by her grandfather. “He was a brilliant mathematician and educator,” she recalls. “He had a deep interest in astrology, and he showed me that it wasn’t just about looking to the stars and foreseeing the future; it was about math and science, and you had to get your calculations right.” Ayurveda’s growing influence in the world of wellness is hard to miss, as the healing system spreads its ancient roots to spa treatments, yoga studios, skincare products and even stylish teas. Last year, New York City It-man and frequent Wes Anderson collaborator Waris Ahluwalia introduced House of Waris Botanicals, a collection of teas and elixirs that draw heavily on Ayurvedic principles. “We’re creating blends that give us the…

What’s the inspiration behind your jewellery designs? My jewellery is inspired by the world around me. I’m Brazilian, so I grew up surrounded by nature, colour, beauty, carnivals and energy. Which is your favourite Graziela jewellery piece? That’s easy! Twenty-five years ago, I designed a pavé cross that was blessed by Pope John Paul II. I truly believe it protects me from all negative energy. What have you been working on recently? The Color Rhodium Amazon collection and the Renaissance Pearl collection. The former is an expansion of a few pieces I designed in 2020. They come in 18-karat gold, which is coated in the most beautiful rhodium. My Renaissance Pearl collection mixes the power of pearls with modern designs. It’s fresh, wearable and innovative. What kind of woman wears…

HIDDEN TREASURE Two 40 mm references have been added to Omega’s sophisticated De Ville Trésor collection of classic men’s watches. Made using yellow gold or the watchmaker’s own 18-karat Sedna gold, these watches come with silver-coloured or oxblood dials. Both versions are powered by in-house Master Chronometer movements that ensure timekeeping accuracy. Choose between a slate or burgundy alligator-patterned leather strap. De Ville Trésor Power Reserve by Omega END OF AN ERA Earlier this year, Patek Philippe’s head honcho Thierry Stern announced he was preparing for the launch of a limited final edition of the watchmaker’s iconic Ref 5711/1A. After a 15-year run, this beloved luxury sports watch is being discontinued. The latest and last model abandons Patek’s signature blue for an olive sunburst dial. A version with a diamond-set…

Reverso owners: hold onto your hats! Jaeger-LeCoultre has just unveiled the world’s first four-faced watch, which can be yours for a staggering US$1.35 million. The watchmaker is celebrating the 90th anniversary of its historic Reverso collection this year, so this new world record couldn’t be more perfectly timed. Named Hybris Mechanica Caliber 185 Quadriptyque, the watch has taken six years of research to develop and perfect. The timepiece’s new movement boasts 11 complications and 12 patents, making this Reverso the most complicated ever made. Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185 Quadriptyque by Jaeger-LeCoultre…

The year 2020 has been a write-off for much of the world, but for Singaporean filmmaker Anthony Chen, you could say it has been a write-on. As the planet ground to an almost standstill, the 37-year-old award-winning auteur took just a year to write his third feature film, titled We Are All Strangers. It’s a resounding achievement, considering he took three years to write 2019’s Wet Season, his follow-up to Ilo Ilo, the debut feature film which put him—and Singapore filmmaking—on the cinematic map. The 2013 movie garnered Chen the prestigious Caméra d’Or, an honour a filmmaker can only win once in his or her life, for the best first feature film presented in one of the Cannes Film Festival’s selections. Not that the year in lockdown has been all…

Mention Singapore and hawker food inevitably gets woven into conversations. The deliciously diverse food, which can be found in hundreds of hawker centres and coffee shops, reflects the country’s multicultural identity. While hawker culture is much celebrated, a cloud of uncertainty looms over its future as young people are reluctant to pick up the trade, which is notorious for its long hours, arduous work and slim profit margins. Despite the challenges, some have taken on the hawker route with their exuberant enterprising spirit, from serving up fresh ideas of operating their business to preserving heritage flavours. Meet three young hawkers who are injecting new life into the time-honoured trade. TIEN JIA CHEN DUKE OF CONGEE Having spent five years schooled in culinary arts, Tien Jia Chen had his heart set…

I recently interviewed the editor of a content website in Singapore, who was applying for the intern position at Tatler Singapore. Her fate at her current job remains undecided, but the encounter left me with a certain uneasiness: was her decision an example of unbridled ambition or optimistic foolhardiness? Would it be the springboard she needs to catapult her to greater heights within the media industry, or would it set her back a few years? Would she feel uncomfortable at the lowest rung of the editorial food chain, back to the grind of mindless admin drivel? As I shook off my initial apprehension at her decision (I mean, who was I to judge someone I barely even knew?), I slowly recognised that it took no small amount of courage to…

The practice of mindfulness has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially in the west, but its roots can be traced back to eastern traditions. For Summer Song, such ancient wisdoms are invaluable to modern life. “There are cultural practices that are all about living and breathing mindfully. For example, you can integrate a moment of mindfulness into making and drinking tea. The practice of being present is also apparent in Chinese calligraphy, where the strokes are reflective of one’s emotions in the moment,” shares the founder of CulturedGen, a cultural content and experience creator anchored in the (re)discovery of Chinese arts and cultural heritage. Guided by Song’s own journey of conscious living, CulturedGen introduced its first Re:Qi Retreat in February to help individuals reconnect with their inner…

Rachel Lee, one-half of the robotic dance duo ScRach MarcS, was tricked into her own proposal. She really didn’t have an inkling that her then-boyfriend and dance partner Marcus Tan was going to propose. It was their seventh anniversary, and he told her that they had to prepare for a last-minute performance. Lee was slightly annoyed, but ever the professional, the duo practised in the private room of a restaurant where the manager filmed them. Just as she struck her final pose, Lee turned around and found Tan on his knee, holding a ring. “I remember thinking, why on earth did I have to work so hard for my own proposal?” she quips. Such is the synergy between the couple and this extends to their professional roles—a match made in…

The best jewellery designers have the ability to turn the simplest of elements into stunning necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. One luxury name that possesses this rare quality is Italian jeweller Pomellato and its latest collection, Catene, is a shining example of how a simple chain motif can be turned into bold and unique jewellery. But at Pomellato, chain links are not simply functional connectors. They form the heart of the jewellery house and make for a signature motif that’s an integral part of its identity. The chain has become a creative focal point for the brand, from which it has spun numerous collections that feature it as a central motif. It all began when Pomellato’s founder, Pino Rabolini, introduced the gourmette chains in the Sixties. These bold, chunky gold…

NEW DIRECTIONS Kim Jones’ highly anticipated debut collection for Fendi finally hits stores this month, starting with its luxe accessories. The Italian brand has long been known for its leather goods, and Jones’s new bag, Fendi First—an asymmetric pouch with an oversized F clasp—is sure to become a new classic. SUMMER LOVIN’ Italian leather house Tod’s, famed for its muted, sprezzatura look, gets an infusion of colour thanks to a collaboration with Italian illustrator Andrea Tarella. The capsule, called Tod’s Island, is made up of bags, shoes and charms covered in summery scenes of surreal islands filled with mermaids and sea animals. JOIN THE BAND This summer, Montblanc’s leather goods—including messenger bags, totes and carry-alls crafted from Saffiano leather—get tricked out in French label Maison Kitsune’s iconic Camo Fox print,…

Let’s face it, ageing is inevitable. Besides fine lines and wrinkles, loss of facial firmness is another prominent sign of ageing. And did you know that the way our skin ages is actually an accumulation of the cumulative damage we put it through, such as repeated exposure to UV rays, pollution and other environmental stressors such as blue light? To address these skin concerns, La Prairie introduces its new Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil. Two years in the making, this facial treatment oil is part of its indulgent Skin Caviar collection. Embodying the brand’s Swiss identity, synonymous with quality, perfection, precision and innovation, it pushes the boundaries of Swiss caviar science to achieve utmost efficacy in anti-ageing. It works to decrease the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while enhancing skin firmness…

SUBTLE ENERGIES One of the original and most prominent modern Ayurvedic brands, Subtle Energies was started as a clinic of natural therapies in Sydney by Farida Irani in 1993. During her many trips to India, she came across essential oils not heard of in western aromatherapy and no longer used by Ayurvedic doctors. She has revived these ancient concoctions with Subtle Energies’ line of aromatherapy, natural skincare and wellness products. KAMA AYURVEDA Founded by four friends in Delhi in 2002, Kama Ayurveda is on a mission to revive Ayurveda in a modern way. To ensure authenticity, its line of skin and haircare products are developed in partnership with the 100-year-old Arya Vaidya Pharmacy in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. MAULI RITUALS British natives, but with Indian heritage, husband and wife Anita and…

Tell us about your latest collection, Ada. This is our first chain collection. I’ve wanted to introduce a custom chain design to our clients for a while. Ada is unique, true to my brand’s aesthetic, and it looks great with all our signature finishes, including gold and enamel. What was most difficult when designing this collection? It took time to finalise a silhouette that had the right proportions and weight. Describe the Ada chain in three words. Bold, luxurious, substantial. What inspires you? I’m a born-and-bred New Yorker and am proud to have lived here my entire life, with the exception of college. From the people and the pace to the architecture and art, New York City is a never-ending source of inspiration. Why do you use enamel? While diamonds…

1 Elizabeth Taylor This actress’s private collection was one of the world’s most important, thanks to generous gifts from her on-off husband Richard Burton. “I feel as though I’m only the custodian of my jewellery,” she remarked in her book Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair With Jewelry. “When I die and they go off to auction, I hope whoever buys them gives them a really good home.” After Taylor’s death in 2011, her collection went to auction through Christie’s, amassing US$144 million, making it the most valuable sale of jewellery in history. Bravo. 2 Queen Elizabeth II It’s no surprise that Queen Elizabeth II has inherited some extraordinary jewels, which have been passed down through a long line of British monarchs. Her most famous piece, of course, is the Imperial…

Tell us about the new Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition AMG. This watch looks fantastic. I’m really excited about all the materials that have been used. Coming from racing, these are materials that I’m really familiar with. The titanium case is especially great. It’s extremely hard but also very lightweight and scratch-resistant. Why is it important to you that this watch is scratch-resistant? Being in a racing environment, I don’t always protect my watches the way I’d like to. In a second life I could probably apply to be a watch tester. In the cockpit, it gets very hot and you experience high G-forces. Every time you go over a bump, for example, the suspension of the car is designed for performance and not for comfort so when you hit a…

KAREN TEE Karen Tee finds joy in sparking inspiration and positive action through her work. Her love for writing is only surpassed by her love for yoga, which is why she considers the mat her second home. This issue, she speaks to eye surgeon Jayant V Iyer on his efforts to help eradicate preventable blindness (p.22). 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 homegrown and international brands. This month, he photographed Singaporean film director, screenwriter and producer Anthony Chen (p.138), culinary-trained young hawkers (p.160), along with some of Singapore’s socially-engaged youths (p.36). LAURETTA SUTER Switzerland-born photographer Lauretta Suter currently splits her time between London and Zurich. Her…

Like many in Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem, Jayant V Iyer bravely volunteered to help manage the Covid-19 outbreak among dormitory-based migrant workers last year. But when he arrived at one of the affected dormitories, the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) eye surgeon registered a sense of uncertainty among the workers. He quickly harnessed his organisational skills from running non-profit organisation The Vision Mission to establish SingHealth’s Holistic Response and Outreach Team to help manage the outbreak that had affected over 50,000 migrant workers who were stuck in the dormitories. “We got together a team of doctors who could speak Bengali or Tamil and volunteer translators to assess and listen to the workers’ concerns and to understand their situation. Then we brought together the various resources that Singapore has, including the healthcare…

CLASSIC REMAKE She’s known for her acting chops but local actress Jeanette Aw made a serious name for herself in the pastry scene with the May opening of her patisserie Once Upon a Time. The Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef offers her signature pineapple financier, which she created during Chinese New Year. It’s a hybrid of the quintessential financier “fashioned like gold bars” and is one of her favourite festive snacks. Though Aw is understandably cagey about the recipe, she reveals that she uses “good-quality butter” that is browned to release a beautiful and nutty aroma. Soft inside and crisp outside, the almond cake perfectly complements the “surprise element” of pineapple jam at its core made from scratch and mixed with ground almonds to offset the sweetness with some nuttiness.…

MENTAL HEALTH HUN MING KWANG, 28, AND QUINN LUM, 28, SOCIAL ARTIST DUO HUNNY AND LUMMY “Art is a powerful tool to facilitate healing. We want to help people connect with their emotions” —QUINN LUM Whether as a CEO, an office worker, or a student, we all wear different “masks” every day. “We see the world for who we are. We put on different identities based on the roles, responsibilities, social groups, expectations imposed in us, that we lose touch with the core of who we are inside,” says Hun Ming Kwang (pictured right), one-half of social artist duo Hunny and Lummy. Since March, the pair have been running mask-making workshops as part of their Masks of Singapore Movement. Integrating the traditional cultural heritage craft of mask-making, each workshop engaged…

Hailing from diverse backgrounds that range from finance to the military, an ever-changing motley crew of 20-somethings make up the Singapore design collective, Youths in Balaclava (YIB). Its founding members, including Taufyq Iskandar, Spencer Yeo and Long Yi Chen, met while attending Gan Eng Seng School; they sought to create a brand that represents the underground culture of the city through its edgy streetwear featuring spliced-and-diced flannel and cargo looks. The clothes—which sometimes feature political commentary and anti-propaganda imagery—caught the attention of cult retailer Dover Street Market, which began carrying the label in 2017 when it opened a store in Singapore. Now you can find the pieces at several global e-tailers, including Farfetch and Ssense. Yeo (seated, second from right) outlines YIB’s story on behalf of the collective. When did…

A first for the Swiss house, La Prairie commissioned French digital artist, Mathieu Le Sourd, better known as Maotik, to create an interactive and multisensorial experience as an ode to the iconic cobalt blue shade of the new Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil and Skin Caviar skincare collection. Titled Sense of Blue, this immersive installation of The Cobalt Night is set in three stages, and captures a progressive journey to discover what the night holds through the use of light, sound and digital interactions. Through the use of algorithms and technology, Maotik leads the audience down a magical path where the night unfurls from early night, which is serene and captivating, to the deepest night where creativity is set free and the senses are liberated, triggering one’s curiosity, surprise, contemplation and…

There are no rules in the world of haute parfumerie, although it is both artful and complex. Not only are rare fragrances crafted with utmost care, they are also presented in the most sublime containers. As such, Henry Jacques has always strived to conceive and design exquisite bottles to hold its essences. For decades, the French luxury perfume house has cemented its position as a brand for the discerning few who appreciate precious scents. Matching crystal and fragrances has thus become central to Henry Jacques’ quest to create premium essences that are made with ingredients sourced from all over the world. Founded by Henry Cremona in 1975, the heritage perfumery is well known for crafting bespoke fragrances for the world’s most discerning for over 40 years before offering its first…

COME CLOSER The Possession collection by Piaget is beautifully made, dusted with diamonds and encrusted with various ornamental stones, including malachite. Choose from the collection’s audacious rings, which feature rotating bands that are paved with diamonds or other precious gems, and open-set bangles that look especially good when stacked. Watch in rose gold set with malachite and diamonds; bangles in rose gold set with malachite cabochons and diamonds; rings in rose gold set with diamonds, all from the Possession collection by Piaget WITH THE GRAIN Hong Kong jeweller Forms is known for its distinctive designs, and its latest innovative ring doesn’t disappoint. This enchanting piece will transport you to an imaginary landscape dominated by towering trees and secretive wildlife, where you can canoe through a flooded forest or doze in…

Panthers first became a pervasive presence in western art and design in the early 20th century, but the animal’s most famous association has arguably been with the storied house of Cartier. A diamond- and onyx-mounted bracelet watch depicting a panther’s markings was debuted by the maison in 1914, and the creature has since gone on to star in the jeweller’s numerous Panthère de Cartier creations. This collection is the embodiment of independent women, so it comes as little surprise that British actress Annabelle Wallis, who shot to fame as Grace Burgess in Peaky Blinders, has been photographed wearing numerous pieces from the iconic line.…

Confident, ambitious and wise: the modern Boucheron woman is cognisant of her goals and is unafraid to pursue them. She also carries the wisdom that relying on others is not a sign of weakness. Doctors Karen Soh and Caroline Low-Heah, both successful in their respective medical fields, understand this better than anyone else—for they share a bond that has been cemented by common life philosophies and passions. “A modern woman shouldn’t be afraid to draw her strength from her faith and from the people around her,” shares Soh, the medical director of Laser Clinics Singapore at Privé. She adds that support from close friends also serve as a catalyst for self-improvement. To that, Low-Heah adds, “I think your inner strength should come from people around you, especially your family and…

What trends should we be keeping an eye on? There’s going to be a renewed focus on unusual complications. Lots of brands are already reinterpreting tourbillons in lots of different ways. We’re seeing more skeletonised movements, which is interesting because a lot of watchmakers are beginning to open up their existing creations so we can see what’s ticking below. What advice do you give to first time Roger Dubuis buyers? We’re the future of watchmaking, so you’re stepping into a world that doesn’t exist yet. We’re separate to the crowd of classical, fine watchmakers and we’re writing the future. How has the last year been for Roger Dubuis? Very interesting. It’s a good time for watchmaking. We’re witnessing the evolution of technology, case materials and the very idea of watchmaking…

INCH CHUA For Singaporean singer-songwriter Inch Chua, a shift in sound is necessary to reflect her growth as an artist. “Each discography I’ve put out has a new sound, and I honestly don’t see how I would be able to stick to one with the revolving doors of interests and genres I like,” she shares. “It would be more strange if my sound doesn’t shift.” Those who are familiar with Chua’s works will attest to her bold, unwavering spirit in the pursuit of artistic excellence. She visited Antarctica in 2018 as part of the International Antarctic ClimateForce Expedition led by world explorers Robert and Barney Swan. This trip inspired her theatrical production, ’Til the End of the World, We’ll Meet in No Man’s Land, for which she won the Best…

“My work is about the time, the spirit, in which I live,” says 87-year-old painter Sam Gilliam, talking over the phone from his studio in Washington DC. And what extraordinary times Gilliam has lived through and been motivated by. He was born in 1933 and grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, at a time when schools and many public spaces were racially segregated. He was one of the hundreds of thousands present on August 28, 1963, when Martin Luther King Jr delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the National Mall in Washington DC. And last year, he watched as Black Lives Matter movements swept across the US and the globe, proving that equality for all remains a distant dream. All of this and more is explored in Gilliam’s dramatic,…

While humans have largely stayed home over the past year, there have been plenty of anecdotal reports of animals reclaiming their habitats or even extending their territory. The David Attenborough-narrated documentary The Year Earth Changed, which chronicled the profound changes in the natural world in 2020, featured penguins exploring pavements in Cape Town, deer returning to their ancient grazing patch in Nara, Japan, and a leopard staking its claim on terraces at a safari lodge. For city dwellers, waking gently to the sound of birds chirping has been one of the few upsides of lockdown, when traffic noise was replaced by the calming consonance of nature. Being stuck in one place also gave people time to explore their immediate surroundings, seeking solace in urban parks or nearby nature reserves. “I…

SAFARIS WITH ANDBEYOND Located in countries famed for their rich biodiversity, AndBeyond’s lodges in Asia, Africa and South America connect travellers with the natural world and endeavour to protect and conserve the surrounding wildlife. The sustainable travel pioneer, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2021, offers birders of all stripes guided excursions and plenty of resources, including top-of-the range Swarovski Optik binoculars, across its properties. For dedicated ornithologists, the company recommends South Africa’s Phinda Reserve, set within an area teeming with 450 bird species—from tropical to classic Savannah species—more than enough to engage novices and experts alike. andbeyond.com FIRST LIGHT WALKS WITH BELMOND Nature plays an important role in Belmond’s stable of 40 hotels, especially when it comes to its properties in some of the world’s most breathtaking destinations, such…

Champagne is an unusual wine category in that most people like it, but few, even serious wine lovers, think deeply about what they like about it. It’s frothy and celebratory—plus expensive, which tends to make us like things more; sometimes it’s pink; and most people know they should get more excited if they’re handed a glass of Dom Pérignon than of Moët Brut Imperial. But beyond that, most of us are happy to assume that champagne is champagne. The way champagne has historically been marketed bears some of the responsibility. Champagne bottles, labels and advertisements tend towards the beautiful, luxurious and atmospheric rather than the informative. However, if you’re willing to pay a little attention, there is easily as much variation among champagnes, even if you limit yourself to major…