Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2023 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Mention skipping to most people, and they’re more likely to imagine a school playground than a strapping athlete whose moves the members of BTS would be jealous of. But Cheung Pakhung, one of the fastest rope skippers in the world, wants to challenge that preconception, and show that his sport builds strength, agility—and interpersonal skills. TATLER MALAYSIA Through her start-up Cell Biopeutics, research scientist Dr Jezamine Lim Iskander has set herself a goal of producing ethical and legal stem cell therapy treatments, position Malaysia as a hub for cutting-edge technology and make cell-based therapy more affordable. TATLER INDONESIA Greysia Polii is an Indonesian athlete and entrepreneur. She currently ranks 13th in badminton globally, and she’s also on Tatler Indonesia’s Gen.T list for 2022. Greysia founded her own…

DARREN GABRIEL LEOW A fashion and commercial photographer based in Singapore, Darren Gabriel Leow frequently contributes to Tatler Singapore and other luxury lifestyle and fashion publications, as well as shoots campaigns for various local and international brands. This month, he photographed powerlifter Farhanna Farid. (p.28) OLIVIER YOAN French photographer Olivier Yoan has worked with brands such as Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo and Roger Vivier. He is also the creative director of online platform The Ené, a directory of eco-conscious businesses and retailers around Europe. For this issue, Yoan photographed the fashion shoot in London. (p.70) LARA JADE Lara Jade is a New York-based fashion and beauty photographer, whose work has appeared in luxury fashion publications worldwide and whose clients include Monique Lhuillier, Estée Lauder and Graff. She photographed model Mia…

We know, we know. What could be more snore-inducing than a story that is literally about the science of sleep? But for an overwhelming number of Singaporeans, improving sleep quality can be a matter of life and death. “Singapore happens to be the nation with the highest number of cases of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), which is characterised by recurrent upper airway collapse during sleep,” says Dr Kenny Pang, the director and consultant at Asia Sleep Centre and an ear, nose and throat specialist. “One-third of the [Singaporean] population is affected. It’s a real problem.” Pang explains that in severe cases of OSA, people stop breathing and their blood pressure goes up, putting them at risk of a stroke, heart attack, hypertension and even increased risk dying in their sleep.…

In the pursuit of holistic wellness, more people than ever are turning to ancient healing modalities such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to better understand—and optimise—their bodies. New York-based practitioner Zoey Gong has built quite the name for herself in the wellness space for sharing and preserving the knowledge of TCM through her educational content, easy-to-follow recipes and science-backed approach. “Rather than promoting products, I want to focus on education because I believe it is the foundation for everything. Education allows people to live healthier, happier, and more sustainable lives,” she says. We caught up with Gong about incorporating TCM into modern lifestyles, and how her life’s work has helped her connect deeper with her Chinese roots. When you moved to the US from Shanghai, you began to develop an…

NEW OBSESSION Italian maison Valentino debuted its official monogram, Toile Iconographe, at the spring-summer 2023 Unboxing Valentino show. Pierpaolo Piccioli is using the striking graphic on everything from prints on pret-à-porter and accessories to models’ make-up, a bold reminder of the continuining appeal of logomania. WELLNESS RESTORED The theme of Issey Miyake’s autumn-winter 2022 collection is Sow It and Let It Grow, and we’re carrying that energy with us for the new year. The irregular silhouettes and bold, bright colourways of the Rhizome knitwear collection are inspired by the beauty of plants. The lightweight woollen pieces are designed to be layered and worn in a variety of ways, reflecting the freedom and wildness of nature. WAXING LYRICAL Barbour waxed jackets are beloved by the British royal family and owners of…

To most people, Onitsuka Tiger is a fashion brand built on streetwear cool and Hollywood legends. The streamlined and striped Mexico 66 sneakers, once sported by cinema’s martial arts master Bruce Lee in his incomplete film, Game of Death, are arguably the most emblematic style from the Japanese label, especially on TikTok, where a new generation of Onitsuka Tiger fans are hailing it as the latest fashion trend. Trendy is certainly Onitsuka Tiger’s domain, but so is timeless. That much is clear from The Onitsuka, its dress line that offers modern interpretations of classic men’s footwear styles—or, as the brand calls them, “new formal” shoes. Like Onitsuka Tiger’s Nippon Made collection, The Onitsuka line is handcrafted in Japan. Besides honouring the brand’s roots, the provenance points to a commitment to…

Gold and silver may be precious metals, but as connoisseurs know, the most exquisite of all has to be platinum. Naturally, for Swiss skincare brand La Prairie, which is famed for its mastery of Swiss cellular science and its use of indulgent ingredients, it was a natural choice to harness the revitalising properties of this rare metal for the Platinum Rare collection, its most luxurious skincare range yet. The heritage of the range lies in founder Dr Paul Niehans’s cellular therapy research, which he developed at Clinique La Prairie. A pioneer in this science, he believed that caring for the skin’s cells would in turn strengthen and rejuvenate the skin, making it more resistant to external damage. Powered by the principle of Haute‑Rejuvenation, a proprietary La Prairie technology that works…

Every year, Asian communities around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, accompanied by unique ceremonies and beliefs. But one thing remains constant across borders, clans, generations and traditions—the colour red. The vibrant colour holds a significant place in Chinese culture particularly, as it represents good luck, vitality and prosperity. “Legend has it that a beast known as a nian would emerge on Chinese New Year’s Eve to devour villagers, livestock and crops,” says Stewart Young, director of jewellery and head of jewellery Asia at Bonhams. “[Certain] villagers heard that the nian were scared of children dressed in red; since then, we [Chinese communities] have hung red lanterns and scrolls with couplets to keep the mythical monster away for another year. The nian dance, or lion dance, is performed every…

Originally started in 1837 as a small stationery and fancy goods emporium, Tiffany & Co has since become one of the most prominent jewellers in the world today. Over the years, the American jeweller’s little blue box has gained icon status, housing its many high jewellery treasures, and popular collections such as Tiffany T and Tiffany HardWear. Just as the brand has evolved, it continues to expand its offerings. Most recently, it unveiled Tiffany Lock, a new jewellery collection that is set to become the next icon of the brand. The design of the bangles is inspired by one of Tiffany’s historic motifs dating back to the late 1800s: the padlock. At the time, Tiffany made and sold functioning padlocks designed to protect private information in books or secure dog…

Growing up was confusing for Mia Kang. Born and raised in Hong Kong, the half Korean, half British model recalls her days at Discovery Bay International School, where she would be “bullied for having Asian food in my lunch box at primary school by the white kids. How crazy is that, to be bullied for being Asian in Asia?” says Kang, who is now based in New York. She was also picked on for being overweight. Tired of the merciless teasing, at 13 years old, Kang hung a poster of Tyra Banks’ 1997 Sports Illustrated cover in her bedroom, halved her weight, and was swiftly scouted by a modelling agency. It was the acceptance she had always hoped for; or so she thought—because even though she had transformed her appearance,…

SINGAPORE As the gateway to fast-growing Asean economies, Singapore offers a wide range of investment opportunities in a well-governed, well-regulated, stable environment. Its top tax rate on residents’ income is 22 per cent, and income derived outside Singapore is only taxed if it is brought onshore. There is no capital gains tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax, while the city state offers a number of tax breaks to family offices. BAHRAIN Bahrain’s pro-business government policies offer growing investment opportunities, with 100 per cent foreign ownership allowed in most sectors. It has the most diversified economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council and acts as a hub for the Middle East and North Africa. It has the added benefit of not taxing personal or corporate income. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES One of the…

Just as many of you might be kickstarting your Dry January—we at Tatler start off the year in Singapore with some sobering news. Our wonderful executive editor Pakkee Tan has wrapped up his last magazine issue and moved on to his next career adventure. I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Pakkee in person, stationed as I am in Hong Kong, but he has been a frequent Zoom companion over the past year, and I will definitely miss my Singaporean counterpart. We wish him all the happiness and success! As mentioned, it’s that time of year when many of us are overcome with a sudden and aggressive need to undo 31 days of mince pies and boozing. Whether this takes the form of Dry January, a new gym membership or…

EJ Missy has got her groove back. “The Singapore music and nightlife scene is growing and thriving in ways that we all thought weren’t possible these past two years,” she says. “It has reignited a fire in me, which was dampened by the pandemic.” A veteran on the decks, EJ Missy has been a driving force in Singapore’s electronic dance scene for 17 years. During this time, she also opened for some of the genre’s heavyweights, including Sébastien Léger, Paul Woolford, Eric Cloutier and Cosmic Gate—a perfect fit for her hypnotic sets that sway between uplifting house grooves and deep, broody techno beats. “I love a lot of melodies and hints of melancholy,” she says, adding that for this month’s Mixtape, she has deviated from her usual sound and instead…

In his work as an international lawyer and arbitrator, Tai-Heng Cheng represents clients and their interests spanning various industries including energy and infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. The global co-head of American law firm Sidley Austin’s international arbitration and trade practice and co-managing partner of its Singapore office is also a trusted adviser to companies, boards and governments across the globe on issues beyond business disputes. So you can say that Cheng, who spends on average a week every month in Singapore, making the nearly 18-hour commute from New York where he is based, is adept at managing differences, whether they are commercial- or investment-related, or even cultural—and he considers art as a bridge to foster empathy and understanding. “I’ve always been interested in art but like any field of…

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of national healthcare systems around the world—and the stark inequalities communities face when it comes to receiving medical care. It was It was the need to address equity in healthcare that Edward Booty founded healthtech start-up Reach52. After graduating from university, Booty started toying with the idea of setting up a social enterprise to provide lower-income groups access to affordable healthcare. When he came back to the UK after studying abroad, he worked in various health consulting and government healthcare roles, which he says, “was really just me building the idea for Reach52”. Driven by its mission to reach the 52 per cent of the world without access to essential healthcare, Reach52 uses technology and community empowerment to deliver healthcare services in a sustainable…

It is that time of the year when many of us are making new year’s resolutions—and more often than not, we focus on weight or appearance (“I want to lose X number of kilos; I am signing up for a gym membership”). We often think about the fitness of our body, but how about the fitness of our mind? “We think about physical fitness first because we can see and measure it. But when we’re talking about the mind, oftentimes it goes back to how we’re feeling—and that’s not really quantifiable (even though some of it can be measured),” says Sabrina Ooi, the co-founder and CEO of Calm Collective Asia. “It’s also in our culture to not think so much about our mental well-being. But the two are actually correlated:…

In another universe, one where Yayoi Kusama is not an artist with a prolific, seven-decade career and sell-out art shows around the world, the Japanese nonagenarian would have certainly been a fashion designer. Her label, Kusama Fashion Company, would sell dresses covered in her signature polka dots or, even more daringly, holes that exposed their wearer’s breasts or buttocks. And today, when cut-out clothes are less of a shock than they would have been to the average, mink-coated Bloomingdale’s customer 60 years ago, Kusama would be a fashion star. As it turned out, Kusama still became a fashion star—but her story played out differently. She debuted Kusama Fashion Company during her stint in New York in the late 1960s, and her radical designs even warranted their own “Kusama corner” at…

PERFECT ALCHEMY The neck area may sometimes be overlooked when caring for the skin. Dior Beauty’s L’Or de Vie Le Sérum is a rejuvenating elixir meant to be used as a serum for both the face and neck. Its formula contains antioxidant and regenerating properties that can help achieve visibly smoother and denser skin over time. As part of the brand’s most prestigious line of skincare, the serum’s texture is a sensorial masterpiece—silky, velvety and penetrates deep into the skin. TIME MACHINE Ageing is a natural process and the skin may appear lacklustre or even tired due to a decrease in cellular regeneration. But thanks to innovative skincare solutions, there are ways to elevate your beauty routine to protect the skin. The Chantecaille Bio Lifting Serum+ is a powerful serum…

What sets your soul on fire? For Malaysian make-up artist Mei Pang, it’s the thrill of outdoing herself—whether that’s finding a new technique to create a beauty look, completing another yoga class or committing to one more day of sobriety. “Sobriety saved my career,” Toronto-based Pang says. Her shaved head, praying mantises on each temple (plus a further plethora of matching tattoos) and razor-sharp eyeliner might lead one to assume she’s hardcore; a rebel. They’d be partly correct—she’s hardcore, but these days, only about establishing her sense of self, fostering positivity online and maintaining her health to share and celebrate with others. “I wake up at five in the morning, I do my make-up and I feel incredibly productive. And I do it with a clear head,” she says. “Professionally,…

POWER OF PINK Chopard has proved to be a red-carpet favourite for decades. Julia Roberts looked pretty in pink at the Los Angeles premiere of her latest movie Ticket to Paradise, choosing a pair of earrings from the maison’s Temptations collection. They feature 38.53 carats of kunzites and 34.64 carats of rhodolites outlined with white diamonds, all set in 18-karat white gold. Chopard Temptation Collection earrings made of 18-karat white gold, kunzites, rhodolites and diamonds DIAMOND DAZE Emerald-cut diamonds and multi-row chains create silhouettes that elevate Messika’s D-Vibes collection to the realm of high jewellery. A sliding mechanism allows the wearer to adjust the length of the gem-studded pieces from choker to sternum-grazer. Messika D-Vibes diamond collection…

The Year of the Rabbit begins on January 22. Take tips from the pros on what the new lunar year will bring—and the best upgrades you can make to your living spaces to maximise good energy and avoid misfortune. Meet our feng shui and interior design maestros: Priya Subberwal, Hong Kong-based feng shui consultant, interior designer and founder of Disha Consulting David Tong, Singapore-based founder and principal consultant of Chinese Metaphysics Global Consulting Nina Kati, Ireland-based feng shui interior design consultant, founder of Nina Kati Feng Shui Interior Design Anjie Cho, New York-based feng shui consultant, architect and founder of Anjie Cho Architect LET IT GO While feng shui doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions, there are some easy-to-follow tips that can improve fortunes in general. • Throw away stuff that…

Fans of Christian Dior likely know the couturier had a love for lucky charms. It’s a passion that runs throughout the house’s heritage and comes out to play in a myriad collections—from astrology-inspired ready-to-wear to fragrances inspired by the founder’s iconic lily of the valley, the flower Dior considered to be his lucky charm. The lucky star is one emblem that Victoire de Castellane, the celebrated artistic director of Dior Joaillerie, has been uniquely reimagining throughout the house’s Rose des Vents jewellery collection since 2015. The compass rose, a star-like motif used in navigational charts to show the right path forward, provides inspiration for these pieces. In the latest Rose des Vents arrivals, the theme is once more reimagined through a series of magnetic creations that are both deeply intertwined…

1 The Shoe Add a splash of colour—and height—to your outfit with this Gianvito Rossi sandal as you make your party rounds for the Lunar New Year festivities. 2 The Earrings Channel the languid luxuriousness of the Amalfi Coast with Harry Winston’s sublime high jewellery earrings featuring two divine rubellites. 3 The Watch Set with 40 baguette-cut multicoloured sapphires, the new Patek Philippe Ref 7968/300R-001 Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” chronograph will make you the talk of the town. 4 The Bag Light up the Lunar New Year with Versace’s bright orange La Medusa bag that is as chic as it is auspicious.…

Farhanna Farid was introduced to powerlifting about six years ago by her then-boyfriend, now-husband, and she quickly fell in love with the sport. Having always been athletic, Farhanna also realised she had a knack for powerlifting when on a regular day training at the gym, she deadlifted what she later found out was the national record weight at the time. This prompted her to hire a coach to start training for competitions, and today, the 30-year-old is a world record holder in the deadlift and even coaches other athletes, including her husband. In September last year, she deadlifted 201 kg to achieve the world record in the Under-52 kg category, rewriting her own record of 200.5 kg set three months prior. Then in December that same year, she broke her…

ABUNDANCE OF MEAT While Japanese steakhouse Fat Cow may not be the first place that comes to mind for the Lunar New Year celebrations, the restaurant seeks to serve its guests something special during this period to showcase its signature Japanese wagyu. Its chefs have created the “gyu sheng”, a modern take on the yusheng featuring premium Japanese ingredients such as chuka wakame (seasoned seaweed), chuka kurage (seasoned jellyfish), uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), caviar, radish, carrots and pickled ginger. Instead of the quintessential salmon slices that crown the auspicious dish, the version here is topped with thinly sliced delicately marbled premium Japanese wagyu to represent a greater symbol of prosperity. The dish is then showered with house‑made goma ponzu sauce, which adds a nutty‑tangy flavour profile. Goma, or…

TAN JENN BIN Ally There are a few things at Ally that seem curious and counterintuitive to the concept of a fitness studio. Step inside the space in Telok Ayer and you will be greeted by a well-lit and sprawling lounge area that takes up the largest floor area in the over 6,500 sqft studio. Rather than utilising the space to expand the main function of a typical rhythmic cycling studio—its cycle rooms—founder Tan Jenn Bin wanted to dedicate it to the Ally community and encourage interaction between members in an inviting and relaxing environment. It is also within this spacious lounge that Ally hosts its Champagne Fridays, where members are treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly after the last class on Friday evenings. It sounds a little ironic…

Once considered a “beauty secret”, non- or minimally invasive medical aesthetics treatments have become mainstream, with various age groups seeking out a wide array of procedures. As an increasing number of happy individuals can attest to, such “tweakments” are not just seen as a way to refresh one’s appearance, but now, also a form of self-care. Merz Aesthetics’ state-of-the-art product portfolio ranges from Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA), Belotero, hyaluronic acid-based fillers with good skin integration and Radiesse, a calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)-based filler; to Ultherapy, the only FDA-cleared skin lifting and tightening ultrasound device with real-time visualisation. Currently the largest business in the world solely dedicated to medical aesthetics, Merz Aesthetics has played a pivotal role in enabling healthcare professionals to provide hyper-personalised treatment plans that are tailored to each individual needs instead…

SHIRR THING If our Instagram feeds are anything to go by, ruching is in. From Bottega Veneta to Victoria Beckham, drawstrings and shirring add a new dimension to bodycon dressing, and put an end to any worries about wrinkles. EASTERN PHILOSOPHY Lunar New Year style is for life, not just the holidays. Classic Asian touches are being updated in a variety of ways for the modern wardrobe, from gold embroidery and jade accessories to Loewe’s Chinese Monochrome collection, which explores the historical and cultural impact of ancient ceramics. WHAT A CARRY-ON Whether or not you have your 2023 travel plans mapped out, it’s always wise to have your essentials ready. A must-pack list for a winter getaway? Lightweight luggage, a pair of sneakers that goes with everything and colourful, mood-boosting…

What areas do you plan on developing under your leadership? One of my plans is to enhance our client experience. I want to bring in my 20 years of experience in the luxury industry to enchant our clients, going above and beyond to make their experience with Van Cleef & Arpels one-of-a-kind. Secondly, we will continue to strengthen our position as a stand-out example of a high jewellery maison, bringing our unique high jewellery creations from our Mains d’Or, or Golden Hands [a name given to Van Cleef & Arpels’ craftsmen], in the Paris workshop to our audiences through an annual high jewellery event and other campaigns. If you could name only one piece from the archives as a favourite, what would it be? I have always been in love…

Every year, in a grand ode to its long‑standing prowess and creativity in high jewellery, Tiffany & Co debuts a new Blue Book collection featuring the most show‑stopping jewelled masterpieces. In 2022, the American jeweller unveiled its Botanica: Blue Book 2022 in three extraordinary floral‑led chapters throughout the year, starting with a spring debut, followed by summer and finally, autumn. Marking the culmination of the Botanica trilogy, the fall iteration centres on important floral themes from The Tiffany Archives—orchids, wisterias and magnolias—as well as designs by the inimitable Jean Schlumberger, who is renowned for his imaginative take on flora and fauna. Harnessing Tiffany & Co’s artistry and craftsmanship, heritage botanical motifs and the timeless beauty of nature blossom into some of the most innovative and transformable designs. One of the…

How did your relationship with Hublot begin? I’ve known about Hublot for a long time, but [our relationship began proper] in Switzerland a few years ago, when [the brand] asked to collaborate. I know some of the chefs that Hublot has worked with before, so I was very motivated. I also visited the manufacture and it was amazing. I couldn’t have imagined how many people work there, and the time it takes to make a watch and the level of detail that goes into it. I managed to get some hands-on [experience with watchmaking] as well and it was so fun. Which is your favourite Hublot timepiece? The one I wear every day: the Big Bang One Click Steel White Diamonds 39 mm. I like it because it’s really small,…

Loh Kean Yew is having a moment. In November last year, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranked Loh number three in the world—a year earlier, he was 40th on the list. That same month, the Penang-born Singaporean badminton star was named Sportsman of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards 2022—a title previously won by the likes of Olympic gold medallist swimmer Joseph Schooling and billiards champion Peter Gilchrist. Then, in December, Loh made his debut at the 2022 BWF World Tour Finals in Bangkok, making him the first Singapore men’s player to qualify for the annual season-ending tournament. Though he ultimately lost to Indonesian player Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, rather than feeling discouraged, Loh says he is more motivated than ever. “I’m still an underdog; there are a lot of…

The Lion City is a recurring theme in photographer Nguan’s body of work. “I started working on my Singapore series in the early 2000s when a narrative that the city was a sterile and soulless place had taken hold,” he says. “I wanted to challenge this notion and present an alternative, romanticised vision of Singapore—a Singapore that is ravishing, riveting, and teeming with ghosts.” So is it any wonder that Nguan describes his photography style as “magical documentary”. He explains, “I want my pictures to be honest yet mythical, and dreamlike but true. In my ongoing work, I hope to celebrate what is distinct about the country, while acknowledging the undercurrents of longing and alienation particular to modern city life.” For this issue, the Singapore-based photographer looks at public housing…

COLLABORATION IS KEY The next cohort of high-net-worth individuals are realising that the issues facing the world today are far too complex for one person, government or company to solve alone. Instead, these new philanthropists are collaborating to create sustainable change for good. From pooling resources and sharing networks to bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, Asia’s young changemakers are taking a modern approach to philanthropic partnerships and putting egos aside to make the world a better place. ROLLING UP THEIR SLEEVES Among previous generations, regularly contributing funds to different causes was enough to earn the “philanthropist” label. Now, new wealth holders expect to be closely involved in their own charitable endeavours. For some, this means having a hand in the operations of the organisations they contribute…