Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2024 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Simon Wilson, the brains behind the hugely popular Fork Lore Instagram account, told Tatler why supporting the local F&B industry is so important to him and the secrets behind his successful vox-pop-style videos. TATLER MALAYSIA GX Bank’s CEO Lai Pei Si explained why she is leading a financial services revolution with a goal of democratising access to banking services that high-income individuals and city dwellers take for granted. TATLER PHILIPPINES Award-winning director and Gen.T 2024 honouree Zig Dulay spoke about the power of movies and how he is driven by the desire to entertain, educate and inspire viewers by telling authentic Filipino stories. TATLER TAIWAN Joyce Teng is the leader of the Taiwan Equality Campaign and a 2024 Gen.T honouree, leading her team in efforts to build…

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. For this issue, he shot cover star and musician Jasmine Sokko, alongside the other Singapore honourees of Asia’s Most Stylish. SEUNGHEE SON Seunghee Son is a Seoul-based stylist who works on looks for brands, celebrities and fashion shoots. She also contributes to publications such as CR Fashion Book, Kinfolk and Manifesto. This month, she styled the fashion shoot. It was a pursuit of “clean, minimal aesthetics”, she says—and something that offered plenty of creative freedom. ZED LEETS Zed Leets is the senior photographer for Tatler in Hong Kong whose previous works have appeared…

When I was young, my parents always took my sister and I to museums whenever we travelled. These experiences not only taught me how to appreciate new things, but also developed my artistic perception and nurtured my interest in art. In the 1990s, with my first paycheck, I purchased a drawing by Jean-Francois Debongnie. This piece remains in my collection to this day. The way I collect is incredibly intuitive. I have a clear sense of what I like, and I only purchase what genuinely speaks to me. I usually refrain from prior budgeting or dwelling on whether my collection will increase in value. My desire to collect is driven simply by the joy of discovery—and the inspiration it brings. When I was younger, my taste in art was vastly…

“Artificial intelligence is going to shape this decade,” declares Harjit Gill, the CEO of Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association (APACMed), a leading trade association representing the medical technology, or medtech for short, industry in Asia Pacific. Fittingly, the 2024 edition of its flagship event, the Asia Pacific MedTech Forum, is themed “The Dec‑Ai‑De of Intelligent Healthcare Systems” and will explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in fuelling more intelligent healthcare systems. Departing from the traditional format, this year’s forum, which takes place on September 5 and 6, aims to provide an immersive and engaging experience inspired by conferences in the US. “It’s not a typical conference where you sit and listen. It’s the first time we’re experimenting with a new format,” says Gill. The event will feature central…

BALLERINA AND CO-FOUNDER, BALLETBODY This stylish ballerina’s relationship with fashion is a captivating dance of elegance, discipline, and artistic expression. On stage, Alison Carroll’s costumes are masterpieces of craftsmanship, designed to enhance her every movement and tell a story through fabric and form. Often confections of tulle and heavily embellished, these exquisite creations are the antithesis to her off-duty wardrobe. A pas de deux of minimalism and elegance, her sartorial repertoire marries monochromatic staples with streamlined silhouettes. And contrary to how she is immortalised in this portrait, the co-founder of BalletBody, a studio offering ballet-based workouts, avoids the colour pink, “only because I’m always in pink for work. So I avoid it in my daily life”, she says. “But this [ jacket] is Chanel—now, that’s a different story!” Such is…

Modelling was never on the cards for the once camera-shy Ong Bee Yan. But five years ago, at age 63, an unexpected opportunity came along. A local brand approached her to model its tie-dye shirts. Despite her initial reservations about her looks, Ong saw it as an opportunity to step outside of her comfort zone. Today, the 68-year-old is a sought-after model, who’s motivated by a desire to push boundaries. While on set, she “chooses a different persona, [transforming into] a different person” as a means to gain confidence, empowering both herself and others. She shares the images of her work on Instagram@grey_evolution, using it as a platform to advocate for positive self-image among seniors. Fashion, to her, is about embracing your individuality at any age. “It’s a way of…

THE FRONT ROW HONG KONG Edan Lui Singer, Mirror and actor SINGAPORE Charmaine Seah-Ong Video producer, The Secret Little Agency MALAYSIA Ferhat Nazri Branding, marketing and PR consultant, Ferhat Nazri Aziz Consulting PHILIPPINES Alexandra Rocha Araneta Entertainer and entrepreneur, Pinkerton Ice Cream Donny Pangilinan Actor Sarah Lahbati Actor James Reid Actor and singer TAIWAN Regina Lei Actor THE ICONS HONG KONG Sabrina Fung Group managing director, Fung Retailing SINGAPORE Ong Bee Yan Founder, Fashion for Cancer, co‑founder, 1degreeC and model MALAYSIA Maria Musa Businesswoman PHILIPPINES Heart Evangelista Global fashion icon, visual artist and entrepreneur TAIWAN Naiwen Yang Singer THAILAND Sombatsara “Tue” Teerasaroch Founder, Tue Company THE INNOVATORS HONG KONG Kay Kwok Designer and founder, KWK by Kay Kwok SINGAPORE Jasmine Sokko Singer, songwriter and music producer MALAYSIA Vijay Binwani Executive…

FEATURE Once a discreet preference among the elite, Loro Piana now enjoys mainstream recognition. Thanks to the spotlight put on quiet luxury by shows such as HBO’s Succession, what was once an exclusive secret has become an aspirational status symbol, marking a significant milestone in the luxury Italian fashion house’s century‑long history of excellence. Yet, this rise to mainstream prominence has not compromised its core values. Loro Piana remains dedicated to exceptional fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship, cementing its reputation as a timeless symbol of understated luxury. Beginning in the early 1800s as a wool trading business in Trivero, Italy, the house was founded in 1924 when Pietro Loro Piana established Ing Loro Piana & C, the foundation of the company today. After the Second World War, it gained renown as…

FANTASTICAL PALETTE Drawing inspiration from flora and fauna, Jardin Imaginaire, Chanel Beauty’s summer 2024 make‑up collection, is all striking hues and saturated tone. Curated by the maison’s global make‑up creative partner Ammy Drammeh, it invites one to explore colour by way of the new Jardin Imaginaire Blush and Highlighter Duo as well as some of Chanel’s most popular products, such as the Style Ombre et Contour three‑in‑one eye pen and the Baume Essentiel multi‑use glow stick, in new audacious shades—think a coppery bronze, electric greens, luminous oranges and violet blues. SECOND SKIN The new Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation by British cosmetics brand Pat McGrath Labs is now available in Singapore. The foundation offers a unique combination of skincare and make‑up benefits that has quickly made it a must‑have for…

With their unexpected shapes, these watches will help you think out of the box COOL AND CUTE Originally launched in a 44 mm size, Breitling Endurance Pro catered primarily to those preferring a larger, more robust timepiece, designed as a fusion of high-performance sportswear and stylish, daily wearable technology. This year, the watchmaker has introduced a new 38 mm version. The smaller model retains all the key features of the larger variant, including the ultra-lightweight Breitlight case and the SuperQuartz movement, but in a more compact, subtle form. Breitling Endurance Pro 38 mm DIVE HERE Explore the enchanting depths of the ocean with the Ulysse Nardin Diver Atoll, a limited edition of 100 pieces. The timepiece displays a unique chrysocolla dial, each piece distinct with vibrant hues of blue, turquoise…

Omega got the horological world buzzing when its brand ambassador—English actor Daniel Craig—was spotted wearing a rare white-dial Speedmaster Moonwatch at the Planet Omega exhibition in New York City in November 2023. Traditionally, the Speedmaster Moonwatch has a black dial with white details that maximise legibility. Watch connoisseurs were fired up with excitement when they zoomed into the James Bond actor’s wrist and noticed that its stepped dial might be lacquered in white—a first for the Speedmaster. Aficionados waited with baited breath until Omega finally unveiled the newest version of the Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in March 2024. Also known as the ref. 310.30.42.50.04.001, it sports an immaculate dial inspired by the spacesuits used by Nasa astronauts on spacewalks and extravehicular activity. It also takes references from the white-dialled Alaska…

What inspired Pomellato’s new high jewellery collection? Milan is always very inspiring for us. There are two souls in Milan. When you first arrive in Milan, you can perceive the beauty of the city and the buildings. I’ll define this part as more concrete, more solid, more institutional. But if you live here, you start to recognise another soul of Milan that expresses creativity—in fashion, in design, and in art. So there’s this contrast and, for me, here lies the beauty of Milan: in opposites that exist in perfect harmony. How do these two sides of Milan manifest in the collection? On one hand, for the chapter Milan’s Monochromatic Treasures, we have jewels inspired by architecture and geometries, while on the other hand for Milanese Colour Prism, the designs are…

If you find yourself in South Korea and decide to indulge in top-grade beef, chances are you’ll encounter Hanwoo, a native breed that has roamed the Korean peninsula for over 2,000 years. But it’s not just any old cow. Like the better-known Japanese Wagyu, Hanwoo boasts exceptional marbling, only with less fat content, and a distinctive, robust flavour that sets it apart. Raised free-range in the South Korean countryside, Hanwoo cattle thrive on a diet of grain or grass and occasionally beer-enriched feed. Its high price tag is driven by quality and the fact that demand significantly exceeds supply. South Korea has even less land for rearing its indigenous cattle than Japan; and Hanwoo are smaller creatures. This scarcity, coupled with the breed’s superior attributes, places Hanwoo in the same…

In the summer of 1996, Nari Ward was walking around Harlem; this wasn’t unusual for the artist, who wandered through the district on a daily basis, scavenging discarded objects to make art with. Except this time he was pushing a cart in which he placed a makeshift effigy made out of refuse—namely twisted plastic bags in various colours wrapped around empty bottles, enacting his first performance piece, Pushing Saviour. The work was inspired by an existential query of sorts and prompted by a childhood memory. “I was thinking about how we create faith,” Ward tells Tatler. “I was thinking that some kind of energy or entity was pushing this form [the makeshift effigy], but really, I was pushing [it] myself. In a way, I was pushed into the Abyssinian Baptist…

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR September is a hallowed month. It’s when the sun crosses the celestial equator and heads southward, signalling a new astronomical beginning. Here at Tatler, the month similarly heralds something new: a fresh crop of sartorial rule‑breakers and forces of elegance that make up this year’s Asia’s Most Stylish list. Redefining just what it means to be stylish, each honouree on our list has made significant contributions to the industries they belong to, be it through knowledge, influence or sheer audacity. And as the lead for this project, I’ve been graciously handed this page by our editor‑in‑chief, Aun Koh, to wax lyrical about the fabulous individuals we’re featuring and whom I styled—from our stellar cover star Jasmine Sokko to the shining examples of sophistication that elevate Singapore’s…

Few Singaporean fashion designers have reached the global prominence of Andrew Gn, who is known for his impeccable craftsmanship and cultural depth, and whose designs have graced the wardrobes of royalty, celebrities and discerning clients. In December last year, just three months after his critically acclaimed retrospective, Andrew Gn: Fashioning Singapore and the World, ended its nearly four‑month‑long run at Singapore’s Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), he surprised the fashion world by announcing the closure of his namesake label. After a 28‑year career and more than 10,000 designs, his decision marked the end of an era, but also hinted at an exciting new chapter for him—one that will see him maintaining ties with fashion, albeit in roles different from that he was known for, and perhaps being more involved in the…

With a voice that is as smooth as the glide of molten butter on warm toast, radio DJ Germaine Leonora Tan is an aural delight both on and off air. In the past decade or so, the 987FM DJ has carved a niche for herself to become one of Singapore’s most celebrated jocks, with close to 42,000 followers on Instagram. Beyond the airwaves, the Nanyang Technological University alumna’s story is one of intense passion—and perhaps a business acumen inherited from her entrepreneur parents, Vincent Tan and Josephine Teo, who are in the business of retail and electronic manufacturing. Her love of radio was first ignited in 2015, when she placed third in the 987 Radio Star competition organised by Mediacorp. While she did not end up getting a job at…

Tatler Asia is set to revolutionise the luxury hospitality landscape with the launch of Tatler Best, an initiative presented in partnership with Tumi, that will showcase and celebrate the crème de la crème of hospitality in Asia. Under this exciting new sub-brand, we will unveil a definitive list of 100 exceptional hotels, 100 remarkable restaurants and 100 outstanding bars, all meticulously curated by Tatler’s discerning team and a panel of esteemed industry experts. Tatler Best serves as the ultimate insider’s guide to Asia’s most exquisite experiences, building on the legacy of our Tatler Dining Guide, a trusted culinary bible for gastronomes published annually over the last four decades. Beyond these lists, Tatler Best will offer a comprehensive ecosystem of luxury, with city guides, city takeover experiences and a collectible guidebook…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE FRONT ROW We first met Charmaine Seah-Ong in 2009 on the dancefloor of the now-defunct electropop wonderland that was The Butter Factory. Seah-Ong was in a Day-Glo outfit—as the dress code mandated—and a killer pair of strappy Dries Van Noten heels splashed with its signature marble print, which punctuated her ensemble. And since then we have been obsessed with her daring approach to fashion. So it is no surprise that when it comes to the sartorial legacy that she hopes to be remembered for, “I want to be commemorated for every single piece of Dries Van Noten that I own. Hands down,” comes her quick reply. But beyond Seah-Ong’s devotion to one of the shining jewels of The Antwerp Six fashion collective, “I would also…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE COLLECTOR A digital dandy with an old soul, Ryan Ong is 26 years old but his penchant for sartorial classics, time-telling creations, and witty repartee reflects a maturity way beyond his years. A rising content creator, who’s also a network security engineer, Ong was first drawn to horology in 2013, when he became fascinated by the “intricate interplay of small, highly technical components” that make watches—and tech gadgets—tick. Since then, he’s steadfastly grown his collection to 15, selecting them for several reasons: sentimental value to mark life milestones; masterful craftsmanship; and statement makers that reflect his personal style. These include two Patek Philippe timepieces—the World Time Ref 5231G, which features a map of Southeast Asia and Oceania on its dial, reminding him of Australia where…

HELLO SEPTEMBER! Moschino’s new creative director Adrian Appiolaza hits the ground running with his debut Collezione 0 campaign—and trust us, it will put a smile on your face. Photographed by Willy Vanderperre, the vibrant images follow five women revelling in the simple pleasures of Milanese life, from admiring the Duomo to browsing neighbourhood markets. Presented back in March, Appiolaza’s ready-to-wear maintains the Italian house’s playful spirit and emphasises the importance of embracing everyday joys. ULTIMATE DAYWEAR Matthieu Blazy has found his stride at Bottega Veneta, delivering refinement to everyday dressing. This ethos extends to the brand’s accessories, which are designed to stand the test of time. One standout piece for autumn-winter 2024 is the Liberta crossbody bag. Featuring a signature coaxial loop and brass hook closure, the Liberta blends modern…

FEATURE Fresh off unveiling the world’s thinnest watch, the 1.70 mm‑thick Octo Finissimo Ultra COSC, this April, Bvlgari has introduced new additions to its lauded Bvlgari Aluminium collection: the Bvlgari Aluminium Black GMT, the Bvlgari Aluminium Chronograph Smeraldo and the Bvlgari Aluminium White Automatic. When the first Bvlgari Aluminium was released in 1998, its unprecedented aluminium and rubber case made international headlines. Bvlgari Aluminium models from then till now have also had the words “Bvlgari Bvlgari” embossed on their bezels, just like the watches in the brand’s Bvlgari Bvlgari collection, which debuted in 1977 with a model designed by the prolific Gérald Genta—one that was sparked from the iconic 1975 Bvlgari Roma watch. The Bvlgari Roma and Bvlgari Bvlgari, incidentally, were intrepid endeavours by the brand’s then CEO and art…

FEATURE With the unveiling of Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds, its largest and most ambitious high jewellery collection to date, Louis Vuitton once again proves itself as a creative force that constantly dares to innovate. This extraordinary assemblage comprises a whopping 220 unique pieces spread across 13 themes, paying tribute to the transformative spirit of 19th‑century France, a period marked by unprecedented creativity and innovation. “France in the 19th century was a phenomenal time of incredible change, and when Paris really became the centre of the world,” says Francesca Amfitheatrof, the French maison’s artistic director for watches and jewellery. “The design language of Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds reflects that—all its intricacies, complications and innovations turned into incredible jewels.” Through this collection, which is her sixth for the maison, Amfitheatrof masterfully showcases…

1 THE NECKLACE Serving up two striking looks, Boucheron’s Goutte Question Mark necklace showcases vibrant gems on one side (the rubellite version is pictured) and, with a simple movement, a dazzling reverse of rock crystal and pave diamonds. 2 THE BACKPACK Perfect for everyday adventures, the Gucci Explorer backpack combines sleek design with practical functionality. Crafted from 100 per cent regenerated and recycled polyamide, the water‑resistant nylon bag comes with a dedicated padded laptop slot as well as one inside zipped pocket and two external ones, the lower of which is accented with the house’s signature green and red Web detail. Adding a subtle touch of luxe is the iconic Gucci logo embossed on both the top and the back of the backpack. 3 THE BAG Crafted in calfskin leather…

In the bustling landscape of Singapore’s fashion industry, one social enterprise is turning the tide on textile waste: Cloop, a circular fashion venture co‑founded by Tan Yin Ling, a former shopaholic turned sustainability champion. As a student pursuing her master’s in conservation biology at the University of Exeter, Tan ironically found herself caught in the web of fast fashion. She accumulated hundreds of clothing items annually, buying more than what she could wear. It was not until her return to Singapore and a transformative experience at Secondsguru’s zero waste boot camp that she recognised the environmental impact of her shopping habits. Many may not know this, but Singapore lacks textile and leather recycling facilities, and thus exports such waste for recycling. According to the National Environment Agency, the country’s textile…

ASIA’S MOST STYLISH | THE INGENUES “I was fortunate to grow up in a household that celebrated creative expression freely,” enthuses Chi Loyzaga Gibbs. The Filipino It girl, who has been based in Singapore for five years now, credits her family as key sources of her many stylish inspirations, with her first fashion memory being her father coming home in drag. “My parents are actors so they would come home in costume all the time, and seeing them embody different roles definitely informed my sense of fashion and personal style growing up.” To this day, Gibbs, who subscribes to a vibrant, playful and retro-influenced aesthetic, says she puts her outfits together with a specific character in mind when getting dressed up for the day. “I’m inspired by decades, the 1960s…

Passionate about using heritage to develop cultural fashion enterprises, Circe Henestrosa explores how garments and material culture inform and reflect sociocultural aspects of fashion through her curatorial practice. The fashion academic has long regarded late Mexican painter Frida Kahlo as her muse, and curated acclaimed exhibitions on Kahlo, including Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up (2018) at London’s V&A Museum. Another milestone is her collaboration with Dior for its Cruise 2024 show in Mexico. “When [Dior creative director] Maria Grazia Chiuri asked if I could help her with the collection, I said yes because she wanted to include Mexican traditional techniques,” shares. Henestrosa, who saw this as an opportunity to ensure fair collaboration between indigenous artisans and Dior’s ateliers. She also stresses the importance of local designers drawing inspiration from…

A two‑word phrase tends to haunt any discussion of Brunello Cucinelli. A favourite of celebrities and the Silicon Valley set alike—its long list of fans includes Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone, Gisele Bündchen, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Reid Hoffman—the Italian luxury fashion brand is known for extremely high‑quality materials and craftsmanship, and a distinct lack of flash or indeed, any form of obvious branding. It is, in other words, the very embodiment of quiet luxury. That is not quite how the brand’s co‑chairman and co‑creative director Carolina Cucinelli sees it, though. “We see our garments as an expression of the highest quality and excellence in craftsmanship, with a strong reference to the brand’s DNA,” she says. “So I wouldn’t talk so much about ‘quiet luxury’, but more of…

SEE-THROUGH STYLE Sheer fabrics and lace are at the intersection of boldness and elegance, but there’s no need to go full-bodysuit to embrace this trend. Try a bi-material dress from brands like Greta Constantine and Givenchy, where sheer panels add a touch of intrigue, or don a pair of lace gloves with a long evening dress for instant vintage glamour. SKIRTING THE ISSUE The summer’s miniskirts were fun, but it’s time they made room for the full-length model. A dramatic sweep and the whisper of fabric against the floor guarantee a grand entrance, whether it’s a straight-cut number from Oscar de La Renta or a voluminous denim skirt by Alaïa. MAROONED Gentlemen, the colour of the season is burgundy, and we encourage you to embrace it in a full-on, head-to-toe…

There is no denying that in the world of haute horlogerie, Cartier is one of the most popular and prestigious names today. At the helm of the French luxury maison’s watch and jewellery departments is Marie-Laure Cérède, whose innovative approach to creating its masterpieces has in turn shaped the wider landscape of luxury watches. Speaking to Tatler Singapore at the Watches and Wonders 2024 fair in Geneva, Switzerland, this April, Cérède offered insights into Cartier’s latest novelties, design philosophy, and the future of watchmaking. Among its peers in the luxury watch world, Cartier has long stood out for its dual expertise in watch- and jewellery-making and Cérède is leveraging this unique position to create timepieces that defy these traditional categorisations. “We have a unique position in the watchmaking industry,” she…

Summer may be on its way out but these resortwear staples will turn up the heat at any time of year CRUSHED IT Single earrings are all the rage—and when Blackpink’s Jennie sports the trend, it’s here to stay. In her role as brand ambassador, the K-pop star recently showcased the seven new pieces from Chanel’s Coco Crush collection. This launch includes three rings and three single hoops in yellow gold, the maison’s signature beige gold and white gold, each adorned with prong-set diamonds that enhance the iconic quilted motif. Additionally, a unique two-tone single earring combines beige gold, white gold and diamonds, making it a standout piece in the collection. Chanel Coco Crush collection FOREVER TO BEE Cleopatra is a style icon for a reason, and this bib necklace…

Emeralds, with their kaleidoscopic inclusions—materials trapped inside a stone—are experiencing a remarkable renaissance in the world of high jewellery. But why is the stone suddenly so popular? Selim Mouzannar’s family has been in the jewellery business for generations, dating back to the 19th century. While he has a deep interest in ancient souks of the Ottoman Empire, Mouzannar has also worked in Thai ruby mines to get a deeper understanding of precious gemstones. As a designer, gemologist and jewellery historian,he has a deep appreciation for the beauty and history of the green stones. In a video interview, he tells Tatler, “Emeralds are the jewel of the Earth, with a rich internal world,” describing them as a “trip in the jungles of the Amazon”. The stone’s allure lies in its many…

HOTEL BARS DRAGONFLY The bohemian grand dame of opulent Hong Kong cocktail lounges has unfurled its wings in the heart of Orchard Road in the chic Vibe Hotel Singapore Orchard. Thanks to celebrated bar designer Ashley Sutton, one cannot help but marvel at the decor, not least the stained glass dragonfly centrepiece towering behind the bar. Captivating as the aesthetics are, the modern cocktail programme wows with familiar classics and rather imaginative creations. For a sweet and savoury start, sip on Veil of Fondness, a silky clarified gin tipple that cleverly juxtaposes tomato and watermelon with a maltier base of genever. Decadent nightcaps such as Murphy’s Law—featuring a base of rich, house‑crafted dark rum with swirls of sweet corn ice cream and piquant drops of mala oil—are quaffable desserts in…

The best thing about living in Manila is … having family and friends nearby. The first thing I do when I arrive in Manila is … run home to my dogs and order Filipino food. Usually, it’s silog (garlic fried rice and egg) or barbecue. The best thing about Manila’s dining scene is … that it’s growing in all sorts of directions because Filipinos love to eat. Local chefs not only look into regional tastes, but also welcome global flavours in their cooking. My favourite restaurants in Manila are … Inatô and Grace Park Dining for their modern Filipino cuisine, and Aling Bebeng’s BBQ for its array of barbecued dishes. The quintessential local dishes visitors should try are … Pinoy barbecue from Aling Bebeng’s BBQ, sisig (a pork dish) from…