Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2024 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Gen.T honouree Natalie Chow explained how her Australian upbringing and becoming a mother prompted her to create her sustainable sneaker brand. TATLER MALAYSIA Laurence Si, the newly appointed managing director of Microsoft Malaysia, opened up about his leadership style and what he sees as the future of AI. TATLER PHILIPPINES James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Abi Balingit shared sweet secrets about the support of her family and how baking got her through the pandemic. TATLER TAIWAN Long-time film critic and writer Kuang-Chueh Lee, widely known by his pen name “Knee Joint”, looked back at the film industry’s development and ahead at new possibilities. TATLER THAILAND Designer Ou Noppadol Baholyodhin transformed his natural creativity into a thriving restaurant and bar empire with the Rongros Dining Group. He explained…

TENZIN IHAGYAL Born in Tibet and raised in India, Tenzin Ihagyal is currently based in Delhi and specialises in fashion and portrait photography for media and brands. For Tatler this month, he photographed Indian fashion designer Anamika Khanna at her atelier in Kolkata. CHRISTIAN BARKER For the past two decades, Christian Barker has covered style, culture, entertainment, travel, business and luxury for publications including the Financial Times, the South China Morning Post, GQ, Forbes, Esquire and CNBC, among others. He also notably established and edited luxury website BLLNR.com, and was founding editor‑in‑chief of classic menswear bible The Rake. This month, he looked at the sustainable practices taking place beyond obvious industries. EMMANUELLE RAMOS, Stylist Emmanuelle Ramos is based between Paris and Marseille. She specialises in fashion shoots and brand consulting,…

What does a luxury dress have to do with solving the world’s sustainable development challenges? More than you might think. Last October, designer Mara Hoffman unveiled “The Dress that Changes Everything”. Crafted entirely from Circ Lyocell—a silk-like fabric made from 50 per cent recycled textile waste—the dress marked the debut of this innovative material in the luxury sector, showcasing the potential of impact-driven startups such as Circ, the US-based company behind the technology. However, many such ventures face a critical challenge: securing sufficient funding to navigate the “valley of death”—a funding gap between early-stage and growth capital that often stifles their growth. The Amplifier programme, a collaboration between Temasek Trust’s ecosystem entities Centre for Impact Investing and Practices (CIIP) and Philanthropy Asia Alliance, is designed to bridge the chasm. “The…

Nine life-sized cane sculptures towered in the centre of Dior’s autumn-winter 2024-2025 ready-to-wear runway show at the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, with models weaving around them. Created by Indian artist Shakuntala Kulkarni, as part of her Of Bodies, Armour and Cages series, these warrior-like figurative sculptures presented a paradoxical blend of protection and confinement, clothing and protecting the body while simultaneously suggesting a sense of restriction. Kulkarni, who also designed the show’s set, drew inspiration from her 2016 film Juloos, where she portrayed a female warrior. Stills from the film, printed on canvas, were hung and displayed on the walls surrounding the runway, creating a powerful visual narrative. The scenography’s themes of female empowerment and liberation echoed throughout Dior’s collection, which pays tribute to its groundbreaking Miss Dior ready-to-wear…

FASHION Established in 1925 by Adele and Edoardo Fendi, the House of Fendi has long been synonymous with Italian craftsmanship and quality. Originally a family-owned fur and leather shop in Rome, the brand quickly expanded its range to include cosmetics, ready-to-wear collections and accessories. Today, a Fendi family member is still at the helm of the brand—Silvia Venturini Fendi, the granddaughter of Adele and Edoardo, serves as artistic director. She is also the designer of two unmistakable Fendi icons: the Baguette bag and the Peekaboo bag. The Peekaboo first appeared in Fendi’s spring-summer 2009 show, and achieved verified It-bag status soon after debuting in stores. Designed with simplicity and sophistication in mind, the antithesis to the logomania of the noughties, the Peekaboo was the epitome of quiet luxury before the…

LA VIE EN ROSE Pink had a major moment last year, thanks to the Barbiecore craze—and it’s not going anywhere. After all, it’s Pink October, the month when awareness and funds are raised for breast cancer, so embrace the rosy hue and show your support. (Bonus: there’s a majorly flattering shade for every skin tone.) SCOTTISH CHARM Through the Eighties and Nineties, tartan built a reputation as being the signature of grunge and rebellion, thanks in no small part to Vivienne Westwood. This season, it’s shed its rebellious image—although it’s still making a statement, taking centre stage at shows such as Dior, Acne and Altuzarra. Forget staying home, bundled up in a tartan blanket; this iconic Scottish print wants to be seen. TIE THE KNOT The tie is back but…

Renowned for its inventive spirit, Audemars Piguet has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking, integrating cutting‑edge technology with timeless design. Since its inception in 1875, the brand has explored a diverse array of materials, from precious metals to high‑tech ceramics, in a bid to enhance both the aesthetic and functional qualities of its timepieces. This commitment to innovation is exemplified in the new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split‑Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date, which showcases the brand’s latest advancement: Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) carbon. This material not only exemplifies the Swiss watchmaker’s dedication to quality and durability, but also opens up new creative horizons. Developed over five years by Audemars Piguet’s dedicated research and development team, the patented CFT carbon marks a new era in watchmaking.…

We first met Singapore-based Indonesian, Hendi Widodo, 10 years ago for a style story titled “The Cool Hunter”. Back then, he was already ahead of his time in what was still considered a rising but relatively underground category of untraditional luxuries. By this we mean his collection of rarefied sneakers, as well as an extensive streetwear wardrobe and an apartment-full of objets d’art from the likes of Saint Laurent, Thom Browne, Nike, and Bearbrick. It was only up till the last decade that the confluence between streetwear and luxury forged a formidable class of its own. Think 2014 when Virgil Abloh’s Off-White first showed at Paris Fashion Week and 2017 when Kim Jones sent a range of Supreme x Louis Vuitton styles down the runway, paving the way for a…

Nestled between the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Monte Carlo is renowned for its glitz and glamour—a playground for the rich and famous. Characterised by its azure waters and lush, mountainous backdrop, this picturesque district in Monaco is home to the famous Place du Casino, a vibrant square surrounded by high‑end boutiques and luxury hotels, including the legendary Hôtel de Paris Monte‑Carlo. The locale certainly made for the most breathtaking setting for the unveiling of Chanel’s latest high jewellery collection, Sport, this June. Tatler Singapore was invited to the principality for this exclusive event, which saw celebrities such as British actress and Chanel ambassador Keira Knightley in attendance, and where we enjoyed wonderful ballet and contemporary dance performances by the Princess Grace Academy in the Opéra de Monte‑Carlo, followed…

In the ever-evolving landscape of social and cultural institutions and initiatives, Gold House stands out as a beacon of advocacy and empowerment for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in the US. At the heart of this non-profit group are three visionaries: Bing Chen, the founder and president, who is known for spearheading the launch of YouTube’s multi-billion-dollar influencer ecosystem; his co-founder Kevin Lin, renowned co-founder of video live-streaming platform Twitch; and respected fashion designer Prabal Gurung, who serves as CEO. The foundation was formed in 2018 with 500 successful A-list AAPI founding members, who each contributed US$ 25,000 worth of material assets—whether through mentorship, donation or investment. By connecting executives across industries, financing new ventures and reshaping AAPI portrayals, the team aimed to promote positive depictions of…

YOU FU FRIED HOKKIEN PRAWN NOODLE ANDRE ONG At 14, Andre Ong was strong‑armed into helping out his dad at Changi Village Fried Hokkien Mee, where he switched between tending to the till and the dishwasher. Little did he know that his casual attempt at frying a plate of Hokkien mee would trigger a fervent passion for cooking. After 11 years of working at various hawker stalls and Western restaurants, and disheartened that heritage food is slowly disappearing as many hawker stalwarts are unwilling to pass down their recipes, Ong decided to pursue the hawker trade full‑time. In 2020, the 25‑year‑old opened You Fu Fried Hokkien Prawn Noodle in Golden Mile Food Centre to honour the dish that started it all. He debuted with his dad’s recipe, but was quick…

Healthcare today focuses on sick care, but as preventive treatments and technologies improve, a shift towards extending health spans and lifespans is expected. Not everyone will aspire to be like tech entrepreneur and “Don’t Die” proponent Bryan Johnson, but more will seek ways to live better for longer. And for these people, Chew Tee-Ming’s Mito Health will help. The start-up—which Chew founded in June 2023 with CEO Kenneth Lou, chief technology officer Joel Kek and chief medical officer Ryan Ware—provides comprehensive health screenings that measure more than 100 biomarkers. These include ApoB (apolipoprotein B), which can tell you your risk for cardiovascular disease, but is not typically tested for in basic medical checks. Artificial intelligence is then utilised to process the data to generate personalised health plans that include sleep,…

FEATURE M arc Nicholson is adamant that a sense of community cannot be manufactured. The founder of private members club 1880 has been grappling with this notion since its inception in 2017. Born from a childhood tradition of what he calls “Wednesday Night” sessions, during which he and his sister would participate in roundtable discussions with journalists, diplomats and artists invited by his parents, 1880 was established as a haven in Singapore where individuals could gather to share their thoughts on different subject matters. Located in the Robertson Quay neighbourhood and overlooking the Singapore River, 1880 is built on the philosophy that community and culture are organic by‑products of genuine interactions. “I tend to side with the ones that view culture as a living organism. It’s not something that you…

News of Anamika Khanna’s collaboration with high street brand H&M broke just hours before Tatler’s interview with the designer. After days of scheduling, having the opportunity to speak to Khanna shortly after the announcement felt like fate. Designers are often inundated with commitments following major news like this, and being able to access a creative mind at a pivotal moment in their career felt truly special. Khanna spoke from her serene atelier in Kolkata—a place that is widely regarded as the cultural capital of India, less frenetic than the fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai—and away from the hustle and bustle of Bollywood. Cool and composed, she reflected on how the east coast city allows her the freedom to focus. “Kolkata gives me space to put my head down and work. I…

We are all aware of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands’ allure. More than just a paradise for the fashionable set, the luxury shopping destination known the world over is also the ideal playground for stylish families seeking to elevate their children’s wardrobes. And as the temperature dips, look to the best of the autumn/winter 2024 collections to take inspiration for the sartorial repertoires of your little tykes. Incredibly chic and classic, the pieces from our curation are perfect for parents with a keen eye for fashion. The sea of blues and blacks from the season’s finest hand-selected from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands’ illustrious luxury children’s precinct offers an array of timelessly elegant options that instantly increase the style quotient of their little ones. Also punctuated with bright…

Reach for the skies with the moon on your wrist BLEEDING BLUE Tudor could have rested on its laurels after the launch of the Black Bay 58 GMT and the Pink Panda, but the watchmaker is on a roll this year. Enter the Black Bay Chrono Blue, a boutique exclusive that reintroduces the beloved Tudor Blue dial, which was first seen on the 1976 Tudor Prince Oysterdate Chronograph, often referred to as the “Big Block”. The new model celebrates the brand’s rich heritage in motorsport and diving and features a 41mm stainless steel case, contrasting sub-counters and the ever-reliable calibre MT5813. It wraps around the wrist in a classic five-link, stainless steel, Jubilee-style bracelet and is water resistant down to 200m. Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue NEO VINTAGE Meet the…

Nostalgic charms to pamper your inner child DROPS OF LUXURY Crafted in white and yellow gold, this exquisite necklace from Buccellati’s High Jewellery Unica Collection is dripping with sapphires and diamonds. The piece showcases 78 diamonds totalling 5.88 carats, nine drop-shaped sapphires weighing 17.1 carats, nine additional sapphires at 16.78 carats, and 886 round brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 10.45 carats. Buccellati Unica Collection high jewellery necklace ON THE PROWL Promoting her film Maria at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, actress Angelina Jolie wore a classic black column dress which served as a backdrop for a 1971 Cartier Panthère clip brooch, crafted in gold with emeralds and chalcedony. Along with gold and diamond earrings, it added vintage glamour to her look, while paying homage to the iconic opera singer Maria Callas,…

The Tubogas technique has become almost synonymous with Bvlgari’s famous Serpenti motif. The two are often seen together, perhaps most recognisably as striking timepieces, with their metal linked bodies coiling around the wrist and the head of the serpent displaying the time. This was in fact the original purpose of the Tubogas—to enable the creation of a supple bracelet that serves as the base of the Serpenti watch. With a rich history dating back to 1948, when it was first employed to create the bracelet for the now iconic Serpenti watch, the revolutionary technique of metalworking was inspired by and named after gas pipes used to transport pressurised gas in the 1920s. It allows for more flexibility and suppleness on the bracelet without affecting its structural integrity by wrapping strips…

Tennis chose Li Na. The 42-year-old from Wuhan is China’s most successful ever player of the sport, scaling its highest peaks with a brace of Grand Slam wins, first in France in 2011 and then Australia in 2014, that made her Asia’s first Grand Slam winner; and with a world ranking that went as high as 2—at that time, only the great Serena Williams stood ahead of her. But Li Na didn’t choose tennis. “I was forced into it,” she tells Tatler. “When I was young, I didn’t have a clear idea of what kind of person I wanted to become in the future. The choice of tennis was because my father thought I was a bit chubby and wanted me to engage in a sport. For people of our…

SEAN WANG Film director Gold House pushes me to want to be a better filmmaker. They helped spread the word about my casting call, hosted panels and screenings at Sundance Film Festival [where his feature film debut, Didi (2024)—backed by Gold Houses’ Creative Equity Fund—won two awards] and are consistently connecting me with other filmmakers, financiers and inspiring individuals in our community. RHEA RAJ Singer and actor Gold House is filled with grand thinkers who so graciously kicked open doors to key relationships and opportunities that have been pivotal to my growth. From producing an industry showcase in Los Angeles to doing panels at Coachella—which eventually led to me meeting my first agent—each activation was so thoughtful. It’s uplifting to be in a room filled with mentors and powerful tastemakers,…

CARS When it comes to dream cars, aspirations are often fuelled by a need for speed, state‑of‑the‑art engineering and traffic‑stopping aesthetics—and aerodynamics. Knowing full well that for many car enthusiasts, the ultimate ride is also about lifestyle, German manufacturer of high‑performance sports cars Porsche takes bespoke personalisation to the next level with its Sonderwunsch programme. As rarefied as this sounds, the Sonderwunsch—or “special requests” in German—programme has been in existence since 1978. While the team started off handling only a very limited number of customisation projects, its scope has expanded over the years in volume as well as intricacy. The programme today enables the creation of what the brand calls Factory Commissions, Re‑Commissions and One‑Offs. Factory Commissions are based upon new Porsche cars as a blank canvas, while Re‑Commissions and…

The best thing about Stockholm is … the quality of life. The Swedish value life, family and friendship over work, creating a wonderful balance. This concept is called lagom in Swedish, meaning everything in moderation. My favourite Swedish fashion brand is … Totême, which is all about building a classic wardrobe with timeless pieces that’ll last a lifetime. My favourite restaurants are … Tennstopet, for classic Swedish fare, and Miyakodori, which was opened by ex‑Frantzén chefs and serves delicious yakitori. A great spot for coffee is … Lillebrors Bageri. It’s more of a bakery, but the coffee’s great and the buns are fantastic. A hidden gem worth exploring is … Carl Eldhs Ateljémuseum. Tucked away in the tranquil Bellevue Park, this small, charming museum is dedicated to the works of…

1 THE NECKLACE Anchored by a removable ring with a 10.10‑carat Ceylon sapphire, Fred’s Endless Horizon lariat necklace features two linked white gold cords—one intertwined with lapis lazuli and diamonds—that can also be worn individually as shorter versions. 2 THE SUNGLASSES Fusing functionality with fashion, the new reimagined Fendi Eyecap protects its wearer from the elements with its combination of baseball cap crafted from a jacquard fabric with the brand’s signature monogram, black nappa leather visor, and foldable rimless mask sunglasses offering UVA/UVB protection. 3 THE WATCH With its dual‑time display and 24‑hour alarm, the Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref 5520RG‑001 makes an ideal travel companion. Equipped with the innovative AL 30‑660 S C FUS calibre, which boasts four patents for its features offering user‑friendly functionality, the timepiece reads…

FASHION SHOOT…

As day transitions into night, the skin enters a critical phase of repair and renewal. Recognising this vital switch in focus from protective (during the day, the skin’s main role is defence, shielding cells from external aggressors such as bacteria, UV rays and pollution) to restorative mode, La Mer has launched its latest innovation: The Rejuvenating Night Cream, designed to transform your nightly skincare ritual so you can wake up to a refreshed and radiant complexion. While many night creams primarily focus on hydration, The Rejuvenating Night Cream goes beyond. The powerhouse moisturiser targets eight critical signs of visible ageing as well, including wrinkles, fine lines and a loss of plumpness. At the heart of this formula crafted to energise the skin’s nocturnal regeneration process lies MRA‑3, the brand’s new…

The Streamliner Concept Minute Repeater is such a beautiful watch, and showcases a contemporary design while also paying tribute to Moser’s signature style. How difficult is it to balance these two elements? Thank you! We like to say that Moser is a bridge between traditional and modern watchmaking. In every product, we reinterpret this. For the minute repeater, we took inspiration from old pocket minute repeaters with the movement at the back and an enamel dial. Here, we decided to create an enamel dial with a modern steel integrated bracelet, almost sporty, with water resistance of 5 ATM [50 metres], which is unique for a minute repeater. The enamel itself is also very modern. It’s about understanding what it means to be traditional and modern, and then mixing these elements…

FEATURE This year marks Piaget’s 150th anniversary and the brand’s celebrations continue to dazzle the horological world with a series of remarkable releases. As 2024 unfolds, the Swiss luxury watchmaker has been steadily unveiling timepieces that not only commemorate its rich heritage, but also reaffirm its position at the forefront of innovation. From the nostalgic charm of the Polo 79 to the groundbreaking Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon, Piaget has consistently demonstrated its ability to blend tradition with cutting‑edge technology. This August, the house unveiled yet another exceptional timepiece with great fanfare: the Polo Skeleton Ceramic. This new addition to the iconic Polo collection marks a significant milestone for the brand, as it introduces the use of ceramic into its watchmaking repertoire for the first time. It was a major technical…

Your exhibition Wallace Chan: Half a Century at the Shanghai Museum spans 50 years of your career. How does it feel to see your life’s work displayed in such a comprehensive manner? This exhibition covers not only my life experiences from the past 50 years but also incorporates natural materials that have existed for ages, waiting for us to unearth them and utilise them to realise our creative visions. The Chinese name of the exhibition translates to “thousand years and millions of thoughts”, which encapsulates this concept of bridging timeless materials with new-age creativity. Tell us about the exhibition themes. The first theme is Engraving & Embodying. For me, sculpting is a form of spiritual practice—it’s not merely carving with one’s hands, but also sculpting with one’s memory and willpower.…

Kevin Kwan, the bestselling Singapore-born American author, has captured imaginations worldwide with his beloved Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. His books have whisked readers away to various captivating locations, and his latest release, Lies and Weddings, continues to do the same. Despite being a globetrotter, Kwan also finds joy in discovering hidden gems within his own neighbourhood. Together with the China-born, Los Angeles-based photographer Kayee Kiu, Kwan takes Tatler through LA, offering a glimpse into some of the city’s lesser-known spots that have influenced his latest novel. THE GEORGIAN ROOM Kwan’s first stop is The Georgian Room, a speakeasy slash secret restaurant in the basement of The Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica. The historic hotel’s lounge and bar opened in 1933 on the oceanfront overlooking the Pacific Ocean. “It was a…

TRAVEL There is something undeniably enchanting about heritage hotels in Europe. These magnificent properties offer a unique blend of old‑world charm and modern luxury. In an age where travel is often rushed and impersonal, heritage hotels offer a sanctuary of sorts. Switzerland, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is home to some of the most exquisite heritage hotels in the world. On my recent journey through the country, I had the pleasure of exploring five magnificent heritage properties. Each offers a unique experience that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in history. These are not just places to stay; they are destinations in themselves, each with a story to tell and a unique charm that makes it stand out. As we continue to seek meaningful and enriching travel…