Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Tarmo Peltokoski, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s music director designate, chatted about filling auditoriums and his obsession with Wagner. TATLER MALAYSIA Internet sensation Uncle Roger, aka Nigel Ng, discussed how he is using comedy to bring Asian food to the world stage, and his new restaurant Fuiyoh! It’s Uncle Roger. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler spoke to first-time (and double) Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo in his first magazine interview post-Paris about his experiences at the 2024 Games and his plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. SHANGLIU TATLER Taiwan-born superstar Brigitte Lin has been honoured with the Chaplin Award in Asia in recognition of her contributions to cinema. The Tatler cover star took us on a journey down memory lane. TATLER SINGAPORE We talked to former banker Jocelyn…

DAMIEN FRY Los Angeles-based photographer Damien Fry specialises in brand look books, portraits, fashion shoots and landscape photography. He has worked with stars including Miley Cyrus, Charlie Heaton and Carly Rae Jepsen and his work has been published by Marie Claire, GQ and Wonderland. He shot this month’s fashion shoot for Tatler. 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 tech entrepreneurs Darius Mahtani Cheung, Dinesh Balasingam and Lai Chang Wen, who are on the cover. MAGDALENA BRYK Polish-British fashion stylist and editor Magdalena Bryk works between Los Angeles and London. She specialises in editorials and…

Mathew Leong turns 30 next month, but it is not the only milestone that makes this year particularly significant for the 2024 Gen.T Leader of Tomorrow. Earlier this year, the Singaporean chef married his girlfriend of three years, Jolynn Chan. In May, Re‑naa, the seafood‑based restaurant in Stavanger where Leong has been executive chef since 2022, received its third Michelin star. This comes four years after the restaurant received its second star, and eight years after it became the first establishment outside of Norway’s capital of Oslo to receive a star. Leong also announced that he will be part of a star‑studded culinary team representing Singapore at Bocuse d’Or 2025, with the Grand Final set to take place in Lyon, France, next January. He first competed in the biennial championship—known…

As the Mercury dips and the chill of autumn beckons winter, one need only look to the luxurious embrace of Loro Piana’s latest autumn/winter 2024 offerings—a sublime celebration of a century of unparalleled craftsmanship and elegance—to plan their wardrobe. Steeped in an illustrious history, this season’s creations immortalise the very essence of Loro Piana, marrying creative artistry with the Italian luxury institution’s world famous technical prowess, all while celebrating the enduring legacy of the brand’s founders Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana. At the heart of this collection lies the enduring symbol of the brand’s emblematic thistle flower, otherwise known affectionately in Italian as fiori di cardo. This motif, intricately woven into Loro Piana’s heritage, recalls the house’s meticulous methods for raising and brushing the finest cashmere, a practice that…

You know what they say about the bedroom…it’s where the magic happens. But not for the exact reasons you may be thinking of. It’s in bed, during shut eye to be exact, that biological miracles take place. During the day, the body is in full defense mode—skin cells work hard to ward of environmental aggressors; the immune system actively defends against pathogens; hormones fluctuate to enhance alertness and energy levels; and muscles are engaged and moving throughout the day, constantly. While you sleep, however, the body undergoes a complex series of physiological changes essential for recovery and rejuvenation, across distinct stages of sleep. During deep, non-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the body naturally produces growth hormones essential for physical restoration, facilitating tissue regeneration, healing and muscle recovery, as well as…

Let’s start with the impact of the First World War on the designs of timepieces at Vacheron Constantin. Wristwatches arrived in the second half of the 19th century, and they were 100 per cent dedicated to women. I remember reading an article in a Swiss watchmaking journal which said their accuracy is questionable, but they are good enough for ladies; and that no serious gentleman would ever [wear one]. The journalist was wrong. Wristwatches started to be adopted by men [who were mostly] aristocrats. Their popularity grew [around] the First World War because soldiers started to wear timepieces on their wrists for convenience. What models from that era stand out? The American 1921 comes to mind. This timepiece was created in the Roaring Twenties, right after the First World War.…

Over the years, supplies of sizeable rubies have dwindled considerably; for its Tribal Collection’s latest parure, though, Graff managed to source and string together some of the finest examples of these gemstones. This set features a necklace with 81.69 carats of rubies complemented by 48.46 carats of diamonds, alongside matching earrings and a bracelet. Showcased as part of the maison’s Les Extraordinaires Asia Travelling Exhibition, it debuted in Hangzhou, moving through Hong Kong, Shanghai and Taipei, and concluding its journey in Singapore in September. Asymmetric cuts and shapes: for those who think out of the box…

FEATURE This year marks Bvlgari’s 140th anniversary and while the Italian jeweller has been pulling out all the stops for this big milestone, it remains steadfast in crafting only the highest‑quality, timeless creations with design elements that can often be traced back to the brand’s rich history. Over the years, Bvlgari has created several house icons—from the Serpenti to the Monete, the Tubogas and more—and continues to build on them with reinterpretations that appeal to the modern jewellery lover while staying true to its Roman roots. One such signature is the delicate fan‑shaped motif that anchors the Divas’ Dream collection, characterised by masterfully set vibrant gemstones that reflect the joyful spirit of the most remarkable women and divas. This design with an arched silhouette that gracefully flares out from a…

FEATURE Richa Goyal Sikri, a self-proclaimed gem addict, recently unveiled her debut book, No Stone Unturned: The Hunt for African Gems, a captivating exploration of the untold stories behind Africa’s vibrant coloured gemstone industry. In the book, the Singapore-based journalist chronicles the lives of the individuals who have significantly influenced this sector, as well as the personal impact their stories have left on her. She could have written the book in a year, but Sikri got so deep into her research, uncovering more and more stories, that it ended up taking her four years. “I was supposed to deliver 20 stories and 100,000 words. I have delivered 24 stories and almost 146,000 words, but I just couldn’t stop,” she says. The genesis of the book was simple enough: in 2020,…

"Technology is not the be‑all and end‑all,” declares Lai Chang Wen at a closed‑door roundtable discussion hosted by Tatler. “A poorly run business will not be saved by tech. A business with s***** customer service will not do better just because the website is fancy.” This honest sentiment by the straight‑talking co‑founder and chief executive officer of courier and logistics solutions provider Ninja Van is one shared by Dinesh Balasingam, the chief business officer and founding member of restaurant reservation platform Chope, and Darius Mahtani Cheung, the group CEO and co‑founder of proptech firm 99 Group, the two other entrepreneurs at the meeting of peers held in the Louis Vuitton Apartment in Ngee Ann City. The topics of conversation include the current funding landscape, scaling challenges and the pain points…

To mark the launch of Tatler Vietnam, this is a little love letter to our new home. It’s not hard to see why so many travellers fall under Vietnam’s spell—even the late Anthony Bourdain referred to the country as one of his “favourite places on Earth” and his “first love”. There is, indeed, so much to delight in: its colourful culture, its delicious cuisine that is remarkably fresh and layered, the organised chaos, the gentle approach to life. Lately, it has been a leader in redefining what luxury hotels look like for a new generation of travellers—boutique properties that are design-centric, with an emphasis on supporting the local community and embracing slow living. One article isn’t enough to show or say it all, but we have sought out four properties…

At Tatler Singapore, and collectively as Tatler Asia, our goal is to make an impact, and to leave a lasting legacy —just like you. We find deep meaning in doing—and feel a deep sense of responsibility to do—three things greatly: content, by constantly evolving our platforms to tell stories of impact, resilience, success, and hopes and dreams; community building, by celebrating and connecting outstanding individuals who lead with purpose and drive society forward; and one-of-a-kind experiences that fuse all of our strengths together for thought leadership and luxurious revelry. Fresh from our Tatler Ball 2024 with the theme “Xanadu”, we strive to create what can otherwise be described as a content-driven paradise of inspiration, and influence. Crowning our annual editorial calendar is Asia’s Most Influential—a line-up of leaders of industry…

Tatler Best is Asia’s definitive guide to the top 100 hotels, top 100 restaurants and top 100 bars in the region, celebrating excellence in hospitality and dining. With its 27 Best in Class awards—11 for hotels, nine for restaurants and seven for bars—Tatler Best stands apart from similar honours. Nominees were selected based on expert insights, with input from Asia’s most discerning globetrotters, culinary connoisseurs and drinks specialists, reflecting the evolving tastes of the region’s most savvy travellers. Tatler Best jury co-chairs handpicked a jury of more than 400 individuals, including Tatler editors, established food writers, travel journalists, influencers and, importantly, members of Tatler’s community across Asia, who are known for their sophisticated takes on where to stay, eat and drink. The process to identify the Tatler Best 100 in…

Renowned for luxury, craftsmanship and iconic style, Spanish brand Manolo Blahnik has created shoes so desired that they are simply referred to as “Manolos”. The exquisite creations have spawned numerous pop culture moments—Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw in the iconic Hangisi pumps, anyone?—and today, the shoes designed by the house’s namesake founder continue to be cherished by devout fans, including royals, pop stars and the world’s elites. This October, Manolo Blahnik unveiled its Manolo’s Silhouettes campaign, which taps on the brand’s legacy. Paying tribute to some of the most iconic creations from the brand founder’s illustrious career—which spans more than five decades—that have not only graced red carpets, but also become cultural symbols, it spotlights six of the house’s silhouettes for women that are beloved for their practicality, wearability…

Omega’s latest Seamaster Regatta, launched to celebrate the 37th America’s Cup sailing competition, is a modern take on vintage tool watches. Crafted from grade 5 titanium, this 46.75 mm timepiece combines analogue and digital functionalities ideal for sailors: moonphase indicator, chronograph, sailing logbook, temperature gauge, accelerometer and three alarms, along with a specialised regatta race function. The dial’s LCD display enhances visibility in rough seas, while the rubber-cast pushers and sandblasted crown ensure easy operation. Additionally, the Helmholtz resonance caseback amplifies audio cues, making the Seamaster Regatta an indispensable tool for competitive sailing. Your best kept secret for the upcoming party season: gem-set and go…

FEATURE When A Lange & Söhne debuted the Lange 1 in 1994, it marked a bold new direction for the brand and over the years, it has become a hallmark of modern precision watchmaking. Since the beginning, the Lange 1 series has stood out for its asymmetrical dial layout, a feature that sets it apart from traditional watch designs. The hours‑and‑minutes subdial is positioned on the left side of the dial, horizontally centralised to an outsize date window and a seconds subdial that sit, respectively, near the top and bottom of the face on the right side, with the power reserve indicator spanning the arc between the two. This unique arrangement adheres to the principles of the golden ratio, ensuring a harmonious balance that remains visually appealing even after three…

THE WINNING ENSEMBLE Elizabeth Debicki radiated a subtle royal charm at the Emmys this year, where she won the award for best supporting actress in a drama series for her role as Princess Diana in The Crown. She paired her long black velvet Dior dress with De Beers Arpeggia one-line diamond earrings and a matching bracelet. Her earrings, a strand of shoulder-grazing diamonds set in 18-karat white gold, totalling 4.71 carats, were the highlight of her look. LEAF IT We love classic wedding jewellery that can also be worn with everyday ensembles. That’s why the CTF Bond Collection by Chow Tai Fook is one to bookmark. Some of the designs in the collection are inspired by olive leaves, which feature in necklaces, bangles, bracelets, earrings and rings. The collection is…

I fell in love with Kyoto because … every time I arrive there, I feel a blanket of calm wrap around me in welcome. The city’s grounding energy, peace, beauty and intrigue inspire me on many levels, and it’s where I’m at my most creative. I don’t feel like I’ve landed in Kyoto until … I’ve stood on one of the bridges that lace up Kamogawa (Kamo River), taken a few deep breaths and gazed towards Kitayama—the northern mountains. My go‑to places for souvenir and food shopping … include Nishiki Market, which you must visit for its range of local foodstuffs such as Kyoto‑style tsukemono (pickles), freshly roasted houjicha, kyo‑yasai (local vegetables), wagashi (traditional tea sweets), miso and sake. If I’m shopping for fresh food for meals, I’ll usually go…

1 THE WATCH Omega’s new Constellation watch collection comes in three sizes and rendered in various materials and dial colours. The 29 mm versions (in Sedna gold with a purple dial pictured) are equipped with a Co-Axial Master Chronometer movement. 2 THE BAG In a nod to nostalgia, Gucci’s latest Blondie bag features a logo first seen in its collections from the early 1970s. Crafted from Tuscan leather, with contrasting ivory stitching, the bag is also available in canvas and comes with a detachable shoulder strap. 3 THE NECKLACE From the simple form of a coffee bean, Cartier dreamed up the Grain de Café collection, including this necklace showcasing a mesmerising interplay of rubellite beads and yellow gold, accented by 258 brilliant-cut diamonds. 4 THE SCARF An optical illusion with…

CLOSE-UP The first time that poet Yong Shu Hoong took part in the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) “was way back in 1995 when my first book, an unpublished manuscript, was shortlisted for the Singapore Literature Prize”. He tells us, “I remember doing an open-mic reading, which was also the earliest occasion when I got to read my poems in public.” Once a biennial festival, the SWF has become an annual affair since 2011, presenting major international literary stars, while spotlighting homegrown and Southeast Asian talents. Today, Yong is at the helm of the SWF as its new festival director. The 27th edition of the Festival, organised by the Arts House Limited and commissioned by the National Arts Council, will run from November 8 to 17. “My predecessors have done such…

ONE TO KNOW Amidst Labrador Nature Reserve, a winding road flanked by lush foliage culminates in a rustic colonial bungalow sitting pretty atop a hill. Resonant with polyphonic cicada song, this tranquil sanctuary tucked away from the bustle of the city is where Singaporean chef Ace Tan has realised his dream of a limitless dining space where one feels at home. You see, housed within this 10,000‑square‑feet historic building is Tan’s latest F&B venture Asu, which opened its doors to the public this October. A love letter to regional Asian cuisine, the 25‑seat fine‑dining restaurant—one of three establishments currently occupying the bungalow (the other two are the smart‑casual Cantonese‑Teochew restaurant Shan and a bar, as yet unnamed, that doubles as an events space)—offers exclusive tasting menus curated by the 42‑year‑old.…

URBAN SURREALISTS Schiaparelli’s autumn-winter 2024 campaign, directed by Daniel Roseberry and captured by Johnny Dufort at Place Vendôme, showcases surrealist elegance through bold visuals and spontaneity. The collection merges historical motifs with modern twists, offering a range from everyday staples to striking eveningwear, and featuring signature elements like keyholes and representations of body parts. Accessories, including the iconic Face bag and keyhole pumps, highlight the brand’s playful yet luxurious aesthetic. Roseberry blends American influences with Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy, creating hyper-exclusive pieces that elevate daily wear into wearable art. MAN OF THE HOUR Dunhill presents the third chapter of its autumn-winter 2024 campaign, featuring exquisite pieces from creative director Simon Holloway’s inaugural collection. This season blends archive inspiration with contemporary style, highlighting outerwear like a car coat and driving jacket crafted…

BEAUTY FEATURE Few brands command the reverence that Hermès does in the sphere of luxury fragrance. With a rich heritage steeped in craftsmanship and artistry, the French luxury house has now ventured into new territory with the launch of Barénia, an eau de parfum that is its first chypre fragrance. Crafted by Christine Nagel, the creative director of Hermès Perfumes, the groundbreaking Barénia celebrates femininity and is the result of years of hard work. It also showcases Nagel’s talent for creating unforgettable fragrances that represent the Hermès woman: confident, bold and unapologetically herself. To date, she has crafted more than 20 for Hermès, including the well‑loved Twilly d’Hermès collection and unisex scents such as Oud Alezan, also released this year. Barénia pays homage to and is named after Hermès’s homonymous…

OBJECTS OF DESIRE JACK(ET) OF ALL TRADES As the temperatures in parts of our region begin to dip, even if only marginally, it’s finally cool enough to add a layer to your outfit with the perfect jacket. A casual denim number or a sequin-studded statement piece ups the ante for a Saturday night out, while a slim-fit blazer, as seen at Balmain and Gucci, finishes off a more formal look. THE SOFTER SIDE Think of velvet, and you’ll almost certainly think of opulence and grandeur; and fortunately for your autumn wardrobe, velvet is making a bold comeback. From prestigious houses such as Schiaparelli to popular street style brands like Sportmax, the fabric is entering a new era in terms of look and feel. Whether you want to push your style…

BIRD WATCHING Of course, a Tiffany blue watch face will always be in style, but in this piece, the famous shade is represented through a natural turquoise gemstone. The high jewellery piece displays hours and minutes on a diamond-paved sub-dial, while Jean Schlumberger’s favourite diamond-encrusted, 18-karat white gold birds sit atop the signature shade. A flying tourbillon complication is also seen under a diamond-like faceted sapphire crystal dome. SUPER CARBON This year, we have seen Audemars Piguet dabble with a lot of interesting materials; in the case of the Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date model, that’s Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) Carbon. The maison last used forged carbon eight years ago; this new version can be coloured and is free of porosity, a development that took the in-house…

Yves Piaget was a fourth‑generation descendant of the family that founded the luxury watch and jewellery brand Piaget. In the early 1960s, he joined the family business, and brought with him a new spirit and sense of community to the company. An avid traveller as well as an enthusiast of roses and horseback riding, he deeply valued the concept of extended family. More than just forming good relationships with his clients, the charismatic Yves was able to truly cultivate authentic friendships with them—as well as with famous actresses, artists and business leaders. The lines were blurred between clients and friends, and this organically laid the groundwork for a society that brought together diverse individuals who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Emerging in a time marked by artistic effervescence and…

FEATURE Parmigiani Fleurier, the epitome of quiet luxury, flexes its horological muscles with the latest launches of the Toric collection and Tonda PF Automatic 36 mm. Renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, the manufacture’s new releases highlight its dedication to blending innovation with timeless elegance. One of the favourites at this year’s Watches and Wonders Geneva, the Toric collection is a minimalist’s dream come true. Comprising two Petite Seconde models and a Chronograph Rattrapante, the haute horlogerie line is a refined reinterpretation of masculine elegance, with each timepiece embodying a harmonious blend of aesthetic purity and technical prowess. The impossibly chic colour palette boasts shades of nature and is inspired by the chromatic universe of the master of purism, Le Corbusier. Flaunting a rose gold case, the…

Congratulations on your new role. What are your top priorities for Van Cleef & Arpels in the Asia‑Pacific region? Thank you! My primary focus is on continuity. The brand has a rich legacy, and I want to ensure we nourish our distinctive identity through storytelling and craftsmanship. We will continue to deepen relationships with our local clientele, recognising that tourism can be volatile. Our strategy will include opening new stores where relevant and developing our teams to create a future-ready organisation. How do you plan to engage with clients across different markets? Engagement is crucial. I believe in being present in the markets—visiting stores, chatting with teams, and meeting clients regularly. This hands-on approach allows me to understand market dynamics better. I aim to visit all six markets in the…