Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2025 i Tatler Singapore

Growing up, Aqilah Zailan often felt out of place. “I’ve always felt like I didn’t fit in absolutely anywhere,” she muses. “That feeling of not fitting [in] eventually inspired Studio Gypsied. It became a space where I could thrive, a place where I felt most comfortable. I had to create that space because I didn’t know how else to be in the world.” This sense of displacement is deeply rooted in her upbringing. As the middle child in a family raising a child with cerebral palsy, Aqilah experienced a unique childhood shaped by both responsibility and resilience. “As the second and first ‘normal’ child, my parents always felt like I was the light bearer, their hopes and dreams,” she reflects. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but it does something to…

What do a masterfully crafted timepiece and a world champion athlete have in common? Precision, excellence and timing—and a lifetime of honing each craft to perfection for, more often than not, a history-making result. This alignment rings particularly true at Richard Mille, with its watches not only worn but put to the ultimate test on the wrists of athletes in every arena. The Swiss watchmaker’s brand partners comprise highly accoladed sportsmen who embody its ethos holistically, and are some of the finest role models for their peers and the next generation—on and off the track and beyond. In a closed-door roundtable with Richard Mille’s brand director Alexandre Mille and marketing director Timothee Malachard, we decode the key marks of a world champion—life lessons shared by former Formula One driver Felipe…

BREGUET The animal of the year is elegantly displayed on Breguet’s Classique 7145: Chinese Zodiac Snake Edition through intricate hand‑engraving on the 40 mm timepiece’s yellow gold dial. Both the snake and the surrounding foliage are outlined in black to make the design really pop, while green lacquer accents add a vibrant touch, reflecting the artistry and precision synonymous with the brand’s craftsmanship. CORUM Demonstrating the brand’s command of watchmaking art, Corum’s Golden Bridge “Serpent” watch features a hand‑painted snake coiling along the length of its unique linear baguette movement, set against a lush, jungle‑inspired background crafted in rose gold and also carefully painted by hand. The rose gold tonneau‑shaped case, measuring 34 mm wide and 51 mm long, has clear sapphire crystal on nearly all sides, allowing the appreciation…

Simu Liu is in the spotlight once again. The Shang‑Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star recently sparked two viral debates for comments he made as a guest Dragon (as venture capitalists are called on the show) on Dragons’ Den, a Canadian reality TV show that sees aspiring entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to a panel of multimillionaire investors. In two headline‑making moments, Liu sparked conversations far and wide for his outspoken defence of cultural authenticity and socio‑economic realities, revealing a compassionate and principled side to him not often captured by the glare of Hollywood. In one episode, he called out a bubble tea brand’s cultural appropriation, urging its founders to honour the drink’s Taiwanese origins. In another, he spoke up staunchly for an entrepreneur balancing a full‑time job…

Mercedes‑Maybach has unveiled the EQS 680 sport utility vehicle (SUV), its first fully electric offering. With this stunning entry, the marque has turned the page on a new chapter for not just itself, but also electric mobility as a whole. This highly anticipated flagship electric SUV of Mercedes‑Maybach represents a significant milestone and a bold step into the future of luxury transportation, seamlessly merging the opulence that Maybach is known for with Mercedes‑Benz’s cutting‑edge electric technology for an exceptional driving experience. Beyond a vehicle, the EQS 680 is an embodiment of sophisticated luxury that redefines what it means to travel in style. Here is why this remarkable SUV stands out in the increasingly competitive electric vehicle market. SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE AND COMFORT The EQS 680 is driven by two electric motors…

The best thing about Dubai has to be … its incredible diversity and relentless pursuit of innovation. It’s also an ideal place for families. A must‑try dish is … Sufret Maryam’s habra niyeh, a minced raw beef dish mixed with spices. First‑time visitors to Dubai need to … book a personalised desert safari tour and experience the desert. The sunsets over the dunes are truly some of the most beautiful. To meet new people in Dubai … go to a Crunchmoms event! Say yes to dinner invites to connect with like‑minded, interesting people. A great spot for coffee is … Pekoe, Nightjar or The Lolo House. A hidden gem worth visiting is … a small eatery called Dibba Bay. Having locally grown oysters by the harbour while watching the sun…

January is a time that many would approach with a clean slate. It’s the beginning of a new year, time for a new me, and new resolutions. But for us, it meant a completely new direction for our cover. Print issues are planned at least two to three months in advance, and this month’s theme was meant to focus predominantly on art. So we had quite a few different plans, like cover concepts around a blank canvas, for example. And I had written a completely different introduction to this editor’s note. But when an exclusive 75-minute opportunity with Piyush Gupta, the outgoing CEO of DBS Group, was finally unlocked after weeks of discussion, the team had to pivot. It was a window of opportunity we could not miss, whether or…

BEHIND THE CANVAS SERIES 1: JEAN‑MICHEL BASQUIAT Known for the raw, emotive style of his neo‑expressionism paintings, American street artist Jean‑Michel Basquiat’s work continues to resonate across generations today with its thought‑provoking themes of identity, race and social dynamics. Featuring interactive installations, rare archival materials and multisensory experiences, this first‑of‑its‑kind immersive journey presented by Covenant Art offers an exploration into Basquiat’s life, artistic evolution and cultural impact. The ongoing exhibition at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands runs until March 6. THE PIERRE LORINET COLLECTION: SPACE The never‑before‑seen works of 19 prominent artists such as Christo and Danh Võ are extracted from the collection of the Singapore‑based art collector and philanthropist Pierre Lorinet in his third collaboration with Art Outreach. Curated by Edward Mitterrand and exploring the…

“You can Google my name,” an ArtSee mentee from Muhammadiyah Welfare Home (MWH), a shelter and rehabilitation centre for youth‑at‑risk, once said to Nabillah Jalal, the weight of his seemingly casual request unmistakable. When she did, she stumbled upon a story of tragedy concerning a family member embroiled in a high‑profile crime. The moment was a reminder of the challenges some of the children at MWH face, and why ArtSee, the non‑profit music and community mentoring programme Nabillah co‑founded, exists: to offer a safe space where music and the arts can offer healing, expression and hope for a better future. “You hear [about] cases like this and you think: I have privilege and the ability to help. It just so happens that the catalyst for me to do this is…

As winter blankets many parts of the world with snow, A Lange & Söhne invites watch lovers to embrace the season with a selection of exquisite timepieces that embody the brand’s long‑standing spirit of craftsmanship and precision. Historically, winter has been a vital period for watchmakers, many of whom were farmers who turned to horology during the colder months when agricultural work paused. This seasonal shift allowed these artisans to hone their skills and create remarkable timepieces. Case in point: the iconic Lange 1, which, since its debut in 1994, has become a defining timepiece for A Lange & Söhne, marking a significant moment when the brand re‑entered the watchmaking world after a 40‑year hiatus. With its unique asymmetrical dial layout and prominent outsize date display, the Lange 1 departed…

LESLEY LIU ODETTE “Any Bordeaux-style wine works perfectly for a Chinese New Year reunion dinner. Bordeaux wines pair well with soy sauce, vinegar, spring onions, scallions and even gingers—all commonly used ingredients and condiments in Chinese cuisine. One of my favourite Bordeaux wines is Chateau Ausone from Saint-Emilion on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. It is rich and full-bodied with balanced tannins and concentrated flavours, yet it remains light and elegant. Its powerful aromatics feature ripe black, blue, and dark red fruits, complemented by notes of liquorice, floral undertones, and crushed rock scents. I usually enjoy it with my mother’s cooking; classic dishes, like Buddha Jumps Over the Wall and Lion’s Head meatballs, that are savoury and packed with spices, help give the wine a unique and lingering taste.” JUSTIN WEE RAFFLES…

Following an award-filled 2023 that saw multiple Best Of wins, Volkswagen’s highly-anticipated ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo have finally arrived in Singapore, making it the first Asean country to launch these all-electric vehicles. “The ID. Buzz has seen strong global demand for passengers and cargo operators alike,” shared Dr. Kurt Leitner, managing director of Volkswagen Group Singapore. “Since we first previewed the ID. Buzz in Singapore in 2023, we’ve received overwhelming interest, and we are delighted to now welcome it here, a lighthouse market for electric vehicles.” LEGENDARY PEDIGREE Consider the ID. Buzz the spiritual successor to the iconic Volkswagen Type 2 light commercial vehicle. Conceived for mass production with a focus on practicality, it was one of the forerunners of modern cargo and passenger vans. The Type 2…

After a half-hour drive from Tsim Sha Tsui, we arrived curbside at one of the high-rise buildings in Fo Tan, an industrial area in the New Territories, north of Kowloon in Hong Kong. We took the lift up and when the doors opened, we found ourselves in a dimly-lit corridor with a slightly metallic odour in the air. “Please watch your steps, the floor is slippery,” our host said. We slowly made our way down the corridor before we arrived at the studio of Trevor Yeung. The artist later shared that next-door is a factory processing pork products, and at times there may be pig carcasses in the corridor. In recent years, artists like Yeung have taken over such industrial spaces in Hong Kong—and there are a number of them…

Whether you are a first-time or a seasoned art collector, consider this your invitation to the third edition of Art SG. Presented by founding and lead partner UBS, the leading international art fair for Singapore and Southeast Asia returns from January 17 to 19 (with a VIP preview and vernissage on January 16), at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands. Coinciding with Singapore Art Week 2025, the fair this year features 105 galleries from 30 countries and territories, bringing together world-renowned galleries with the fresh perspectives of emerging talent across three sectors: Galleries, Focus and Futures. The diverse programme includes five large-scale, site-specific installations in Platform, as well as a Film programme and a Talk series, presented in collaboration with cultural partners Bangkok Kunsthalle and Delfina…

When it comes to investment opportunities in the region, Singapore investors are turning their gaze further up north to Malaysia’s Penang island, with Batu Ferringhi emerging as one of the most sought-after locations for luxury real estate. This picturesque beachfront destination, known for its laid-back charm, presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking a lucrative yet accessible investment beyond Singapore’s competitive property market. With an initial investment of RM130 million, New Wealth Development (NWD) Holdings acquired numerous freehold land banks at Batu Ferringhi Beach, where it will build its first-ever hospitality development. “Batu Ferringhi is to Penang what Sentosa is to Singapore,” says Sean Lim, managing partner of the Singapore-based investment group. “When we bought the land in 2018, we felt that it would be viable for two reasons: one,…

Quiet, perfectly understated and incredibly luxurious—many are familiar with the appeal of Loro Piana. Synonymous with quiet luxury since 1924, the Italian institution further strengthens its hold on the realm of fashion with its modern Loro Denim Capsule collection. A showcase of the brand’s mastery of design and material, the collection transcends beyond ordinary denim, while embodying the timeless elegance and unparalleled quality that define Italian craftsmanship. Merging innovation with heritage, its artisans have transformed a common fabric into garments that are sensual, refined and distinctly luxurious. Understanding Loro Piana’s take on denim requires an appreciation of its deep respect for craft. Renowned for sourcing the world’s rarest fibres, including baby cashmere from Mongolia, Loro Piana redefines the denim fabric by blending it with its signature cashmere. The collection includes…

The Year of the Snake in 2025 promises vibrant adventures and the wisdom of the Chinese zodiac sign. Hennessy, the iconic cognac house with over 250 years of history, is poised to lead the journey with its evocative theme, Go Toward the Newness, beckoning its fans and the public to embrace the spirit of all things new. CULTURAL COLLABORATIONS Make a timely toast with the maison’s annual limited‑edition Chinese New Year releases. Each year, Hennessy partners with Chinese collaborators who display the spirit of individuality in their craft, notably painter Yan Pei‑Ming in 2023 and new media artist Yang Yongliang in 2024. This year’s exclusive release introduces a collection by Shanghai‑based fashion designer Shuting Qiu, known for her bountiful colour palette and intricate embroideries. From the vibrant hues to embossed…

BMW has launched a breathtaking trio of new models in Singapore to significantly expand its range of offerings. To celebrate the occasion, the marque also hosted Joy City, a multi-event extravaganza held over four days to properly introduce the new vehicles—and more—to motoring aficionados. THE LATEST AND GREATEST The BMW M5 Sedan with M xDrive starts things off by bringing updates to an iconic high-performance sedan that’s wowed enthusiasts for over four decades. As the seventh model generation of this stalwart within BMW’s line-up, the new car debuts an electric drive system—deployed here in combination with a V8 engine sporting M TwinPower Turbo technology. This major shift is accompanied by an equally progressive design. Note, for instance, how the prominent wheel arch and side skirt extensions, sculptural front apron, and…

In late November 2024, Bangkok became the beating heart of Asian hospitality as the Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel hosted the inaugural Tatler Best of Asia. The awards, taking place over two days, brought together more than 800 industry professionals, from hospitality leaders to cultural icons and tastemakers, to honour the region’s exceptional contributions to the industry. The events also included immersive experiences, panel talks and VIP dinners. The first evening, on November 24, set the tone with the unveiling of the Tatler Best 100, a definitive showcase of Asia’s most outstanding hotels, restaurants and bars. The awards were presented by the three jury co-chairs: Tatler Asia’s chief experience officer Sean Fitzpatrick, regional head of dining Andy Cheng, and Jeremy Jauncey, CEO and founder of content creation agency Beautiful Destinations, alongside…

STAY: LANSON PLACE CAUSEWAY BAY Following a transformation by French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, Lanson Place Causeway Bay reopened in March last year. With its prime location, the hotel provides easy access to the business and shopping districts, while offering a quiet sanctuary for its guests. The 188 rooms and apartments, including six penthouses (one of them pictured above), embodies French sophistication with all the creature comforts you would expect from a home away from home. We appreciate little touches such as the fresh egg tarts from the popular bakery Bakehouse every morning at the L’Orangerie on the ground floor. EAT: SPRING MOON Set within The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the city’s renowned Chinese restaurants. This Michelin-starred restaurant is well-loved for its Cantonese cuisine—and the best place for…