Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2025 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Award-winning CNN anchor Kristie Lu Stout talked to Tatler about the power of storytelling and the importance of self-awareness. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN Ahead of the spring opening of Kazakhstan’s Almaty Museum of Arts, the first private museum of contemporary art in Central Asia, we met with its founder Nurlan Smagulov, who is also the president of Astana Group. TATLER MALAYSIA Counsellor Sangheeta Sidhu talked about how she is pushing to destigmatise mental healthcare in Malaysia and how her personal experience of suppressing grief informs her work. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler caught up with Nico Santos, who opened up about representation, his unexpected Hollywood success, and being unapologetically Filipino. SHANGLIU TATLER Japanese visual artist Miwa Komatsu, known for her bold, dynamic paintings that often explore Japanese mythology, shared insights into…

ALEXANDER YEUNG Hong Kong-based photographer Alexander Yeung specialises in fashion, art and commercial photography. Notable projects include the 2022 Chow Tai Fook campaign and Centrestage campaign for 2023-24, while his work has appeared in magazines including Harper’s Bazaar and Wonderland. Yeung, who “aims to create visually compelling narratives that capture the essence of my subjects”, photographed our cover star Jane Goodall. AVANI RAI Avani Rai is a Mumbai-based photographer and filmmaker with a focus on both fictional storytelling and documentaries. The daughter of famed Indian photographer Raghu Rai, she had early exposure to the craft and later on developed her own style of poignant photo essays that blend art with social commentary. Her work has been featured in publications including Vogue, GQ and The Hollywood Reporter. She shot this month’s…

Imran Amed, CEO and founder of fashion website The Business of Fashion (BoF), has solidified his place as an authority in the global fashion and luxury industries. At the Tatler Best of Asia event in November in Bangkok, he offered insights on the evolving landscape of luxury, from the meteoric rise of Southeast Asia to the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence. Amed, who was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for his contributions to the fashion world, explained luxury brands must now strike a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, authenticity and reinvention while delving into how hospitality, technology and shifting consumer values are reshaping the industry. “In Southeast Asia, you have all of these economies that are fast-growing, young populations and curious…

One profile among the semi-finalists for the prestigious LVMH Prize 2024 caught our attention due to the designer’s multicultural upbringing. Yayi Chen Zhou, the founder of her eponymous brand Ya Yi, has navigated the complexities of cultural duality across Madrid, Shanghai and New York. Moreover, through her design and craft, she explores the experiences of Asian immigrant women, weaving their stories into her work. “Growing up in a Chinese immigrant community in Madrid, I spent much of my childhood in their working spaces, usually Chinese restaurants,” recalls Chen, who lived in the Spanish capital until she was ten years old. This early exposure to cultural duality became the foundation of her creative philosophy, sparking reflections on the gaps between first-generation immigrants and their descendants. “I feel like there are many…

Mention the word “facelift” and minds immediately go to more invasive—and extreme—cases in the world of aesthetics. However, sometimes a little zhoosh is all we seek, with the vision of tauter skin and more defined contours for a subtle but noticeably refreshed mien. Thankfully, sagginess, wrinkles and sunkenness can be delayed or remedied with discipline when powered by a supercharged skincare regime. Heralded as a “facelift in a bottle”, La Prairie’s original Skin Caviar Liquid Lift was already known to boost cellular rejuvenation with significant lifting and firming effects. But this year, aligned with the brand’s ever-evolving commitment to innovation and indulgence, comes the newly reformulated Skin Caviar Liquid Lift that’s out to set a new efficacy benchmark, blending scientific ingenuity with the transformative power of caviar. At its core…

LET IT SNOW Sure, the technical side of skiwear is important—you want to be warm—but we’re equally focused on stylish collections that keep you looking your best from the chalet all the way down the slope to the après-ski bar. From the perfect cold-beating boots to matching attire from head to toe, these are the outfits that will have you gliding in style, whether you’re in Gstaad or Niseko. TAILORED TO THRIVE As memories of the Christmas holidays slip away and the last red packets have been given and received, we in Asia are experiencing a post-Lunar New Year shift. It’s time to trade festive wear for tailored suits and heels that click with purpose. The office is calling, and our wardrobes are ready to step into the spotlight—chic, elevated…

The year 2025 is that of the wood snake in the Chinese zodiac and it promises to bring transformation, renewal and spiritual growth. As a horological tribute to this zodiac animal, Swatch has unveiled its latest Year of the Snake collection. This duo of timepieces not only marks the passage of time but also celebrates the themes of adaptability and personal growth that are associated with the wood snake. The collection features two striking watches, each embodying the serpentine spirit in its own unique way. As its name suggests, the Blue and Golden Lithe Dancer watch is one that commands attention and a large presence on the wrist. Its case measures 47 mm in diameter—characteristic of the brand’s Big Bold line of oversized watches, which it is part of. Its…

The Pantone colour of the year is Mocha Mousse—one fad diet we actually encourage you to follow…

Japanese miniature artist Tatsuya Tanaka’s home in Kagoshima is just like any family’s, filled with ordinary, everyday objects. But while most of us consider these mundane, he sees them as the ingredients for his mitate (“look and compare pictures”, or analogues, in Japanese) art: translucent blue clothing hangers are stacked together to resemble waves; a disposable face mask mimics the lanes of a swimming pool; unfurled rolls of toilet paper are transformed into snowy ski pistes; and a rasher of bacon becomes the magic carpet for mini Aladdin and Jasmine toys. On his visit to Hong Kong before Christmas, Tanaka created 25 miniature scenes for The Big Little Christmas exhibition at Harbour City, stunning viewers with his humorous take on the city’s food and landscape. For instance, xiao long bao…

The most formative years of my publishing career were spent at Tatler. But why I came back two years ago—after doing a pretty glorious round of the industry—is for two reasons: the nature of our content, and the people we get to know, feature, and collaborate with. One thing that’s especially different from my first stint, though, is the regional focus—the way the various Tatler editions across the region now collaborate closely as one, with our words reaching far beyond our borders. An example of the powers combined would be our cover story with outgoing DBS CEO Piyush Gupta, who fronted the January covers of both Tatler Singapore and Tatler Hong Kong, while garnering significant views online across our markets. And this month, our colleagues in Hong Kong scored an…

MANHATTAN MARBLING CYGNET Competition is aplenty when it comes to hotel restaurants in Singapore’s buzzy dining landscape. But Cygnet at the newly opened QT Singapore is quickly making a name for itself as a buzzy Manhattan-inspired steakhouse. Tinkered up by the award-winning—and punkishly stylish—British-born chef and restaurateur Sean Connolly, Cygnet is his culinary foray into Singapore’s dining scene with a menu focused on integrity and origin. On the dinner table, expect top-quality steaks—think Tajima Japanese Wagyu and Australian grass-fed beef—and lovely seasonal produce cooked in dynamic fashion. But our top pick goes to the impeccably seared OP Rib, sourced from one of Australia’s best natural grass-fed beef producers Little Joe. Don’t skimp on the carbs, too. Connolly’s signature duck fat roast potatoes, scented with ribbons of rosemary, are divine. And…

As CEO of Base Entertainment Asia, the leading presenter of live entertainment in the region, Chantal Prudhomme is often asked about her favourite musical. Her answer? “Wicked—I love the message of friendship and female empowerment, about embracing differences and finding acceptance and love.” Known for its iconic songs such as Defying Gravity and Popular, the musical “also resonates with audiences here”, she shares. It was staged at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands in 2011 and 2016—and will return for a third run this March. Other musicals on the line-up this year: the Asia premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard starring singer Sarah Brightman this month; the return of Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera in May; and the Asia premiere of The Lord of the Rings…

Vivienne Tam, the queen of east-meets-west fashion, has experienced many firsts in her celebrated career. In 2024, she added two more: making her Paris Fashion Week debut in celebration of her namesake brand’s 30th anniversary and launching its inaugural Chinese bridalwear collection. Unveiled during the autumn-winter 2024 show in Paris and later showcased at Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, the collection is a stunning testament to the power of love, culture and sustainability. At its heart is the kwan kwa or qun gua, a traditional Chinese wedding gown—a usually red, two-piece jacket and skirt combo adorned with embroidered auspicious patterns and motifs, which has remained largely unchanged for generations. “The Chinese wedding dress has remained unchanged for ages—since I was little,” Tam tells Tatler. “I’ve always wanted to transform it…

Slither into the new year in style with these Year of the Snake timepieces…

ARIES: THE TRAILBLAZER March 21-April 19 Personality traits: Bold, courageous, assertive, risk-taking Aries, you need a watch that can keep up with your marathon-winning, mountain-climbing, CEO-befriending pace—something that won’t quit when you’re just getting started. Recommended watches: • Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph x Porsche 963: As dynamic as an Aries chasing their next adrenaline rush, this watch screams, “Catch me if you can!” • Rolex Submariner: Bold enough to dive into social events and come out with compliments. TAURUS: THE ELEGANT April 20-May 20 Personality traits: Grounded, loyal, indulgent, practical Taurus, your watch needs to be as reliable as your taste in fine wines or the lead characters in old-school rom-coms. Sophistication? You wrote the book. Recommended watches: • Cartier Tank Must Watch: Like a luxury sofa that tells time,…

1 THE EVENING BAG Couture has long influenced Van Cleef & Arpels’ creations, as seen in this woven yellow gold evening bag from 1971 inspired by textured fabrics. It is on display until March 23 at Les Jardins Secret by Van Cleef & Arpels at Raffles Arcade. 2 THE WATCH Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270-year anniversary with the release of the Historiques 222 in a 37 mm steel case with a blue dial. The timepiece features a redesigned bracelet with a triple-blade clasp and concealed pins for improved ergonomics. Its transparent sapphire crystal caseback reveals the in-house Calibre 2455/2, offering enhanced precision with a frequency of 4 Hz and a 40-hour power reserve. 3 THE SUNGLASSES Loewe’s Butterfly Screen sunglasses offer a modern twist on the house’s iconic butterfly silhouette.…

From being the first thing we reach for in the morning to the pick-me-up we crave during a mid-day slump, coffee is something many can’t live without. Like us, Morning’s co-founder Leon Foo appreciates a good cup of Joe—so much so that he created a career out of it. While the coffee veteran has been in the industry for almost 15 years, he didn’t grow up strongly attached to coffee. Foo began his career as an audit associate and private equity analyst at KPMG Singapore, after graduating in 2006 from Nanyang Technological University Singapore with a Bachelor’s in Accountancy. His interest in coffee was sparked in 2009 by a curiosity to understand why so many people were obsessed with it. He adds: “I fell in love with the industry because…

Since taking the helm at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri has consistently sought to bridge the worlds of fashion and feminism, transforming runway shows into platforms for showcasing female strength and empowerment. As the maison’s first female creative director, Chiuri approaches her role from such a lens, whether through feminist slogans on T-shirts, collaborations with female artists for the Lady Dior Art Project, or partnerships with women artisans. Building on her championing spirit, Chiuri’s vision for the spring-summer 2025 collection is a rich portrayal of contemporary femininity and strength. By celebrating a multitude of perspectives, from athleticism to sensuality, from inner resilience to outward power, she offers a nuanced portrayal of what it means to be a strong woman today. Fresh off the excitement of last year’s Paris Olympics, she brought…

SERPENTINE BEAUTY If you were born in the Year of the Snake, Harry Winston has crafted a timepiece that celebrates the mystique of your sign of the zodiac. The limited-edition 36 mm automatic timepiece is available in rose and white gold, and each version is restricted to just eight pieces worldwide. The dial features a lacquered snake peeking through lush vegetation, with intricate gemstone details including emeralds, sapphires and diamonds. Powered by a Swiss automatic movement with a 40-hour power reserve, the watch boasts a flat silicon balance spring and a skeletonised gold rotor. Adorned with 153 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 2.03 carats, it comes with a red alligator strap and is presented in a temple-inspired red box. TRUNK SHOW Inspired by Louis Vuitton’s legendary trunks, the Escale Platinum watch is…

If you’re a watch enthusiast, you may often find yourself invited to an exclusive bash, where the clinking of champagne flutes competes with the gentle tick-tock of million-dollar wrist candy. Exciting, right? But, my dear horological hopefuls, strutting into a watch get-together, or GTG, with your latest flashy timepiece isn’t enough—there’s an art to navigating these meetings. From mastering the not-so-simple “Hello” to the high stakes game of “Can I hold your watch?”, it’s a minefield. Luckily, we’re here to help you manoeuvre through these treacherous waters. Whether you’re a watch world newbie or a veteran with a vault full of vintage Vacherons, buckle up, set your bezels and let’s dive into the sparkling seas of society watch gatherings. ① Arriving at the GTG Warm Welcome? ○ Yes: Jump into…

Graff opened its second salon in Singapore at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Can you share what this expansion means for the brand in Singapore and Southeast Asia? We have been continuously expanding our networks in Asia over the past 20 years. The opening of MBS [The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands] salon marks our 35th salon in the region. This represents an important milestone for the brand. With a noticeable change in our client base from mainland Chinese to local Singaporeans and tourists from nearby countries, we are hopeful and positive about the luxury market in Singapore and Southeast Asia, and positioning Singapore as the hub. Graff is still relatively new in Southeast Asia. With only two retail networks in this region, there are tremendous opportunities for us…

“In an era dominated by quick fixes—that often don’t get the job done—people are rediscovering the value of traditional healing methods,” says Shrankhla Holecek, founder of Ayurvedic beauty brand Uma Oils. “These systems don’t just treat symptoms; they seek out root causes, empowering individuals to understand and care for their bodies and minds as interconnected entities.” Tatler caught up with Holecek, along with Zoey Xinyi Gong, a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, and Marian Alonzo, who serves as the medical chief at The Farm at San Benito, a healing sanctuary in the Philippines, to find out how they are bringing their distinctive ancient modalities into the modern world. SHRANKHLA HOLECEK Founder of Uma Oils Uma Oils, an Ayurvedic beauty and wellness brand founded by Holecek in 2016, is built on her…