Innholdsfortegnelse for July 2025 i Tatler Singapore

TATLER HONG KONG Gigi Chao explained why her organisation Hong Kong Marriage Equality is fighting so hard for the LGBTQ+ community. TATLER INDONESIA Michael Luhukay, the founder of luxury agency Lyonn & Eden, is also satiating Indonesia’s appetite for padel. He told Tatler how creativity and community are key to everything he does. TATLER KAZAKHSTAN With her husband Vladimir, Dilyara Mazhitova has built an incredible, one-of-a-kind house in Almaty that everyone is talking about. TATLER MALAYSIA Tony Ling, the CEO of IJM Land, one of Malaysia’s leading property developers, explained how he is reimagining community and leadership. TATLER PHILIPPINES For Pride month, Tatler spoke to some of the resident queens at O Bar, one of Manila’s most popular drag venues. SHANGLIU TATLER Yifei Ye, Ferrari’s first Chinese driver, shared his…

SARAH LAM Sarah Lam is a fashion director and consultant based in Paris. After nearly a decade working in the publishing industry in Hong Kong, she moved to the French capital to hone her skills working with industry leaders such as artistic director Suzanne Koller while building her own client base. Known for her sense of timeless style, Lam specialises in shaping tailored silhouettes that create a sophisticated and elegant narrative. She styled this month’s fashion shoot. PAUL PHUNG Paul Phung is known for his enigmatic black-and-white photographs. The Paris- and London-based artist primarily captures people—often in motion, and in physical contact with others—creating images that are alive with textures, melancholic moods, shapes and silhouettes. He shot Tatler’s fashion shoot this month in Paris. DARREN GABRIEL LEOW Singapore-based fashion and…

As AI becomes increasingly embedded in our daily lives, trust is essential—not only to ensure safety and accountability, but also to unlock its full potential across sectors, from healthcare and finance to education and public services. Without trust, even the most groundbreaking innovations may face resistance or misuse. Therefore, building a strong foundation is crucial for responsible AI to ensure sustainable and inclusive progress. This mission is at the core of the AI Verify Foundation (AIVF). “Our primary purpose is looking at how AI can be adopted at scale across society and economy in a reliable way,” says executive director Shameek Kundu. A major barrier to adoption, he shares, particularly for generative AI (GenAI), is the fear among organisations, such as companies, government agencies or nonprofits, that AI systems might…

By all accounts, Fujifilm’s new X half is not just another digital camera; it is a conversation starter, a style statement and a delightful throwback to film photography with a thoroughly modern soul. Equal parts stylish and functional, this latest model in the brand’s X series reinterprets the cult classic X100 line with a twist: a compact half‑frame format that doubles your creative possibilities. For aesthetes, tastemakers and discerning hobbyists, this camera speaks to a love of timeless design and a keen eye for detail. Whether you are snapping sun‑drenched street scenes on a holiday or capturing latte art in the perfect morning light on your usual coffee run, the X half makes everyday moments look effortlessly cinematic—and you will certainly have fun while taking the shots. On a recent…

GARDEN IN BLOOM In a refreshing departure from its haute parfumerie classics, Henry Jacques introduces Il Y Avait Un Jardin…, a new collection of cologne-inspired fragrances designed for daily wear. Housed in generous 250ml green-glass bottles and inspired by the serenity of a sunlit garden, these compositions invite a fresh, pared-back ritual that feels instinctive and quietly indulgent. Fragrance I opens with a bright burst of citrus and rosemary, softening into orange blossom and grounding sandalwood, while Fragrance II blends lemon, mandarin and lavender with a trace of warm tonka bean and earthy vetiver. Familiar yet elevated, each scent feels both effortless and transportive–like memories you didn’t know you’d forgotten. GAGA FOR GLOW Pop icon Lady Gaga’s boundary-pushing beauty brand has arrived at Sephora Singapore, bringing with it high-impact makeup…

Square watches that make the world go round GEM TO WATCH Chaumet’s Joséphine Aigrette iteration cleverly repositions this jewellery watch from daytime accessory to evening statement piece. The deep sapphire-blue dial isn’t merely decorative—it’s strategic positioning that leverages Chaumet’s two-century relationship with Empress Joséphine, whose favourite pear-cut diamonds inspired this case shape. We love the openworked steel bracelet, where each V-shaped link subtly references the aigrette—feathered plumes that crowned imperial tiaras. This technical flourish transforms utilitarian steel into haute joaillerie vocabulary, while the buckle-free design speaks to comfort. MARBLE CITY Bvlgari’s decision to celebrate the golden anniversary of its Bvlgari Bvlgari collection with Verde Alpi marble dials represents more than mere novelty. This 150-piece limited edition transforms the familiar into something cool, with each 0.6mm marble wafer requiring precision to…

LIGHTS CAMERA CARTIER This bespoke Cartier rosary captures the intersection of cinematic storytelling and haute joaillerie craftsmanship. Director Wes Anderson tapped Cartier to transform a cross from its archives dating back to 1880 for his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The piece embodies Cartier’s Tutti Frutti DNA with its signature ruby-emerald contrast and geometric motifs, as well as rose-cut diamonds, while also perfectly reflecting Anderson’s instantly recognisable aesthetic. RAW POWER Brown diamonds’ 1980s resurgence in popularity marked one of jewellery’s most remarkable comeback stories. For decades, these warm-toned gems were relegated to industrial uses, considered inappropriate for fine jewellery, as the market demanded pristine white stones. But we love them in the new De Beers Forces of Nature collection. The Buffalo crown ring in particular, with the 2.01-carat fancy orange-brown…

It was a wind-whipped evening in London—the kind that makes the Tate Modern’s monolithic concrete mass feel even more severe. But inside, the atmosphere softened. Light was low, the air was tinged with haze and spotlights cut clean paths through the dark as guests walked through. This wasn’t a traditional exhibition, nor anything the Tate Modern typically plays host to; this was the Creation is an Eternal Journey campaign, hosted by Dom Pérignon as part of its 2025 Révélations, an annual celebration that shined a light on the creative process behind the brand. The occasion also marked the unveiling of Dom Pérignon 2008 Plénitude 2; but it was never just about the wine. Instead, the maison used the occasion to express something broader: a redefinition of its core philosophy, in which…

Anyone reading this article is probably also thinking about AI and how it’s already changing the way that we work. With all this transformation, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. It feels like there’s some new model coming out every week. Blink and you’ll miss the announcement of a feature that used to only be something imagined in science fiction. This is an opportunity for us to both draw on our humanity as a way of driving innovation and to find ways we can use these innovations to be more human. Three startup founders weigh in: Arvin Tang is founder and CEO of Akin, a digital agency focused on client growth while also being impact-driven; Dorothy Yiu is co-founder and CEO of EngageRocket, which uses technology for employee engagement and to…

Scan to see the other Leaders of Tomorrow from across Asia on this year’s list THE ARTS Exploring new frontiers in culture and artistic expression For inspiring people through the transformative power of music Darius Lim FOUNDER, CEO AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, VOICES OF SINGAPORE Acclaimed musician Darius Lim has made his mark globally as a composer and conductor. As the founder and artistic director of Voices of Singapore, he empowers Singaporeans to experience the transformative power of singing in choirs. His seminal work The Fire Dance of Luna, which has sold over 35,000 copies, has won numerous national and international awards. EDUCATION Empowering populations through new learning tools For turning chopsticks into educational tools Chong Ing Kai FOUNDER AND CEO, STICK ’EM Chong Ing Kai founded Stick ’Em in 2020…

There’s something profoundly moving about witnessing transformation—not the superficial kind that comes with changing seasons or fleeting trends, but the deep, cellular-level renewal that emerges from adversity, patience, and an unwavering commitment to evolution. This July, we explore the many facets of reinvention, from the laboratories of longevity to the ancient wisdom of fermentation. On the cover is Olivier Rousteing, fashion’s eternal phoenix, whose journey from unconventional “Wonder Boy” and burn survivor to creative transcendence embodies the very essence of renewal. Tatler’s branded content editor Adriel Chiun, senior videographer Nicola Ng and myself—plus, of course, photographer Darren Gabriel Leow—flew to New York to experience the Balmain creative director’s collaboration with Johnnie Walker Vault first hand—to fete and savour the four seasonal whisky expressions that mirror his own emotional seasons. There…

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT AIR CCCC Long before modern sustainability movements, fermentation was key to reducing food waste across Southeast Asia. Today, this wisdom is being re-embraced by conscious kitchens such as Air CCCC, where chefs turn discarded food parts into innovative ferments. This commitment to circularity is evident in dishes such as the white corn relish, where a romesco-inspired sauce, made of fermented snack peppers, gochujang and confit garlic, pairs with white Malaysian corn relish. The whole corn is used, where husks are given a second life and turned into crisp emping crackers seasoned with togarashi peppers, which is used as a vessel for the relish. Even the potatoes, sourced from Indonesia, are lactic-fermented for close to a week to develop denser, tangier spuds before being fried till crispy…

“What can AI do for art?” It is a question asked more than ever now, as AI demonstrates the ability to generate images, compose music, and mimic artistic expression in ways once thought to belong solely to human creativity. During her presentation at the ATxSummit 2025, organised by Infocomm Media Development Authority this May, Marion Carré proposed a shift in perspective: “What can art do for AI?” “Art can help us understand AI,” says the co-founder and CEO of Ask Mona. Her French studio uses artificial intelligence, specifically OpenAI’s large language model (LLM), to create interactive experiences for cultural institutions and their audiences. “If we want to shape AI that’s truly transparent, culturally inclusive, and open to co-creation, we need artists—not just as users of the technology, but as guides,…

Most people know Ong Tze Boon as the heir to the architectural legacy of the Singapore institution Ong&Ong. The firm, founded in 1972 by his parents, Singapore’s first elected president Ong Teng Cheong and his wife Siew May, came under his leadership in 1999 when they passed away within three years of each other. Tasked, at 31, with leading the company, Ong has since not only preserved his parents’ legacy, but also expanded it, transforming Ong&Ong from a homegrown practice into an integrated, multidisciplinary global force with a reputation for design excellence. Outside of work, the now‑group executive chairman who architected this impressive growth leads another life as an endurance athlete. The 57‑year‑old’s achievements in this gruelling field—which includes conquering the World Marathon Challenge, Marathon des Sables and the North…

Every fashion collection contains elements of storytelling, but for Private Policy New York, it’s at the crux of everything it does. For the independent label’s co-founders Haoran Li and Siying Qiu, its genderless designs are a vehicle to address hard-hitting topics, from enslaved South Asian fishermen to our future with AI and the pitfalls of The US’s big pharma industry. Taking an almost journalistic approach, the designers spotlight one pressing social topic each season: for example, their Not a Gun over-the-shoulder bag that comes in the shape of a gun holster is a nod to America’s ever-rising gun violence; and wide-brimmed hats in autumn-winter 2021 that pay tribute to immigrants from China’s Pearl River Delta, whose labour supported the 19th-century gold rush in the western US. And Private Policy New…

A century-old maison famed for its romantic spirit and technical mastery, Van Cleef & Arpels has long enchanted collectors and fashionistas alike. In September last year, the house welcomed a new CEO, Catherine Rénier, who brought with her both an insider’s reverence for tradition and a clear-eyed vision for the future. Rénier first joined Van Cleef & Arpels in 2003, and worked in a variety of roles until 2018, when she was appointed as CEO of Jaeger-LeCoultre. A season into her return to the jewellery maison, she shares with Tatler her thoughts on legacy and innovation, and the emotional resonance of jewellery and timepieces that are designed to outlast generations. Van Cleef & Arpels has evolved significantly in recent years. What has changed since you first joined and what has…

Your designs are a dialogue between eastern heritage and western minimalism. What inspires them? First and foremost, they’re about modernity … We are often inspired by our cultural heritage, but that heritage, especially in Chinese art and architecture, is quite heavy: [physically], there’s a lot of ornamentation, and [metaphorically], everything has a meaning. We really wanted to distil all these cultural meanings into pieces that are modern and that you can wear every day, but that can also be a part of you and your journey in life. How do you translate intangible things like memory, identity and aspirations into the tangible language of gold and diamonds? That’s not just down to me; there are big teams behind making these pieces, and I really need to pay homage to them.…

When I need to feel grounded, I go to … Golden Gate Park. I can’t believe it’s located in the city. For a late‑night bite in the Bay, check out … Pinecrest Diner. San Francisco sleeps early and this place stays open. It’s my go-to after a long night of shows to write jokes. An open‑mic night I’d recommend is … the one at The Function SF comedy club and cocktail lounge. There’s actually an open mic every night and it can get pretty rowdy, whether it’s the audience or just us comics when the room’s empty. I’m a regular there—it feels like home. The one neighbourhood you absolutely need to visit is … Haight-Ashbury. I choose to live here for a reason. To feel like a local, you should…

34 The average age of this year’s honourees 65% VS 33% VS 2% The percentage of male, female and non-binary honourees this year 70% 70 per cent of this year’s honourees are the owners of their companies 33 Our biggest category this year is Technology, with 33 honourees from across the region 159 MILLION The social following of the honourees this year collectively 9 The list covers nine locations: Hong Kong, Singapore, mainland China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam US$3 BILLION The total amount of disclosed funding that this year’s honourees’ companies have attracted since their founding 95% The majority of this year’s honourees—95 per cent of them—seek to expand their networks through the Gen.T community 18 The key criterion for the list is achievement in the last…

1 THE WATCH The salmon dial of the new Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref 6169 exudes a subtle warmth that feels both vintage and contemporary. Its 38mm platinum case is refined yet understated, paired with a chocolate brown alligator strap for classic appeal. 2 THE BOOTS For its capsule collection with seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Dior blends high-octane performance with refined savoir faire. These workwear-style boots, crafted in plush velvet with rugged soles, feature gold embroidery and crystal-studded “Dior” patches in sci-fi-inspired motifs, a nod to Hamilton’s bold Afrofuturism concept. 3 THE NECKLACE Crafted in ethical white gold, this showstopping choker from Chopard’s latest Red Carpet Collection embodies the personal universe of artistic director Caroline Scheufele. At its heart is a 129-carat Colombian emerald cabochon, framed by over…

Growing up in Singapore, Jenevieve Woon never imagined that art could be a viable full‑time career. That changed in her final year of the International Baccalaureate programme, when she presented an art installation exploring the emotional journey of grief and loss—a tribute to her late father—for her final exams. As she wrapped up the presentation, she turned around to find the examiner in tears. “She was personally touched by my thesis,” Woon says. “It made me realise how powerful art can be in connecting people.” Woon later enrolled in the fine art programme at London’s Central Saint Martins, but that experience leaned more towards the conceptual. Wanting something more hands‑on, she transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design in the US to study industrial design, where she could, as…

When you think of functional clothing, the first thing to come to mind might be performance-optimised sportswear. For people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities, however, “functionality” can have a far higher bar: clothing designed for a specific need allows them to move through life more easily. Enter the world of adaptive fashion. Unlike garments created to speak to the latest consumer trends or to reflect a creative director’s vision, adaptive fashion puts the unique medical needs of its wearer at the centre of the design process. Even if two people share the same diagnosis, their experiences are not identical, so garments in this category tend to be hyper-personalised. A 2023 United Nations Development Programme report suggests that there are more than a billion people with disabilities in the world,…

SHORE THING It’s not like we need an excuse to buy summer holiday gear, but the standout swimsuits, kaftans and accessories being offered up this season surely give us one. Versace remains a timeless staple, while a Tom Ford swimsuit with gold accents adds a touch of glam. And if you’re after this season’s super-fun must-have, Louis Vuitton x Murakami’s denim fan will take you from seaside frolicking to sunset cocktails. FINE AND DANDY The Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition at The Costume Institute in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art explores three centuries of Black dandyism—a nuanced blend of African and European style shaped by colonialism and consumption. More than merely celebrating design, the show examines 12 themes—from heritage to respectability—that show how sartorial choices are a conscious act…

If it doesn’t sparkle and make a statement, what’s the point?…

Unveiled this May on the sun-drenched shores of Mallorca in Spain, Louis Vuitton’s new high jewellery collection is as much about the journey as the destination. Aptly named Virtuosity, the French luxury maison’s latest opus comprises 110 one-of-a-kind creations that chart the evolution of artistic expression—from the rigour of technical mastery to the freedom of uninhibited creativity. The collection unfolds across 12 themes divided into two chapters: The World of Mastery and The World of Creativity. The former revisits the maison’s iconic codes through seven distinct expressions of form, technique and symbolism. The latter explores five additional themes that reflect an increasingly expressive dialogue between heritage and the boundless possibilities of imagination. To understand the journey that Virtuosity sets out to chart, one must begin with its foundation, where tradition,…

In 2016, we began highlighting Asia’s most promising young leaders. While I wasn’t part of the founding team of the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow, I attended the very first photo shoot for the list in Singapore that year. I recall feeling excited about the refreshing new initiative. Now, in 2025, as we unveil the 10th edition of the list, the landscape has evolved in ways we couldn’t have predicted—but in others, exactly as expected. This year, we’ve expanded our footprint, with Vietnam joining the roster for the first time, while Indonesia returns after a year’s hiatus. The numbers tell a compelling story: over one-fifth of our honourees this year are building or working within the AI ecosystem, from education to governance and robotics. It’s clear that AI has moved…

Each year, the Tatler Gen.T team gets asked the same question: how can I or someone I know get on the Tatler Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow list? If you’re wondering what it takes to be part of this game-changing community of Asian leaders, here’s your inside guide, including the updates on what’s new this year. Since 2016, Gen.T has celebrated the most promising individuals shaping Asia’s future. From entrepreneurs and innovators to artists and athletes, we’ve spotlighted rising talents who are driving innovation, transforming their industries and creating meaningful impact in ways big and small. In 2025, the Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow is changing to reflect the times. We’ve refined our selection criteria and doubled down on impact as a contributing factor to what makes a notable leader today. What…