Indholdsfortegnelse for February 2024 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Record-breaking long-jumper Tiffany Yue leapt into an interview with Tatler to talk Paris 2024, body image and what motivates her to jump further each time she competes. TATLER MALAYSIA Dr Raja Iskandar Shah, an infectious disease authority and president of the Malaysian Aids Council, spoke to Tatler about the critical role of HIV prevention and treatment in curtailing transmissions. TATLER PHILIPPINES Over tea with Tatler, the UK’s ambassador to the Philippines spoke about her work tackling online abuse of children, her passion for developmental issues, and the importance adding value to her host nation, wherever she is posted. TATLER SINGAPORE Fourth-generation shipping tycoon and passionate proponent of conscious entrepreneurship Chavalit Frederick Tsao explained how family businesses are uniquely empowered to change capitalism for the better. SHANGLIU TATLER…

HUNGMC Hungmc is a fashion photographer with a passion for capturing the essence of style, elegance and individuality through his lens. He showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of fashion while celebrating the uniqueness of each subject, incorporating nuances of colour, shape and emotion. For the February edition, he photographed the fashion shoot in Hong Kong. KENNY LOH Kenny Loh is a storyteller who chooses to convey his stories through photography. He has extensively travelled across Malaysia to document and capture images of the people who call it home. Over the past 15 years, he has authored several books including his Born in Malaysia series. For Tatler’s February issue, he photographed chef Masashi Horiuchi in his new restaurant, Potager, for our feature story. CHERRY MUI Cherry Mui is the fashion director…

ASIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL Succession planning can be tricky business. But Darren Chin has taken a leaf out of Sir Richard Branson’s book—to train people well enough so they can leave, but treat them well enough so they don’t want to. Obviously, business owners wouldn’t want for their best employees to leave, especially after all the time and energy spent developing them; so instead, Chin launched new outposts to expand his business and give his talented chefs their own platform to shine. In the fourth quarter of last year, Chin opened new outlets at M Resort & Hotel in Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Here, the chef-owner of Michelin-starred DC Restaurant branched out his three brands: Bref, specialising in French cooking techniques; Gai, focusing on Thai cuisine; and Monsieur Darren (MD), a…

MEET ME AT THE BAR Last year, Martell celebrated 130 years in the local scene—a proud milestone for the maison since its first arrival on our shores via Penang. To mark the occasion, the brand threw an extravagant dinner with key figures from its headquarters in attendance. During our conversation with marketing director Richard Black, we learned how the brand adapts with the times to remain relevant in an ever-evolving market. “Malaysia is our second most important market globally in terms of value, and we’re here to celebrate a major milestone; people really love cognac here, it’s respected, and enjoyed with local food, plus there’s a lot of activities around it that see the younger generations gaining a liking for the spirit,” shared Black. As trends change, however, how has…

There’s much to be said about Tony Leung Chiu-wai, but for a man of his calibre, no amount of words will be enough to do him justice. Having had a career spanning several decades, Leung is undoubtedly an iconic figure. Well-loved for his remarkable versatility and intense on-screen presence, he has captivated audiences with his stellar performances in a wide range of roles, from romantic leads as seen in 2000’s In the Mood for Love, to complex characters in crime dramas like 2002’s Infernal Affairs. The 61-year-old has numerous awards to his name, including the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Best Actor award for In the Mood for Love. But as the unstoppable force that the world has recognised him to be, he later went on to win the Golden Lion…

The recent launch of The Exchange TRX emerges as a beacon of the future in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, where luxury and innovation reach a new pinnacle with a focus on community and exceptional hospitality. As such, it’s only fitting that GSC’s Aurum Theatre found its newest home in this experiential lifestyle hub, marking a new milestone for the country as the largest ultra-luxe cinematic haven in Southeast Asia. Set to open its doors in the first quarter of 2024, Aurum Theatre is the epitome of refinement and indulgence, offering a lavish cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary. Fusing the magic of cinema and the pleasures of luxury, there are eleven opulent halls spread across four floors within the theatre, each different from the other with various design concepts…

It’s no secret that keeping ourselves in good shape can do wonders for our skin, sometimes even in ways that no skincare product can provide. While there are numerous skin benefits that come with physical fitness, it can also cause equally as much damage to your skin vitality. Excessive sun exposure, environmental aggressions, and harmful microorganisms are just some of the external factors that can disrupt your skin barrier, in addition to internal factors like ageing and psychological distress. Needless to say, it’s not easy to stay in robust health and maintain flawless skin, especially when we get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of daily life—but it’s not impossible. Datin Wira Sabrena Dani, whose unwavering devotion to leading a healthy and active lifestyle has inspired many, has proved…

The Patek Philippe Nautilus 7010/1R-013 is a reimagining of the original quartz model that features a 32mm rose gold case with a wave pattern on a purple lacquered dial, a blend of refined aesthetics and a classic design. The case, inspired by a porthole, showcases alternating polished and satin finishes, enhancing its visual appeal. The bezel is adorned with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds adding up to 0.8 carats. Completing the look is a rose-gold bracelet with a Nautilus fold-over clasp. GO FOR GOLD After decades of being made with tungsten carbide, a material as tough as diamond, the cushion-shaped DiaStar was revised in 2022 with Ceramos, a material that boasts remarkable durability and lightness. The latest DiaStar Original Skeleton comes in gold with a gold-coloured Ceramos bezel and a skeleton dial…

When actress and television host Cheryl Samad met her match in Ng Ping Ho, the scene unfolded like something out of a rom-com. “I met Ping in 2002 while auditioning for Each Other. At the time, I was young, and he was a hotshot director that everyone wanted to work with, but I had never heard of him,” Cheryl admits sheepishly. Following the encounter, the pair worked together frequently, building a solid friendship as Cheryl fancied Ng’s easygoing nature. The couple officially began dating in 2008. Although Ng has stepped away from producing, directing and screenwriting to establish himself as a hotelier, the recollections of his blossoming friendship with Cheryl in the early days are vivid. “She was such a kind person, and I knew very quickly [that she was…

RISING STAR Aidan Low of Akar Dining Aidan Low has impressed with his contributions to the industry in the past year, working on exciting collaborations and pushing the envelope with new menus featuring groundbreaking dishes. However, through all the changes, progress, and innovation, Low never fails to lose sight of what Akar Dining does best—champion local ingredients and present them in tasteful ways. BEST NEW RESTAURANT Potager It goes without saying the opening of Potager was one of the most highly anticipated in recent years, and it has certainly lived up to the hype. From the moment you first step foot into the establishment, the attention to detail is apparent in every aspect, from dish execution and plating to service and ambience. BEST INTERIOR Kikyo Nestled at the foot of…

When Klang-born artist Lim Ah Cheng set out to create the Dragon Series, his intention was to ignite a sense of belonging and pride in all individuals united by their shared roots to China, the homeland of the dragon. Gold, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth depict five elemental dragons that mirror the five elements of feng shui. This bold quintet reflects over 30 years of Lim’s experience in Chinese painting techniques and Western abstract expressionism, bringing these dancing dragons to life. A hypnotic blend of calligraphy, poetry and seals underlie vivid oil paints, resulting in a richly textured fusion of colour. In the harmonious cyclic, each element links in an interconnected sequence—metal creates water, water nurtures wood, wood feeds fire, fire enriches the earth, and earth reinforces metal. The wisdom…

“Kitchen life has always felt natural to me,” Masashi Horiuchi smiles. The good-natured executive chef of Entier and Potager sits opposite me in Potager’s impressive dining room, where I face the open kitchen. “Many people think that being a chef lacks work-life balance, but since I started cooking, I’ve felt that the challenges along the way have been instrumental in shaping who I am today,” he continues. Horiuchi began cooking at the age of 16 but his exposure to the industry started earlier, as he used to follow his grandfather to the market to sell produce as a child. However, his first inclination to become a chef occurred while dining at a restaurant, which left a lasting impression. “We didn’t come from a wealthy family, but my mother took [me…

ILI SULAIMAN Asia’s Most Influential 2021 Celebrity chef Ili Sulaiman is a popular chef known for her cooking shows on the Asian Food Network and the entrepreneur behind the tiffin-delivery service DISH by ili and steamboat-and-grill delivery service Ili Pot, with the latter branching out to include rice and oden dishes. Born to a Chinese-English mother and a Malay-Sri Lankan father, Ili grew up learning to cook in both of her grandmothers’ kitchens. And despite her interest in cooking since the age of seven, she didn’t consider a career in F&B until she worked at Mosimann’s, a fine dining establishment in London run by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Anton Mosimann. After eight years in the English capital and graduating with a business degree, Ili returned to Malaysia and subsequently established…

COVER STORY There have been some momentous occasions in Hong Kong’s sporting history: the football team’s 1985 victory over China in Beijing; windsurfer Lee Lai-shan’s 1996 Olympic gold; the Edgar Cheung Ka-long and Siobhan Haughey-led six medal bonanza at the recent Tokyo games; even the cricket team’s 2014 World Cup win over Bangladesh. A football match taking place at Hong Kong Stadium on February 4 is set to join them among those memories. On that day, US club side Inter Miami, co-owned by footballing superstar David Beckham and starring footballing hyperstar Lionel Messi, takes on a Best of Hong Kong Soccer 11 (sort of the SAR’s own team, but not officially) in a one-off match, presented in partnership with Tatler Asia. You’re going to need to pull in some favours…

FASHION Every time the Lunar New Year approaches, our thoughts turn to the classic cheongsam. It’s a garment rich with lore—both imagined and authentic—and one that adds romanticism to our yearly rituals of greetings and gambling, angpao and overeating, cookies and gossiping. Ah yes, the cheongsam or qipao, our ancestral costume, the clothing of our forebears—but was it really? Is the outfit that we instinctively associate with Chinese New Year and cultural traditions really that traditional? The truth is, very few know. Some history points to the qipao emerging in the 1920s, others trace it back to the changpao or long robes of the Qing Dynasty. Either way, contrary to our misty-eyed nostalgia, the cheongsam is a deeply modern piece of clothing. In every iteration we’ve seen it, from fashion…

OBJECTS OF DESIRE PRETTY CRAFTY We’re always here for a bit of shine, but there’s a balance to be struck between shimmer for the sake of it and elegance. Fashion houses are mastering incorporating delicate embroidery, refined beadwork and subtle sequins into modern silhouettes and accessories, adding a touch of sophistication without overwhelming the design. TIE IT UP The fashion world is still obsessed with bows, but delicate knot details are also popping up more in both women’s and men’s fashion this season. At Balenciaga, trench coats are more stylish closed with a belt; while at Kenzo and Loro Piana, kimono-style jackets reign supreme. The simplest of closures has been elevated to high fashion. REIMAGINED BLUEPRINT It’s true that denim never goes out of style but there are always new…

WATCH PICKS SMALL TALK A tribute to the spirit of travel, this 18-karat white gold tourbillon watch features the signature blue dial and 60 baguette-cut diamonds set on the six-sided bezel—marking it the first in the Overseas collection to boast this unique combination. The sporty-chic 42.5mm timepiece exhibits a slender curvature, thanks to its ultra-thin self-winding movement Calibre 2160 with tourbillon. Apart from the integrated white gold bracelet, the watch comes with two additional straps in blue calfskin and rubber, both secured by a white gold pin buckle set with baguette-cut diamonds. The brand’s style and heritage director, Christian Selmoni, shares additional insights into the making of this exceptional watch: Why choose a new baguette-cut gem-setting for this watch? Vacheron Constantin’s designers and gem-setters introduced this new cut to the…

PIAGET Piaget soars into the new Chinese lunar calendar with not one, but two spectacular Dragon timepieces. The first is the 41mm Altiplano Dragon Zodiac High Jewellery that features a star-filled blue dial created by enameller (and frequent Piaget collaborator) Anita Porchet, against which the hand-engraved gold dragon is set. Limited to eight pieces. The second watch is the 46.5mm Piaget Polo Emperador Dragon High Jewellery with a flying tourbillon and a dial set with diamonds and blue sapphires. The dragon swirls around the watch from case to dial, creating an auspiciously audacious look. JAEGER-LECOULTRE The Reverso becomes the canvas for the artistic expression of the manufacture’s enamellers. The Tribute Enamel “Dragon” in pink gold case is engraved with the dragon against a glossy black grand feu enamel. The reverse…

What originally drew you to jewellery design? My father [André Messika] is a diamond dealer; I joined him in his business in 2000. After a few years, I discovered that his industry was so stiff [and dramatic]. As a young girl, I [dreamt of creating] jewellery that could be cool and wearable every day. [I didn’t want] the designs to be too complicated. [I wanted] to pay tribute to the beauty of the diamonds … I really wanted to express the magic [of jewellery]: that’s why ours is [thin and] very flexible. You can transform a double ring into a single one; you can play with your jewellery, by having ear cuffs or diamonds for your nose or belt. I wanted to tell customers that you can be cool and…

C-CUISINE “In the past, all the best tableware, even for Chinese cuisine, was made by European or Japanese brands,” says Desmond Chang, the creative mind behind Ruyi Gastronomy and the CEO of Inhesion Asia. “It was somehow never perfect due to a lack of cultural understanding—soup bowls were often the wrong size, and spoons were never the right weight.” Elaborating, he lists tableware specific to Chinese cuisine, such as fish platters or vessels ideal for dishes that involve braising. In 2009, Chang met designer Peter Ting in Paris, who would later become the designer of the Ruyi collection for Legle, a brand-new tableware collection for high-end Chinese cuisine. Chang furthered the design by creating intricate patterns for Ruyi Gastronomy. Beyond tableware, Chang delved into enhancing gastronomical experiences, overseeing everything from…

“When we think about dragons, we think about auspiciousness, good luck and power. The Year of the Dragon is always a year that will be welcomed by a lot of people” The Year of the Dragon is traditionally associated with auspiciousness, good luck, and power. In 2024, it marks the inception of a new feng shui era. Master Kenny Hoo of Good Feng Shui anticipates significant local and international changes for the year. For him, the transition period presents opportunities for rapid advancement, especially for those seeking progress in education or their professional lives. However, it’s crucial to note that even established individuals may face challenges or be replaced by newcomers. The fire element dominates the feng shui grand cycle number nine, bringing celebrations but also heightened emotions, legal issues,…

The stars have aligned to give us this month, the Food issue, under the watchful eye of the auspicious dragon year. Food plays a significant role in Chinese culture, especially during the Lunar New Year, where it is more than just a source of sustenance; it represents cultural values, strengthens familial bonds, and embodies hopes for prosperity and luck in the upcoming year. It’s steeped in tradition and, most importantly, also a symbol and source for success. And under the male Yang energy of the wood dragon, it’s apt that we celebrate the nobility, power and strength of the best in the F&B industry with the best restaurants for 2024 as announced by Tatler Dining (p.158). Tatler Dining also announced Masashi Horiuchi as Chef of the Year, and we celebrate…

We caught up with director Tunku Mona Riza Tunku Khalid and renowned actress Susan Lankester in anticipation of their upcoming film Rain Town, which will premiere in local theatres on February 8, 2024, just in time for the Lunar New Year. They shared what it was like working on set with other local talent such as Chew Kin Wah, Fabian Loo, Wilson Lee and Pauline Tan, among others. Rain Town tells the story of Mr Choo, a father of three grown children—Isaac, Alex, and Ruby. The film explores the interference of controlling parents in their adult children’s lives, compelling them to abandon their dreams and happiness. Then, the family’s already strained relationship is further tested after Choo’s wife, Aileen (played by Lankester), meets with an accident. Tunku Mona, who made…

Widely hailed as one of the world’s most influential visual artists, James Jean lends his vivid viewpoint in conceiving the new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition Design. “I was excited and honoured to create the bottle for this very auspicious year,” Jean enthuses. Inspiration struck swiftly for the Taiwanese-American illustrator behind some of Hollywood’s most strikingly intricate movie posters, including Blade Runner 2049, Mother!, The Shape of Water and Everything Everywhere All at Once. “I wanted to create a dragon that felt traditional but also fresh and new,” he explains, conscious of his intention to ensure the design would reflect the vibrant maximalism that echoes throughout his oeuvre. “I worked hard to create a version of my dragon that felt like it evolved from your typical…

"Making soy sauce is like taking care of a baby,” laughs Shirley Chia, the founder of Mu Artisan Soy Sauce. She is only half-joking but the intricate process really does take up to nine months and is laborious, requiring time, care and patience. Located in Kajang, the soy sauce factory is filled with around 200 clay urns of different sizes, each containing soy sauce at a different period of fermentation. As Chia lifts the lid of one of the urns, I am greeted with a distinct, savoury waft. Inside, salt crystals surround darkened soybeans. “My family business has been soy sauce for the past three generations, but the focus was on supplying to restaurants, and we weren’t attached to a brand,” says the cheery business owner. One wouldn’t guess, but…

After dedicating seven years to non-profit work assisting low-income communities, Clara Wan was compelled to address the vast quantities of edible food discarded daily. With the vision of opening the first surplus food market and cafe locally, Wan started Graze Market with co-founder Shirley Chan to tackle issues related to food waste, hunger and sustainability. Wan explained that Graze Market came from the term “saving grace”, symbolising the concept of providing a second chance for unused food. The company rescues imperfect yet fresh produce, sells it at a discounted price to needy communities, and processes the surplus into juices, jams and other products. These goods are then sold to the public at affordable prices and the company donates items to marginalised communities. Since 2019, they have rescued 200 tons of…

DOUBLE THE PLAYFULNESS Two of Japan’s designers of the moment have joined forces to blend fashion and art. Kenzo’s artistic director Nigo tapped Verdy, the graphic designer behind Tokyo-based brand Girls Don’t Cry, to collaborate on his spring-summer 2024 collection. Known for his bold, playful designs and vibrant colours, and bringing influences from skateboarding, hip-hop and manga to his graphics, Verdy incorporated stylised versions of the maison’s motifs into a collection of varsity cardigans, dresses, denim and softly tailored pieces. THE DRAGON’S WEB Tumi launched its 2024 Lunar New Year Collection, comprising 11 products from the brand’s 19 Degree, Alpha Bravo, and Voyageur collections. The limited edition series was created in collaboration with Weber Zhang—an acclaimed and award-winning artist from Shanghai, whose works have been featured in blockbuster movies, numerous…

FASHION SHOOT…

WATCHES | FEATURE On February 10 this year, many around the world will celebrate Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year. Unlike New Year’s Day, which always falls on January 1 of the most widely used Gregorian calendar, the date for Chinese New Year is determined by the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar, which indicates the moon phase and the time of the solar year—the position of the sun in the Earth’s sky. These are calculated separately and then synchronised. The year 2024 is also the Year of the Dragon, as every year in the Chinese calendar is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals. Reading a specific date in the Chinese calendar is combined with the zodiac sign, element, yin…

Boucheron has managed to combine the essence of luxury with unconventional designs once again. Korean actor Han So-hee wore the Once in a Blue Moon necklace at the brand’s exhibition in South Korea last November: a white-gold necklace with a rare 5.28 carat cushion-cut tanzanite from Tanzania as the centrepiece. The tanzanite’s deep blue hue is complemented by 1,039 shimmering round diamonds totalling 23.39 carats, while decorative lacquer in shades of blue and black adds bold pops of colour. With its mix of precious gemstones and innovative design details, this creation is a playful work of wearable art. Bold and beautiful engagement rings to profess your larger-than-life love…

TOP 20 RESTAURANTS AKAR DINING Akar Dining is a contemporary Malaysian restaurant that brilliantly and innovatively celebrates local flavours. Chef-owner Aidan Low uses his expertise and creativity to present memorable dishes that bring out the best of seasonal produce. ALIYAA Authentic and consistent, Aliyaa always delivers when it comes to hearty Sri Lankan cuisine. Dishes are beautifully presented and expertly executed, making use of premium ingredients. ATELIER BINCHOTAN Modern barbecue restaurant Atelier Binchotan is often considered the best grill house in town. There is a strong clarity of concept with chef-owner Lau KaHong imparting a signature smokiness and char on his dishes that is hard to find anywhere else. BETA KL Diners are taken on a culinary tour around Malaysia with dishes inspired by different regions with Beta KL’s tasting…