Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2024 i Tatler Malaysia

TATLER HONG KONG Foil fencer Daphne Chan is heading to the Olympics, where the city hopes she might follow in the footsteps of her idol Edgar Cheung Ka-long. It’s a lot of pressure for anyone, but the 19-year-old is refusing to let it get to her. TATLER MALAYSIA Actress and model Alicia Amin explained why she refuses to back down when she is criticised for being outspoken, and how she is working towards helping to create change in the creative and entertainment industries. TATLER PHILIPPINES Tatler Dining’s Rising Star 2024 Don Baldosano talked about being influenced by French chefs, his stint on Junior Masterchef, and his life goal of sharing “all the different facets of Filipino food”. TATLER TAIWAN Tommy Chen is the first Asian to have completed ultramarathons on…

"Would you like to move my things to the floor so you can sit more comfortably?” Sara Jane Ho says with an easygoing charm, referring to her bag on the chair nearest to her during our chat at her photo shoot. Her tone, somewhere between casual and courteous, gives you the sense that she would go out of her way to find you a seat in a crowded room or make you feel right at home five minutes after meeting you. Spend a bit of time with her, and you’ll realise why she is so great at what she does. For starters, spending one’s childhood and teen years across Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, the UK and the US teaches a girl a thing or two about breaking the ice…

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate governance, the roles and responsibilities of board members have dramatically shifted, driven by complex business environments and a growing emphasis on sustainability. In a recent conversation with two distinguished leaders, Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, and Ahila Ganesan, independent non-executive director of Velesto Energy Berhad, sit down with Tatler to explore the dynamic nature of board leadership today. Both members of the Institute of Corporate Directors Malaysia (ICDM), Jamaludin and Ahila reflect on their extensive experience and share insights on the critical evolution from a focus solely on financial performance to an integrated approach encompassing governance, risk management, and the increasingly vital Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Jamaludin, whose decades-spanning career has witnessed many pivotal shifts, notes how the…

Beloved by fans, customers and friends for his talent, humility, and down-to-earth demeanor, Rizman Nordin is the co-founder of Maison Rizman Ruzaini, a fashion label he started with his former UiTM classmate and good friend, Wan Ruzaini Jamil. Last May, the youthful-looking designer and father of two celebrated his 40th birthday in the presence of friends and family in a joyful gathering attended by celebrities, royals, and VIPs at the Astor Room of The St Regis Kuala Lumpur. Donning a stylish all-red ensemble to match the elegant red Rizman Ruzaini creation worn by his beloved wife Nurida Suraya, Rizman enjoyed a night of music, touching greetings, and even a surprise dance performance thrown in by Ruzaini and Nurida. Other star-studded performances of the night were sung by Ning Baizura Dalton,…

Fuelled by his love for comics, Jared Lee’s journey as a storyteller began at the age of seven. Growing up in the suburb of Subang Jaya, Selangor, Lee spent countless hours at his mother’s hair salon and often ventured to the neighbouring convenience store to buy comics. These early experiences sparked his imagination, allowing him to envision worlds beyond our own. In 2011, Lee wrote a script for his first short film, The Long Distance Relationship. The film tells the story of a couple navigating the daily struggles and emotional challenges of a long-distance relationship. It accumulated over three million views on YouTube and became a Top 10 finalist in the BMW Shorties competition that same year. Building on this success, Lee founded Grim Film. Originally a YouTube channel that…

(CAT)WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Animal print is back with a vengeance. We’ve seen python boots strutting down the catwalk, leopard dresses stealing the spotlight and zebra coats making a statement. This season, whether you add a touch of ferocity with a pair of Attico boots, give your LBD a fierce upgrade or go full jungle queen with a (faux) furry Stella McCartney coat, it’s time to embrace the untamed. BACK IN THE HABIT Even years after you leave school, there’s something about August that feels like you're prepping for a new term. Relive those back-to-school vibes with a work wardrobe update that will put a spring in your step: power suits are back, and we’ve got our eye on outfits from the likes of Versace, Victoria Beckham and Courrèges.…

Last year, Richard Mille introduced its most complex movement yet with the RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chronograph. This year, it adds a splash of colour to the model with two vibrant new versions: pastel blue and dark yellow Quartz TPT, each limited to 120 pieces. These aren’t just aesthetic updates—the colours also denote specific functions, enhancing usability and readability. Run by the calibre RMAC4 with a high frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour, it is supported by a 60-hour power reserve. Key attributes include a pusher at eight o’clock for quick winding, and a multifunctional crown for easy mode transitions between winding, date setting and time adjustments. Caution: These textured dials may be hypnotic…

VENETIAN RENDEZVOUS This June, the historic Scuola Grande di San Rocco in Venice served as the magnificent backdrop for Chaumet’s latest high jewellery unveiling: the Chaumet en Scène collection. Notable attendees included Korean actress and Chaumet ambassador Song Hye Kyo who stood out beneath the Renaissance frescoes in the maison’s Voltige ensemble from the latest collection. She wore an exquisite white gold necklace centred around a 10.18-carat oval-cut diamond, complemented by matching earrings and a ring. HIGH FIVE Chanel’s fine jewellery creation studio unveiled new additions to the No 5 collection, which is a tribute to Gabrielle Chanel’s birth date and lucky number; the designs merge gold with diamonds, creatively include the number “5” and feature a prominent diamond set in a bezel reminiscent of the legendary No 5 perfume’s…

Hong Kong CHECK IN AT THE UPPER HOUSE Arriving at The Upper House feels like coming home—it could be because of the earthy, elegant interiors or the top-notch service, which is informal but deeply personal and attentive. Designed by architect André Fu, the spacious studios and suites feature natural materials, floor-to-ceiling windows and what we believe are the sexiest bathrooms in Hong Kong—each room features a deep soaking tub positioned to maximise mountain or city views. Over the years, The Upper House has become something of a cultural hub in Hong Kong, hosting intimate programmes and supporting local talents in the areas of art and wellness. As a result, as well as being a cult favourite hotel for travellers, it has gained a fiercely loyal fanbase among locals; you’ll often…

Much like the overview effect—an intense emotional sensation felt by astronauts when they see Earth from space for the first time—there’s something about experiencing a safari that seems to create a shift in the way people view and think about our planet and life itself. “There’s a theory on this that I’ll borrow,” says Peter Allison, an Australian author who has documented his time as one of Africa’s top safari guides in cheekily titled books such as Whatever You Do, Don’t Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide and Don’t Look Behind You: A Safari Guide’s Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos. “As humans evolved in Africa, some part of us feels at home once we are surrounded by the sounds and smells our ancestors lived with…

For Sharath Nair, the magic of cinema began in the darkness of a movie theatre at the tender age of two. While most toddlers might have been frightened by the monstrous roars of Godzilla, young Nair found himself captivated. “I felt at home at the movies,” he recalls. This early fascination set the stage for a career that is changing the face of local Tamil cinema. At 31, Nair, popularly known as Shabby, is a rising star with a growing list of credits in film and television, including Telekinesis (2024), Neer Mel Neruppu (2024), Rajathanthiram: The Piano (2023), Detective Maniam (2022), Nadunisi KL (2022), and Manmadha Bullets (2021). However, it’s his upcoming role alongside renowned actor Sivakarthikeyan that promises to be his most high-profile project yet. Nair’s journey to the…

You don’t have to be an expert to know that rose is an essential ingredient in perfume making. Despite scientific progress which means many natural scents can now be replicated using synthetic compounds, the essence of a natural rose is still considered the holy grail and a symbol of quality in the perfume industry. For Henry Jacques, it is the soul of its many signature scents. In the latest launch, Collection de l’Atelier, the rose not only took centre stage but also marked a breakthrough in the brand’s perfume production and creativity. In 1975, Henry Jacques Cremona established Perfume Henry Jacques near Grasse, the perfume capital of the world, on the French Riviera. Inspired by his travels and a passion for creating exquisite scents, he offered bespoke fragrances to a…

SPRIGHTLY SEASIDE SEXINESS An essential summer companion, this is the very first caviar-infused mist. With a fine emulsion texture and a fragrance-free formula, a spritz of La Prairie’s Skin Caviar The Mist refreshes, smooths, and energises the skin throughout the day. Formulated with caviar hydroessence and caviar micronutrients, it is a versatile, luxurious skincare essential with hydrating, moisturising properties. Designed to be the perfect travel companion, this limited-edition mist was created with travelling in mind, crafted using recyclable glass that is lightweight and easy to carry. SUMMER LOVIN’ In a groundbreaking collaboration between Louis Vuitton men’s creative director Pharrell Williams and master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Bellatrud, LVERS was born, rooted in Williams’s philosophical question posed upon his arrival at Louis Vuitton: “What will you do when the sun shines on…

As the Master of Materials, Rado has built an enviable reputation as a proponent of high-tech ceramic watches that cater to various tastes and preferences. Few materials can compare with high-tech ceramic in terms of its benefits as a watch material. It is virtually scratch-proof, ensuring that it retains its “newness” over time. It is extremely lightweight and hypoallergenic, promising remarkable comfort when it touches the skin. It is about four times harder than steel, making it incredibly durable. Plus, in the hands of Rado, it is visually appealing in different colours and finishes. Rado has truly been a marvel at this ever since it produced its first high-tech ceramic watch, the Integral, in 1986. Recognising its potential, Rado stepped up its R&D in ceramic, producing one innovation after another…

In the heart of Paris, tucked away in a discreet building, artisans come together to create the extraordinary jewels that define Cartier’s legacy. This is the sacred sanctuary of Cartier’s high jewellery workshops where masterpieces are born from the meticulous hands of its artisans. Orchestrating this is Alexa Abitbol, director of Cartier High Jewellery Workshops, who is driven by a desire to understand and be close to the products she works with. She transitioned into the world of luxury jewellery from an industrial background in the automotive industry. “When Cartier called me, it was evident to me that I should work for this maison,” she says, recalling the excitement she felt over a decade ago when she first joined Cartier. Her grandfather’s influence, a watchmaker and jeweller, set the stage…

SIZE MATTERS And probably not in the way you think. The smaller or more intimate a hotel is, the better, as more travellers opt for boutique properties. Storytelling through design, environmental impact, connection to the local community and an authentic “sense of place” are increasingly influential when choosing where to stay. THINK GLOBAL, ACT LOCAL More hotels are connecting with their local audience, establishing themselves as cultural hubs on their home turf. Like Desa Potato Head in Bali—my editors are probably sick of me waxing lyrical about this place, but I genuinely believe it sets a precedent for the future of hotels. Operating as more of a village than resort, its unique approach to cultural programming spans art, music and wellness. Meanwhile, The Upper House in Hong Kong has a…

OSCAR CHIK Oscar Chik is a photographer and stylist based between London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. He studied fashion at Central Saint Martins in 2017 before moving to Japan, and he now works closely with many designers and other creative individuals. His photobook Digger was shortlisted for the Arles Book Award 2019. He shot this month’s fashion shoot. BJ PASCUAL BJ Pascual is a Manila-based fashion, portrait photographer and a writer. He has shot over 300 magazine covers, worked with international personalities like Elsa Hosk and Troye Sivan and luxury brands including Gucci, Chanel and Louis Vuitton. He published Push: Muses, Mischief, & How to Make It in Manila in 2015. He is also a popular social media personality, with 570,000 followers on Youtube and 773,000 on Instagram. This month,…

FRONT & FEMALE “We harness technologies such as AI, ML, cloud computing and the power of data to innovate” High-income earners and city dwellers often take banking services for granted—luxurious lounges, advanced digital banking, proximity to branches and ATMs, faster service, and easier loan approvals. These benefits are less accessible to rural residents and people of more modest means. This disparity was magnified during the pandemic, raising questions about equity in financial services and the potential long-term societal impacts of these gaps. Such was the situation that accelerated the push for digital banking services throughout Malaysia. Of the five digital banks that have obtained licences from Bank Negara, GX Bank is the first to go to market. Leading this is its innovative CEO, Lai Pei Si. Malaysia’s inaugural digital bank,…

Good fiction transports you to new worlds, and Malaysian authors are proving their stories have a global place. Female authors like Karina Robles Bahrin and Preeta Samarasan enrich the literary scene with diverse and captivating tales. Here are nine titles to add to your reading list. THE ACCIDENTAL MALAY by Karina Robles Bahrin Kuala Lumpur-born Karina Robles Bahrin’s debut novel, The Accidental Malay, follows businesswoman Jasmine Leong, who discovers her Malay heritage while aiming to become CEO of her bakkwa company. The novel won the 2022 Epigram Books Fiction Prize, making Karina the second Malaysian recipient. Of Malay and Filipina heritage, Karina explores taboos around race, identity, and culture in Malaysia. TALE OF THE DREAMER’S SON by Preeta Samarasan Tale of the Dreamer’s Son is set after the 1969 race…

On colour palettes, international singer and style icon Jackson Wang and Nigerian American fashion stylist Mobolaji Dawodu are at two ends of the spectrum. The former has a penchant for monochromatic, sometimes all-black ensembles and sharp silhouettes; the latter is an expert in mixing and matching bright colours and prints. But opposites can attract, and their stylistic contrast is in no way reflective of their creative partnership—if anything, their complementary talents and aesthetics only take their collaborations to new heights. This year, Wang brought Dawodu on board to be the fashion director of his luxury streetwear label TEAM WANG design and come up with a new summer collection, which launched on July 20. Part of Sparkles, TEAM WANG design’s more experimental, funky apparel line, I See the Lights departs from…

In case you haven’t heard, KraveBeauty has finally made its way into the Asian market, welcomed by global beauty retailer Sephora. The brainchild of none other than one of YouTube’s OG beauty gurus, Liah Yoo, the cult-favourite skincare brand has been consistently flourishing since its launch in 2017, all while swimming against the current of the beauty industry by leading the shift towards mindful skincare through simplicity. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Liah Yoo for an enlightening tête-à-tête, diving into the mind behind the brand that has taken the skincare world by storm. The philosophy behind #PressReset and KraveBeauty is all about how less is more, giving your skin only what it craves and avoiding unnecessary products. How did this philosophy come about? And why is it…

Can you share the creative process behind the new grand complication launched at Watches and Wonders, the Arceau Duc Attelé watch? The creative process at Hermès involves interpreting existing watchmaking functions in our own unique way. For example, with models like Arceau L’heure de la Lune and Le Temps Voyageur, which feature the moonphase and travelling times [complications] respectively, we took traditional complications and gave them a distinct Hermès twist. How long did it take, from concept to production, to develop the Arceau Duc Attelé? Around three and a half years. Achieving the high, 5Hz precision for the minute repeater mechanism was a major technical challenge that required numerous iterations and tests. The Arceau Duc Attelé is noted for the distinctive sound of its minute repeater; what was the inspiration…

Cartier has named Jeff Satur, a multitalented actor and musician, as its new Thailand ambassador. Known for his open-mindedness, respect, and independence, Satur has gained international acclaim for his passionate performances and music. He embodies Cartier’s unique style and values, including creative freedom and an independent spirit. Satur has participated in notable Cartier events, such as the centenary celebration of the Trinity collection in Paris. He expressed honour at the appointment and looks forward to combining his individuality with Cartier’s timeless creations in their deepening collaboration. Discover the dark side of gold…

MUSIC Walking into the PICC Plenary Hall in Manila on May 28 and 29 was like stepping into a high school prom: eager-faced individuals, mostly teens and people in their early 20s, in glamourous dresses, suits, shirts and pearl necklaces. Quite a number of them, male and female, tied ribbons in their hair—a tribute to the signature headwear of the Gen Z performer they were about to see: Laufey Lín Bing Jónsdóttir. The Icelandic Chinese singer-songwriter who performs under the name Laufey (say “Lay-vay”, not “Lau-fay”) was in Manila as part of her Bewitched: The Goddess tour, which started in October 2023, making stops across 16 countries in Europe, the US, Asia and Australia. As well as songs from her debut album Everything I Know About Love (2022) and her…

They would have looked right at home at any of the 148 whisky distilleries currently operating in Scotland—six onion-shaped copper pot stills sat side by side in a warehouse, heated directly by blazing coal-fired furnaces underneath—were it not for one small detail. At the top of each still’s “swan neck”—where the alcohol vapours from the boiling mash within rise to condense into new-make whisky—were strung shimenawa: sacred straw ropes festooned with shide paper streamers more commonly found adorning Shinto shrines across Japan to ward off evil spirits. Here, at Yoichi Distillery in Hokkaido—regarded as the birthplace of Nikka Whisky—these beatified stills represented something else: the continuation of the vision of Taketsuru Masataka, the godfather of Japanese whisky, in bringing something inherently Scottish and transforming it into something thoroughly Japanese. There…