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Maternal Instincts HONOURING WOMEN COMMITTED TO NURTURING THOSE UNDER THEIR CARE, SUCH AS CHE ENGKU PUAN SRI ROZEETA
AROUND ASIA
WOMEN ON TOP Powerful females in music, design, fashion and sport share the secrets to their success
SHANGLIU TATLER
MODERN MUMS This issue celebrates mothers all over the world with a feature on fashion-savvy mums. Grace Zheng, the CEO of DAN Haute Couture, graces the cover with her twin sons. Zheng shares memorable stories about the joys of raising her boys. PHILIPPINE TATLER
TWINKLE TOES
HONG KONG TATLER
MANE EVENT
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his art issue features prima ballerina Stella Abrera on the cover. She shares how she overcame many challenges to become the American Ballet Theatre’s first Filipina-American principal dancer. Elsewhere, painter Lolita Savage tells a story of her artistic journey, while the Philippine art scene’s enfant terrible, Gabby Barredo collaborates with Ballet Philippines in a breathtaking spectacle, Opera.
Hong Kong’s most glamorous society sirens salute the hairdressers who created their signature looks in a stunning portfolio shoot. Elsewhere, renowned chef Nathan Green and restaurateur Yenn Wong discuss their new venture, and Canadian actor Xavier Dolan talks style and the silver screen.
TAIWAN TATLER This issue celebrates women who have made their mark in fields dominated by men. Among those featured is Taiwanese explorer Chiang Hsiu-chen (pictured), who talks about conquering the highest peaks on seven continents.
THAILAND TATLER
SINGAPORE TATLER
ON THE WHEEL
BRING ME A BOOK
Cover star Praowphan Laohapongchana, managing director and co-founder of Quattro Design, reveals the creative vision behind her luxury homeware empire. Elsewhere, five women prove supercars aren’t just boys’ toys by showing off flashy wheels that include a Lamborghini and a McLaren.
Edmund Wee (pictured), publisher of Epigram Books, talks about his ongoing quest to champion Singapore authors and writers. On the cover are Kenneth and Laureen Goi, the son and daughter of billionaire businessman Sam Goi. The siblings share the valuable life lessons their father taught them.
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MACAU TATLER
LADY IN RED Singer and Actress Karen Mok graces the cover, discussing her red-hot career. Having reached the peaks of stardom, Mok explains how she continues to aim high as she assumes the role of director in her most recent concert in Macau. Later in the year, she turns her attention to Europe, where she will become the first Chinese singer to play concerts in Madrid and Milan.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMAGES: KENNY YANG (CHIANG HSIU-CHEN); PAUL TSANG (KAREN MOK); MAX CHAN/101 TEAMWORK (EDMUND WEE); JOSEPH CHEN (STELLA ABRERA)
DEFYING LIMITS
M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
MAY
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FEATURES 168 Play It Forward Datuk Nicol David shares on her squash journey, collaboration with Louis Vuitton and Unicef and more
176 Hands That Rock the Cradle A celebration of maternal bonds and motherly love
186 Body, Mind & Soul Some simple tips for your everyday life that will make for a healthier, happier and svelte you
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CONTENTS
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66 CONCIERGE 42 Inbox The St Regis Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s first six-star development, providing individuals with luxury at its finest
46 Small Talk World Vision global ambassador Marilee Pierce Dunker shares on how she juggles between being an advocate, wife and mother
47 The Social Network We find out from four socialites, what are the reasons they cherish their beloved mothers
48 Hot Ticket Urbanscapes 2016 returns with citywide festivities celebrating the creative arts, over three weekends, across Kuala Lumpur
49 What’s On May serves up a platter of activities ranging from marathons to music festivals and a movie premiere, catering to everyone’s desire
50 Feast From delicious tacos to tasty margaritas, there’s nothing like this Latin American flavour to get the party started
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42 FACES 56 Soiree The 91st St Patrick’s Society Ball and the 16th birthday of the Abishegam twins
60 Leading Ladies Puan Sri Lisa Teo, Datin Nora Abu Hassan and Naliny Lim are the epitome of grace, in elegant lace
64 Close-Up We get up-close with Fadza Anuar and Datuk Tan Pei Ing as they share their secrets to a successful career
68 The Invitation The nuptials of Muhaini Mahmud with Rahman Hussin and Vivian Lau with Daniel Lim
HIGH FLYING
76 IT Girl Mariam Teh maintains her elegant look with her own style of class
78 Onlooker The who, what and where of society
Mariam Teh adds an edge to her outfit with her favourite wing earrings malaysia tatler . may 2016
CONTENTS
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132 FAIRYTALE TIME
This Van Cleef & Arpels timepiece is from its latest collection, inspired by childhood fairy tales
102 132STYLE
108 Spontaneity at Best Carefree and spontaneous in nature, Karina Grewal’s style is a burst of energy and charm, much like her personality
110 Hacking It Hackett Mayfair’s spring/summer 2016 collection will keep you looking fly
113 Glamour From Day to Night Roger Vivier is a master of juxtaposition. Being both bold and demure, classic and modern, it is versatile enough to be worn round-the-clock—with three society darlings showing us how
122 All for Mum It’s Mother’s Day and it is time to shower the queen of your heart with all things luxurious and beautiful, because she deserves it
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WATCHES & JEWELLERY 154 Turning Back Time Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legendary timepiece turns 85 this year, and with such a milestone comes fresh interpretations
156 Tourbillon Tour Haute horologist Richard Mille crafts timepieces that adapt a modern outlook for classic horological pieces like the tourbillon
160 Poetic Creations Timeless creativity is the benchmark by which Van Cleef & Arpels measures its success, according to its president and CEO, Nicolas Bos
164 Crafting Continuity To be bold, creative and timeless is the motto that drives Hamdi Chatti to make decisions in his capacity as the vice president of Louis Vuitton’s watch and jewellery division malaysia tatler . may 2016
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CONTENTS
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194 LIFE 194 Food Mandarin Grill tightens their menu with a re-establishment of the restaurant, emphasising fine food in a warm ambiance
HOT WHEELS
Be blown away by the powerful Lamborghini Huracán Spyder
196 Wine James Suckling’s take on the lustiest wines the Italians have to offer
202 Cars With the soft-top version of the Huracán unveiled, Sean Li goes to Miami to see if the Spyder changes the essence of Lamborghini’s most accessible supercar
216 Real Estate New York has become a billionaire boomtown with starchitects providing the ultimate in luxury living
22o Philanthropy French purveyor of fine wines and spirits Pernod Ricard goes into the second year of its Bottled Hope campaign
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222 Great Escape Seeking somewhere to spend a long weekend? There’s a bevy of beauties on your doorstep
DEPARTMENTS Around Asia 14 Editor’s Note 30 Behind the Scenes 32 Contributors 34 MalaysiaTatler.com 36 The Great Debate 38 The Last Word 224
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L I F E . E X T R AO R D I NA RY
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malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMPERIALE CHOPARD BOUTIQUES 3V[ . :\YPH 23** 1HSHU (TWHUN 2\HSH 3\TW\Y ;LS 3V[ 3V[ 7H]PSPVU 2\HSH 3\TW\Y 2\HSH 3\TW\Y ;LS 3V[ . 0UK\SNL -SVVY :[HYOPSS .HSSLY` 1HSHU )\RP[ )PU[HUN 2\HSH 3\TW\Y ;LS
EDITOR’S NOTE
WOMEN CHAMPIONS This month of May, we celebrate the leading ladies in our lives—including Malaysia’s top squash player
Home and Heart
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EDITOR’S PICK
For a natural, radiant look, I turn to Estée Lauder’s new Double Wear Cushion BB All Day Wear Liquid Compact. The light, moisturising and buildable foundation instantly minimises pores and imperfections, and can last for eight hours.
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his mother’s day we pay tribute to all you mothers out there; whether or not it’s your own flesh-and-blood, bringing up another human being is a huge undertaking, and rightly so. Mothers, and fathers too, play very important roles for young, impressionable children. How they are raised, and their relationship with you, will impact the choices that they make in the future. For example—when you choose a partner, do you realise that you tend to gravitate to someone who could possibly remind you of your dad, or mum? Research has proven this to be true. According to Elayne Savage, author of Breathing Room: Creating Space to be a Couple, when you grow up with a certain type of person, you’re attracted to that same type of person, because it feels comfortable, and sometimes you can’t help it. It’s a natural law of familiarity. So it sobers me a little that my son will grow up and may find someone who’s a lot like me. I admit it makes me conscious that everything I do with him will have an impact on him. What if I’m not doing enough for him? What if I don’t give him enough hugs or attention? What if I don’t give him valuable advice on how to handle
life, relationships, and work? What kind of legacy am I giving him? Like any parent out there, we just want our kids to grow up to be decent human beings and to lead a happy life. Rekha von Bueren, one of the mothers we interviewed for our Mother’s Day feature, hopes that her children will be kind, well-balanced and have strong family values. Raise your hand if you agree with her. Another mother we interviewed, Liyana Taff commented that today’s society puts a lot of pressure on women to be a perfect mother. But let’s face it, this is what it means to be human— we have our faults and we are definitely not perfect. We just try to do the best that we can. So let’s not judge another person’s parenting style— we don’t know their story, only they do, and somehow it works for them. In the meantime, let’s celebrate the queen in our lives and pamper her with something special. We’ve rounded up some products that we think will make perfect presents in our Mother’s Day gift guide (p.122), so please do check it out! Peace and love to all mothers and to our readers out there, see you next issue. —Elizabeth Soong Managing Editor malaysia tatler . may 2016
BEHIND THE SCENES
Oh, Mama! It was a full day shoot for our cover story but thanks to some ‘mothering’ and snacks, we powered through with ease
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Clearly, mothering has become second nature to these women that they automatically do that to us as well L I F E .
t was an ambitious plan to coordinate a series of five photo shoots of different groups of mother figures in one day. Add in a video production as well, plus energetic toddlers into the mix and what ensued was a busy but fulfilling day for the Tatler team. First to arrive was Intan Nur Rowena Baker accompanied by her daughter, Kelly Roza. Then came Liyana Taff and Rekha von Bueren with their little ones, followed by Che Engku Puan Sri Rozeeta and her twin teenagers. The glam squad consisting of Zamri and Elma of Lancôme as well as Kay from Centro Hair Salon kept themselves busy attending to our feature stars. Last to join in the fray was Lim Ai San and her mother-in-law Connie Lim, carrying boxes of curry puffs for tea. Clearly, mothering has become second nature to these women that they automatically do that to us as well. Turn to page 176 to read their stories.
MALAYSIA TATLER MAY 2016
E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
May 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY tian xing HAIR kay tuan from centro hair salon
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These Tiffany & Co bracelets were a joy to mix and match during the shoot, as seen on the wrist of the stylish Che Engku Puan Sri Rozeeta
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MAKEUP zamri zainol and elma salwana rohani using lancôme
Maternal Instincts HONOURING WOMEN COMMITTED TO NURTURING THOSE UNDER THEIR CARE, SUCH AS CHE ENGKU PUAN SRI ROZEETA
ON THE COVER che engku puan sri rozeeta and her daughter, tunku intan kurshiah
Catch the behind-the-scenes video of this feature, brought to you by Lancôme at malaysiatatler.com
malaysia tatler . may 2016
CONTRIBUTORS
KAH MUN Myth Studio’s professional photographer manages to well portray the amazing personalities for our close-up features What always makes you laugh? The sound of a baby’s laughter.
TIAN XING This talented photographer captures the essence of our Mother’s Day feature What would your final meal be? Of course, my mum’s pan mee soup. What painting would you most like to have in your house? I’d definitely love to hang my wife’s paintings. Which actor would play you in a movie? No doubt it would be Stephen Chow. What’s the worst holiday you’ve ever had? I went to Pulau Perhentian during the monsoon season with my friends, though I still enjoyed my trip.
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What’s your biggest fear? I fear becoming worthless. What painting would you most like to have in your house? I would definitely love to display Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night. What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever received? “Oh wow, you have a nice beard man!”
ZAMRI ZAINOL Lancôme’s national makeup artist puts the finishing touches on the beautiful women in our cover story What kind of jokes do you like? I love the jokes from Tan Sri P Ramlee’s films. One of my favourites is from the movie Nasib Si Labu Labi. What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve received? “Wow, you can actually cook.” What’s your most successful chat-up line? Just simply, “Hey, what’s up?” What’s the worst holiday you’ve ever had? I never really had a bad holiday. All my holidays were fun and exciting, so far.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
M A L AYS I A TAT L E R . C O M
HIGHLIGHTS M AY
O N L I N E
E X C L U S I V E S
ONLINE FEATURES Bright Young Things: Raja Jesrina Arshad Keeping on top of your health just got easier with PurelyB.com, the one-stop online guide to healthy living. We speak to founder and CEO Raja Jesrina Arshad to learn how she built an entire community spanning Asia and beyond from a simple idea, using her portal.
Mother’s Day Special A mother’s struggles are aplenty, and then there are some who have to take on the roles of both parents. We draw inspiration from the journey of a single mother, Ooi Piek See, who braved through the ups and downs of bringing up three boys on her own, and emerged stronger than ever.
DINING Sipping Stars We shine the spotlight on sweet, sparkling champagne this month, discovering another vintage from Dom Perignon as well as a new contender on the block, Tendil & Lombardi. One needs no introduction, while the other is new to our shores, but both stand their ground on the palate-front.
VIDEOS Behind-the-scenes of our Mother’s Day cover shoot CHAMPIONS AND CHAMPAGNE Raja Jesrina Arshad; a look at what went on during the Mother's Day shoot; the Dom Perignon Vintage 2006
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Take a peek into our Mother’s Day cover shoot with our exclusive behind-thescenes video, done in collaboration with Lancôme. It was a fun afternoon of fashion, photos and inspiration as five ladies, along with a handful of their loved ones, revealed some of their biggest joys of motherhood. malaysia tatler . may 2016
THE GREAT DEBATE
Can mothers be best friends with their children? YES
NO
DATIN CONNIE CHAN
YAP YOKE FUI
Ever since the day Su Zen was born,
At different stages of life, our
she has consumed my life. I have never resented any time I’ve spent with her, because I believe that to be a mother is to be privileged. Motherhood is not only a great responsibility but also a great joy to me. My daughter has always been a loving child, so appreciative and responsible. Now that she is married and a full-time mother herself, she has her own commitments but we still find the time to have heart to heart exchanges. Mind you, she is as much my agony aunt as I am hers. Our relationship is very much like best friends and there are no secrets between us. We are very frank with each other. We go for facials, manicures and pedicures and shop together, too. We enjoy travelling together and once baby Ethan gets older we will continue to do that again. Just lying in bed and chatting while listening to our favourite songs make us both happy and contented. Truly she is my best girlfriend.
definition of ‘best friend’ changes. During the formative years, a best friend is someone who shares our secrets, interests, et cetera—regardless if it’s beneficial or harmful. No one would be best friends with another who disagrees with them all of the time, especially during our teens when we are most rebellious. Don’t we all go through a period when what our mothers tell us is never sweet music to our ears? However, as the Chinese saying goes, “bitter medicines are the best cures for sickness.” Thus mothers might not be perceived as a best friend by the children. However, with skilfulness and patience, mothers can still guide their children through their rebellious age. In fact, most mothers go beyond best friend status, they are their children’s refuge and protection. Individuals who will never harm them and who love and accept them unconditionally and completely.
Datin Connie Chan is an avid reader and devours books on anthropology and culture. She enjoys travelling, shopping, fine dining and most importantly, spending time with her daughter Su Zen and her two adorable grandchildren.
Yap Yoke Fui is a devoted mother of three and loving grandmother of four. Having been educated in Auckland, New Zealand, she is now retired and heavily involved in voluntary works with organisations like NASAM and BeCause.
Can mothers and their children be best friends? Sound off at Malaysia Tatler’s Facebook page
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M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
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INBOX
SMALL TALK
WHAT’S ON
FEAST
Mah Sing Foundation gives back to the underprivileged
Get to know the World Vision global ambassador, Marilee Pierce Dunker
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
A must-watch movie premiere and more
The hottest Mexican restaurants for a memorable night
An ode to deserving mothers across the nation
IMAGE: ST REGIS KL
NEW AGE SPLENDOUR The grand ballroom of the St Regis Kuala Lumpur features a seamless LED projection system that acts as a digital canvas
CONCIERGE | INBOX
IN THE DIARY
WATER FESTIVAL The Pesta Air Labuan is the biggest annual event in Labuan, East Malaysia. Major events include the International Deep Sea Fishing Tournament and the Cross Channel Swimming Challenge. Held at Labuan International Sea Sport Complex from April 29 to May 1. MUSIC MEN Held on May 21 and 22, the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra will be showcasing two extremely famous musical pieces to lucky audiences—Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Highly entertaining pieces, so don’t miss it.
RESPLENDENT BANQUET St Regis Kuala Lumpur also hosts elegant wining and dining venues; the hotel is Carmen Chua’s dream project come to fruition
CITY SOPHISTICATION The St Regis Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s first six-star development, providing individuals with luxury at its finest
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ocated in the prestigious KL Sentral precinct, The St Regis Kuala Lumpur boasts 208 luxurious suites, featuring some of the largest standard guest rooms in the world. With design details that include a breathtaking array of Austrian crystals and hand-made Italian gold tiles, the hotel brand is world-renowned for its hospitality. Dream on 300 thread count bedsheets, be availed of the signature 24hour St Regis butler service and embark
on a gastronomic journey at any of the six exclusive dining and libation venues at the hotel. As CEO of ONE IFC Sdn Bhd, Carmen Chua tell us that the development of the St Regis Kuala Lumpur is [her] dream project. “The St Regis brand is not only well-known for its noble lineage but its dedication in delivering an unrivalled guest experience that is synonymous to our acclaimed style and six-star hospitality.” From May 1, get an exclusive first peek into St Regis Kuala Lumpur through MalaysiaTatler.com.
ROARING TO THE FINISH LINE The 37th Penang International Dragon Boat Festival 2016 will be happening from May 28 to 29. Action-packed races in traditional dragon boats are the main highlight. Attendees and participants can expect two days of fun-filled activity held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.
ALL THAT JAZZ Angela Bateman shares some highlights from the Borneo Jazz Festival which is one of the longest running jazz festivals in the region Beloved by jazz enthusiasts everywhere, the festival—which expects a turnout of over 5,000 people—will be showcasing an impressive array of musicians on the grand stage. With performances by jazz greats like O Sister! from Spain, the
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Klazz Brothers from Germany, Raw Earth from Singapore and The Rad Trads from New York, spectators can look forward to a musical experience of a lifetime. Known for its out-of-this-world improvisations, the director of events and corporate relations
of the Sarawak Tourism Board, Angelina Bateman highlights that “The festival has received very strong support over the years and is poised to become a world class jazz festival.” The two-day event takes place on May 13 and 14 at Parkcity Everly Hotel Miri.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
CONCIERGE | INBOX
RUMOUR MILL
A BIG HELP
H
aving garnered international awards and recognition, The Kid from the Big Apple is a heartwarming tale of a born and bred New Yorker, Sarah, who was sent to live in Malaysia with her grandfather when her mother had to relocate to China on a work assignment. Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum and Puan Sri Lim Suat Kiew from Mah Sing Group hosted a red carpet gala premiere for the movie, which was filmed in Malaysia. A total of 800 tickets were sponsored for the underprivileged to attend and enjoy the movie, while Mah Sing Foundation announced that evening that RM326,320 will be donated to three education-linked organisations.
10 RISING NUMBER The number in thousands of followers that a socialite gained over a week after she posted a very revealing image of herself in a bikini. The outfit she used in her picture, flaunts her ‘enhancements’ which could be a driving factor for the boost in figures as well.
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Game Changers The inaugural Forbes 30 under 30 Asia List recognises young individuals who are making a difference in various industries. Familiar faces in this prestigious list include names like young corporate leader Diani Lee, entrepreneur Cameron Priest, NGO leader John-Son Oei and songstress Yuna Zarai.
MOVING ON People were shocked when a prominent unmarried couple broke up after more than a decade together. But what was truly a bombshell was the revelation that one half of the couple has been having an affair with a certain married entrepreneur. Talk about a scandal.
PUBLIC BREAKDOWN Speaking of breakup, another pair of longtime lovers have ended their relationship. The man has already moved on with another girl. His former flame turned to social media to share her pain. Interspersed with motivational quotes and images hashtagged with #movingon are obvious sad posts designated to garner sympathy.
PROVING A POINT A society queen was exasperated by her son’s refusal to have a big wedding. The frugal young banker, who insisted on paying for the wedding without help from his wealthy parents, turned to DIY and careful budgeting to ensure his bride has a beautiful and well-managed wedding.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
CONCIERGE | SMALL TALK
WOMAN WITH A CAUSE World Vision global ambassador Marilee Pierce Dunker shares with Sangeeta Devi on how she juggles between being an advocate, wife and mother
MOTHER MARILEE Marilee Pierce Dunker has two daughters and is also a proud grandmother to three
I
magine a world where all children and women are given the opportunity to pursue an education and follow their dreams. This is exactly what World Vision’s ambassador, Marilee Pierce Dunker, has been fighting for over the past 14 years. The daughter of World Vision founder, Dr Bob Pierce, is a passionate advocate of women and children’s empowerment, particularly in poverty-stricken regions. She What does your role as global ambassador for World Vision entail? I am primarily a storyteller and motivator. From my travels, I have seen for myself, the kind of suffering that broke my father’s heart and moved him to start World Vision. I also write regularly for World Vision Magazine and have an online column called ‘God Space’ where I share the stories of families I have met. The stories change but the challenge with people is always the same—now that you know the need, what are you going to do about it? Can you tell us a little about how your mother has moulded you into the person you are today? My mother, Lorraine, was a strong and godly woman, who paid a great personal price to see World Vision founded. My father travelled an average of 10 months out of every year and she basically had to raise her three daughters like a single mother. But I never heard her complain. Instead, she gave us
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has travelled to over 30 countries to speak and shed light on the issue while still finding time to write about her experiences. This awardwinning author continues to juggle her roles as an advocate, wife, mother and grandmother and has confessed that her parents have moulded her into the person she is today. In conjunction with Mother’s Day this month, we find out more about this inspiring lady and discover how she juggles between her many roles. a happy and secure home and helped us understand that daddy was doing wonderful work to help other children that did not have all the blessings we enjoyed. My mother was also a great encourager and I grew up with confidence in my abilities to achieve, because she told me God had a plan for my life. How do you juggle between being a wife, mother, grandmother and an advocate? I was blessed to be a full-time wife and mother for nearly 20 years. It was only after my children were grown and I was a 50 year old grandmother that God called me to work for World Vision. But I am careful not to be away too often. I balance my life by spending time with my husband, attending my grandchildren’s soccer games and by having lots of family dinners. Why is women and children empowerment in poverty-stricken regions important
and why are you passionate about supporting the cause? Women and children (especially little girls) are often considered the least important and most expendable in the communities where they struggle to survive. Little girls are often denied an education and if the families are very poor, even things like food will go to the sons before the daughters. For these reasons, World Vision works hard to elevate the position of women in the communities we serve. What are some of the challenges that World Vision faces and what can we do to help? Every 10 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies simply because he or she is hungry. No matter how much we do or how many children we reach, there will always be more who need our help. Our biggest challenge is finding people who care enough to do something about it. For only RM65, you can change a child’s world through World Vision sponsorship.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
SOCIAL NETWORK
| CONCIERGE
WHY I LOVE MY MOTHER… This May, we ask our socialites about the important role their beloved mothers play in their lives
SNAP SHOTS
Delanie Chan As an only child, my mother has always been my best friend, my closest confidante, my everything. She has devoted every day to nurturing me, guiding me and loving me. I had a very happy childhood! Whenever people would ask me whether I felt lonely the answer was always a resounding no!
FKU\VWDO WDQ
/LNH
Najwa Fitri I love my mother for many reasons. For one, she enrolled me in my very first dance class, and dancing makes up a big part of the person that I am today. She has always been my number one cheerleader and taught me the importance of charity and giving back to the less fortunate.
&RPPHQW
#puglove #mylittlerascal
Chrystal Tan “Took her on a walk; ended up with her taking me for a walk instead!”
Shen-Tel Lee I never fully understood the love my mother had for me and my sister until I became a mother myself. All of a sudden, the reasons for her extreme protectiveness and unconditional love became crystal clear to me. She puts her children’s needs before her own.
WLPXUJDEULHO
/LNH
&RPPHQW
#mountainretreat #freshairfordays
Celest Thoi I love my mother because she is someone I can talk to or fall back on whenever I am going through a difficult time in my life. She supports me in all that I want to do and it is because of her unconditional love and support that I am able to follow my dreams. I am forever grateful to her for this!
malaysia tatler . may 2016
Timur Gabriel “A great view plus some mountains”
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CONCIERGE | HOT TICKET
TAKING OVER KL CITY Urbanscapes 2016 returns with citywide festivities celebrating the creative arts, over three weekends, across Kuala Lumpur
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eturning for its 14th year, Urbanscapes 2016 kicked off on April 23 for a two-weeklong, citywide creative arts celebration. Scheduled to go on until May 8, the festival’s organisers announced additions to their KL Live lineup, which includes a music showcase by English drum-and-bass band Rudimental on May 1 while M83 is set to bring the roof down on May 7. Apart from its music showcase at KL Live, the highly acclaimed arts and music festival will also see Singaporean experimental art rock band The Observatory, blur the lines between film and music on May 5 with a screening of their experimental music documentary The Obs: A Singapore Story, followed by a live music showcase of their latest album August is the Cruellest at The Bee, Publika. The festival will conclude with a high-energy, closing street party from 4pm to 9pm on May 8 at Medan Pasar, where the Urbanscapes House is centred. A throwback to Urbanscapes infancy, this street party will see Malaysian artists and creative talents come together for a series of artistic endeavours. urbanscapes.com.my
MUSIC MANIA A festival like no other, Urbanscapes 2016 includes musicians like Rudimental in their spectacular lineup
ELECTRIC RUN The world’s premiere 5km night fun run, Electric Run returns for a second year, which is organised by the Livescape Group. Get ready for more bright lights and thumping sounds, making it the biggest and most creative neon coloured night run set to take the Selangor Turf Club by storm, happening on May 7. electricrun.my
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SHAKESPEARE’S WOMEN Christina Orow, Dawn Cheong, Hana Nadira, Rosheen Fatima and Shamaine Othman team up this May 26 to 29, to bring some of Shakespeare’s most memorable female characters to life. Happening at KLPAC, the monologue will be accompanied by music played by string instruments. klpac.org
malaysia tatler . may 2016
Harry Winston Avenue Classic
STARHILL GALLERY, KL +03 2144 1188 H A R R Y W I N S T O N . C O M
Harry Winston Premier 31 mm
STARHILL GALLERY, KL +03 2144 1188 H A R R Y W I N S T O N . C O M
WHAT’S ON | CONCIERGE
may
May serves up a platter of activities ranging from marathons to music festivals and movie premieres— catering to everyone’s desire
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LADIES NIGHT AT PRIME KL One of Kuala Lumpur’s premium nightclubs, Prime Touch Luxury recently launched its ladies night with DJ Juicy M. Happening every Wednesday, ladies can now look forward to a luxurious nightlife experience accompanied by a view of KL’s glistening city.
IMPERIAL MODELS NIGHT Put on a pair of heels and head to Imperial for a treat of complimentary bespoke cocktails every Thursday. zoukclub.com.my STELLE CONCERT Three prominent Malaysian sopranos present Stelle, featuring Italian and locally composed songs at the Experimental Theatre in University of Malaya. Call 012-331 6388 for ticketing enquiries.
13 BORNEO JAZZ Get your groove on at the 11th Borneo Jazz music festival. Featuring an exciting lineup of some of the best jazz musicians from the region and across the globe, this two-day event takes place at the Park City Everly Hotel in Miri. jazzborneo.com
14 DRAGON RUN Happening at the Horse Ranch in Resorts World Genting, this two-day martial arts, inflatable obstacle race features a 6km run around martial art-inspired obstacles. liv3ly.com
X-MEN APOCALYPSE James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult will thrill audiences in Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Apocalypse. THE GREAT RELAY KL The relay is designed for teams of two, four or six, who can opt to collectively complete 50km or 100km, one 3.5km lap at a time, at the Kepong Metropolitan Lake-Garden. tgrkl.com
TERRY LIN ONE TAKE WORLD TOUR Dubbed the prince of nonplatonic love songs, Taiwanese superstar Terry Lin Chih Hsuan makes his way to the Arena of Stars for a one-night only concert. rwgenting.com
NEW YORK
CANNES
BARCELONA
PARIS
MAY 5–AUGUST 14
MAY 11–22
MAY 13–15
MAY 16–JUNE 5
Trace the evolution of technology in haute couture, from handsewn regalia to 3D-printed suits, at the Costume Institute’s new Manus x Machina exhibition at the Met. metmuseum.org
Get a sneak preview of the most buzz-worthy films and documentaries at the Cannes Film Festival. Who will take home this year’s prestigious Palme d’Or? festival-cannes.fr
Gear up for a weekend of adrenaline-fuelled excitement as the top Formula One racers take to the Circuit de Catalunya for the Spanish Grand Prix. formula1.com
Top-ranked players serve it up on the clay courts of Roland-Garros for the French Open, the second stop on the famed Grand Slam tour. rolandgarros.com
malaysia tatler . may 2016
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CONCIERGE | FEAST
MEXICAN FIESTA From delicious tacos to tasty margaritas, there’s nothing like this Latin American flavour to get the party started
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VIBRANT VIBES
LA BOCA LATINO BAR
Featuring a range of dishes such as empanadas and tamales, this cosy bar is passionate about their food, with an extensive wine list also available. laboca.com.my
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MOD MEXICA CAN N FRESCA
Fresca Mexican Kitchen & Bar came about when two adventurous siblings fell in love with classic Mexican cuisine and decided to bring it to Kuala Lumpur.
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AUTHENTIC BITES LA MEXICANA
When it comes to offering authentic Mexican flavours, La Mexicana is the real deal. Run by chef Carmela and her husband Stephen, the restaurant serves its own homemade corn tortillas and Mexican cheeses along with delicious margaritas. lamexicanakl.squarespace.com
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Fresca (meaning ‘fresh’ or ‘cool’), is the perfect place to relax while enjoying a margarita or two. Here, delights such as sautéed prawn tacos can be found on the menu. fresca.com.my
HINTS OF MEXICO
LAS CARRETAS
This restaurant and bar is home to tasty Mexican food as well as steaks and ribs. Dishes on the menu include chili con carne and fajitas on a sizzling skillet. lascarretas.com
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SOUL FOOD
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FRONTERA
For scrumptious Mexican and tex-mex cuisine, head over to Frontera Sol of Mexico. The menu features satisfying selections like the fajita quesadillas, tex-mex burritos, enchiladas and a variety of tacos. For dessert, be sure to try the key lime pie or the Frontera cheesecake chimichanga. fronterabar.com malaysia tatler . may 2016
M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
FACES The people, the parties and the events
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SOIREE
LEADING LADIES
CLOSE-UP
THE INVITATION
IT GIRL
ONLOOKER
Mariam Teh proves that she can look fabulous in any ensemble
Check out all the action, glitz and glamour at events around town
A festive Irish ball and a grand sixteenth birthday celebration
Three ladies are the epitome of grace, in elegant lace
Fadza Anuar and Datuk Tan Pei Ing speak on what drives them
Two happy couples seal their love in lavish ceremonies
SWEET SIXTEEN Alia and Alexa Abishegam celebrate turning 16 with a pledge to help the needy
FACES | SOIREE
Irish Fête ST PATRICK’S SOCIETY BALL Taking place in Shangri-La KL was the 91st St Patrick’s Society Ball which saw the attendance of esteemed guests that included Ireland’s ambassador to Malaysia, HE Eamon Hickey, the president of St Patrick’s Society of Selangor, Des Morgan and Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan. Attendees wore their festive best, with many of the men donning traditional Irish kilts! The event saw a thousand international and local guests fill the ballroom with merriment and banter. In honour of St Patrick’s Day, highlights of the evening included rousing and enthusiastic performances by traditional Irish musicians Folksman DC and a troupe of young locally trained dancers. Surplus of proceeds from the ball will go to a variety of Malaysian charities, which have in previous years included the Independent Living and Training Centre for the disabled, Beacon Life Training Centre and the Assunta Palliative Care Centre.
Anya and Nate Bucholz Datin Paduka Sister Enda Ryan
THE INSIDER
Lisa Mistroni, Sasha Davison and Irene Bech
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Homegrown talent: having mastered the bagpipes, local musicians put on a rousing performance to get the ball rolling
malaysia tatler . may 2016
Ian Clarke
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HE Paul Renni
Adam Smith and Chloe Mackley
Darina Walsh Dewi Cass
HE Eamon Hickey and Des Morgan
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Allegra and Adam Abishegam
Matthew Saunders
Alia and
Alexa Ab
ishegam
Samantha Lee, Jie Ng, Angeline Chew and Kay-Lynn Ong Priya and Vida Sockanathan
Shireen Sidhu
Denis and Negin Simonnet
SOIREE | FACES
Nancie Foo, Melinda Looi and Dirk Luebbert
Dato’ Sri Andrew and Datin Sri Chris Abishegam
Rajiv Bhanot and Deborah Henry
Double the Sweetness ABISHEGAM TWINS TURN 16 Glamorous twins Alia and Alexa Abishegam celebrated their sweet sixteen with a glitzy party held at Zouk. “We wanted the kids to have good clean fun, which is why we booked the entire club! We want to encourage our girls and their friends to have fun without resorting to alcohol or smoking,” explained Dato’ Sri Andrew Abishegam. Attendees included guest of honour HRH Sultanah Kalsom of Pahang, who also officiated the launch of the twins’ charitable initiative— Project 16/16. Conceptualised and spearheaded by Alia and Alexa, Project 16/16 was just launched this year and will aid sixteen charitable homes locally and internationally. “We have been afforded much in life and want to give back to children who are not as lucky as we are,” they explained. Later in the evening, the twins cut a giant birthday cake towering more than five feet, and the night ended with a dazzling fireworks display while guests were showered in golden confetti.
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FACES | LEADING LADIES
Laced with Charm Picking the right accessories will accentuate the sheer sexiness as these gorgeous ladies have proven!
Puan Sri Lisa Teo
Datin Nora Abu Hassan
TEMPERLEY LONDON
JOVIAN MANDAGIE
A metallic silver brooch like this Cartier piece, does wonders to showcase simplicity and elegance
Naliny Lim
SHERRI HILL Bangles are fun and simple additions to your look; this DeGem creation matches easily with any outfit and definitely draws attention
Accessorising with a sophisticated clutch like this one from Roger Vivier is just the right touch
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malaysia tatler . may 2016
Fit for Fashion Fadza Anuar of FashionValet breaks the mould in the
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oung and affable, Fadza Anuar’s youthful demeanour is belied by his status as a husband, father and the CEO of the increasingly successful online shopping destination FashionValet, established in 2010. As some might already know, the online portal became well-known for offering a wide range of quality ready-towear garments, accessories and handbags for the modern woman and even has a traditional brick and mortar flagship store presence in Bangsar Village II. Accustomed to the convenience of online shopping in the UK, FashionValet was created following this premise by Fadza and his wife, Vivy Yusof. Upon their return, they noticed that Malaysia lacked such infrastructure and set out to improve the world of online fashion retailing. Their hard work and determination over the past six years has been described by Fadza as “intensive learning,” as he says that they “started from knowing nothing about fashion, retail or e-commerce to becoming the go-to company whenever new designers want to launch their line or a new company wants to start selling online.” Fadza advises that adaptability and change are crucial components. “Learning how to manage a growing company has been my biggest challenge. When I started off, I thought it would be great to keep the company culture as a close-knit family, but I realise now that a family with 100 people is disastrous,” he says. Instead, Fadza states that the solution comes by building a team culture where your performance directly impacts your teammates. It is never easy building a sustainable business from scratch yet Fadza and Vivy have
done an admirable job turning the company into what it is today. Leading by example was a philosophy he stood by in FashionValet’s earlier days, one that he quickly had to adapt from trying to set the bar in every role, to shifting to more autonomous leadership. Humility is also of great importance to Fadza. He makes sure to check in with his department heads at their own tables because he opines that it shows that there is no ego gap. “I believe in staying humble because no matter how popular or successful you become, there will always be someone better,” he states firmly. FashionValet’s greatest strength lies in its close connection to local designers and its customers across the region, which has allowed them to have a growing foothold in Brunei, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Yet, Fadza states that as the company grows bigger, they need bigger commitments from local brands. “Many of them are still self-funded or don’t have a team big enough to support them to grow fast enough,” he says. This is why FashionValet advocates that it needs to work with government agencies to give these brands the best business advice along the way. The company’s successes have also attracted foreign investors, such as a recent multi-million dollar funding from a leading Japanese fashion portal. It is not surprising to hear that the youthful-looking Fadza also loves sports. “I love waking up early to go to the gym or for a swim and I also try to play basketball or football once a week. I love martial arts the most and I have black belts in Taekwondo and kickboxing,” he says. As Fadza and Vivy continue to drive the company forward, he concludes that “my life can be summed up in three F’s: faith, family and FashionValet.” @
“My life can be summed up in three F’s: faith, family and FashionValet”
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ART DIRECTION: SYAHLIA ALBINA SARI; PHOTOGRAPHY: KAH MUN FROM MYTH STUDIO
Malaysian online retail scene with a positive outlook and thinking ahead, writes Tien Chew
malaysia tatler . may 2016
malaysia tatler . may 2016
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CLOSE-UP | FACES
The Sky is the Limit Dedicated architect Datuk Tan Pei Ing reveals how working hard while staying positive has taken her career to great heights, writes Sangeeta Devi
ART DIRECTION: SYAHLIA ALBINA SARI; PHOTOGRAPHY: KAH MUN FROM MYTH STUDIO; HAIR AND MAKEUP: A CUT ABOVE
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hose who may have stumbled across numerous barriers when striving for career success are not alone. This was the case for former president of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM), Ar Datuk Tan Pei Ing. Working in the male-dominated architecture industry during her early days proved to be a challenging feat, which tested her commitment to her chosen career path. However, Tan persevered and eventually became PAM’s first female president in 2001. Through our chat with this influential lady, we discover that hard work, positivity and passion were the building blocks to her success. “People aim to break the glass ceiling, but why do you want to have a glass ceiling to start with?” says Tan who believes that the sky should be the limit. “I grew up in a small town in Kajang. Back then, we lived in a two-storey shophouse and there were only two rooms,” Tan reveals. “My parents used to go to KL for work. As I followed them over the years, I noticed the skyline transforming and I wanted to be a part of that transformation. So I started to read about architecture and realised that it was a profession with the power of shaping the environment we live in,” Tan explains. As the fees to study in Australia were affordable at the time, Tan made her way there. However, when she returned in 1984, the industry was not too kind. “I still remember being interviewed at a big company and the director expressed that he doesn’t think I can do the job because I am a lady,” she recalls. Tan went for many interviews, but her gender seemed to be a problem. Thankfully,
she got her first job with the help of a family friend’s recommendation. After a year, she moved to a developer company, but the industry continued to challenge her. “People had all these misconceptions that female architects can’t go to the site. So it took me a lot more effort,” she says. When she did go to the site, the sub contractors would bully her and ignored her requests and instructions. Tan refused to give up and decided to work harder to overcome her obstacles and prove her capability. “You have to stay firm and know what you are doing. The moment you can prove to them that you know more than them and that you’re also capable of leading them, they will accept you.” Tan later set up her own architecture firm—P I Architect— and continued to build a name for herself. “Stay positive and believe that at the end of the day there is always a silver lining,” she reveals the motto that keeps her going. Tan, who is also on the Board of Architects Malaysia tells us that the role of the government body is to regulate the profession. PAM on the other hand, is a learned society which works closely with the board to promote the architectural profession. During her presidency at PAM, Tan was involved in implementing policies to create competent architects. “I believe in transparency and to address pertinent issues confronting the profession that affect the members,” she says. Currently, she is serving as the immediate past president of the Architects Regional Council Asia, which is in the midst of establishing an Emergency Architects Network comprising a group of specialists to assist with pre- and post-disaster management in the event of calamities such as the earthquake in Nepal. @
“Stay positive and believe that there is always a silver lining”
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WEDDING OF MUHAINI MAHMUD AND RAHMAN HUSSIN WHEN December 18, 2015 and January 17, 2016 WHERE The Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur DID YOU KNOW The bride had friends who flew in from various parts of the world, like Las Vegas, Paris, London, Abu Dhabi, Hanoi and Singapore to attend the reception
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Amir Husni and Lyana Fouquet
Adila Anuar
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THE INVITATION | FACES
A State of Grace Muhaini Mahmud and Rahman Hussin sealed their love for each other with not one but three high-spirited ceremonies
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s we all know, every good relationship starts as a friendship. Muhaini Mahmud and Rahman Hussin met during a Ramadan buka puasa session organised by a good friend of hers, Ferhat Nazri-Aziz, in July 2014. Later that year, Rahman expressed his feelings for Muhaini while on a business trip to Turkey. When he came back from the trip, he began courting her. The rest, as they say, is history and the couple celebrated their nuptials in three high-spirited ceremonies. The celebration started off with the customary malam berinai for the couple. Then, both the traditional akad nikah ceremony and wedding reception were held at The Royale
Chulan Kuala Lumpur, which was replete with traditional Malay decor, so friends from overseas could witness a local wedding. Pak Abu the wedding planner put together the designs which were orchestrated by the bride’s mum, Tan Sri Sharifah Hapsah. It was a beautiful setup accented by fresh flowers and matching white detailing. Guests couldn’t be any happier for the couple, and were busy uploading photos using the Instagram hashtag #muirahman. During the akad nikah ceremony, Rahman confessed to a mild bout of jitters right before the exchanging of vows—which are now very much behind him. The harmonious tunes of the RTM Big Band Orchestra led by Datuk Mokhzani Ismail also entertained those in attendance.
Azlan Iskandar and Ung Yiu Lin Khairy Jamaluddin
Narthreza Putri and Puteri Sylfareeza
malaysia tatler . may 2016
Dato’ Dr Mahmud Mohd Nor and Tan Sri Sharifah Hapsah
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FACES | THE INVITATION
THE INSIDER
The newlyweds headed to Iceland to catch the Aurora Borealis for their honeymoon
Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin d Putra Jamalullail and HRH nku Fauziah Abdul Rashid
Melanie Olma and Gloyd Robinson
Tan Sri Dr Abu Bakar Sulaiman
SURPRISE RING
Graze Wang and Nuryanty Radzi
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Datin Paduka Rosmah Mansor
During Muhaini’s birthday celebration, with close friends, Rahman appeared out of nowhere—after her birthday song was sung and candles blown out. He went on his knees, and held out a box of cupcakes, which had the words ‘Will you marry me?’ while one of the pastry had a special centre with the ring on it. “I seriously didn’t see it coming. Never knew Rahman had that romantic side in him. I was so touched and happy to have had my close friends witnessing the proposal,” said Muhaini. malaysia tatler . may 2016
Joseph Teoh and Datin Dian Lee
Toh Puan Dr Aishah Ong Low Ngai Yuen and Wayne Wong
Tengku Siska Alisa
Marion Caunter
Zainah Anwar and Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir
Firhad Uzir and Linda Uzir
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Dina Asmadi and Hana Abu Hassan
amed hani Moh Lisa Suri Abd Halim and Yusry
Inessa Fouquet
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THE INVITATION | FACES Tan Sri Khamil Jamil and Puan Sri Azian Abdul Talib
Puan Sri Ivy and Tan Sri Danny Tan
Puan Sri Wong Kee Choo
Lim Chee Kiong and Goh Yoke Choo
A Cause for Joy
Tan Sri F ra Tuang N ncis Lau guang
Vivian Lau and Daniel Lim celebrated their nuptials with a lavish wedding reception attended by many dear guests
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ivian lau and Daniel Lim were often described by friends as a sweet old married couple, even before they tied the knot. The couple met through a mutual friend at Monash University Caulfield in Australia and it didn’t take long for Vivian’s parents to welcome Daniel into the family, once they had started dating. According to the bride, the proposal was totally unexpected. “I planned a sibling trip to Koh Samui and Daniel joined us. He proposed to me on the second night of our trip. In the middle of the night, he woke me up and brought me to the courtyard,”
malaysia tatler . may 2016
Vivian revealed. Having her eyes closed, she opened them and was surprised at the sight of roses and candles arranged in a circle. “I did not have much time to think, I only remember him asking to marry me.” Their union called for three themed wedding receptions—Vintage Circus, Old Hollywood Glam, and Asian Chic—one of which was held at the Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur. With the help of wedding planner Leticia Hsu, the bride’s dream wedding celebration was brought to life. The night ended with plenty of laughter, tons of photos and a lot of hugs. Some of the who’s who in the country also joined in on the celebrations.
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FACES | THE INVITATION
Sharmaine Lau and Lau Joo Sheng
Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun and Dato’ Kevin Lau Eng Guang
SWEET MOMENTS
Law Jin Kai
The couple’s most cherished memory of the wedding reception was witnessing their family members being very supportive and proactive. The bride’s sister, Sharmaine, flew down from London just to attend the wedding. Sharmaine and the father of the bride, Tan Sri Francis Lau, also delivered heartwarming speeches, while the bride’s brother, Joo Sheng performed an entertaining drum number.
Nori Abdullah
Joanne Yeoh
Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum, Puan Sri Lim Suat Kiew, Jane Leong and Jia Zang
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malaysia tatler . may 2016
WEDDING RECEPTION OF VIVIAN LAU AND DANIEL LIM
Lau Dato Dato’ Seri Hishammudd Hishammuddin Daniel Lim Lim, Vivian Lau, h Hussein and Tengku Dato’ Sri Marsilla Abdullah
Puan Sri Tan Sri Norainee Abdu M lR and Me uhyiddin Mohd ahman, lvin Lau Joo Hen Yassin g
Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Tun Jeanne Abdullah
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WHEN November 8, 2015 WHERE Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur DID YOU KNOW At the wedding reception in Mandarin Oriental, the couple did a surprise tribute to their parents by presenting them with a family portrait, to thank them and as a gesture of filial piety and love.
Dato’ Bruce Umemoto and Datin Rahmah Mahmood
Nadzrah Kamal, Farhan Yassin and Najwa Yassin
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FACES | IT GIRL
A Classy Lass Mariam Teh always looks glamorous, and spruces up her classic fashion style with a touch of her favourite accessories
GUCCI
TADASHI A SHOJI BLUGIRL
FLYING HIGH
Mariam Teh is currently in love with the wings earrings from Lotus
CAROLINA HERRERA
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KHOON HOOI
MSGM malaysia tatler . may 2016
FACES | ONLOOKER Dato’ Colin Tan
Vanessa Tevi, Henry Kueh and Natasha Giddeon
Morten Pedersen and Pamela Chong
Joanne Kam
Datuk Halim Sadique a ah Mohamed nd KK Chu a
Real Estate Winners PROPERTY INSIGHT PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPER AWARDS 2016
Janet Loh, Fallon Loo and Angela Chan
The second real estate recognition awards by Property Insight, this gala dinner cum award ceremony was an entertaining event for guests that night. Singer Vince Chong and comedian Joanne Kam were a couple of the acts that performed to provide entertainment in between the awards ceremony.
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Carmen Chiam and Evon Lim
Chan Ka Tsung and Seth Seng
Ng Chai Yong
Chan Ze Hong and Deepamela Ragharam Esther Ong and Marcia Fong
Datin Su-Wen Ong and Dato’ Ong Theng Soon Edward Chong Sin Kiat
Dato’ Jamaludin Osman
Dennis Ng and Mei Low
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FACES | ONLOOKER
Che Puan Claire Rania Moore, Tunku Gabriella Amiera, Tunku Arthur Idris and Tunku Danny Nasaifuddin
It’s a Kind of Magic
Lim Wei-Ling and Meera Sen
TUNKU AZALEA’S 6TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Tunku Dato’ Seri Utama Naquiyuddin Christina Ho-Tan and Claire Lee Bloy
Tunku Moh am Puteri Badrin ed Alauddin Naquiyud din, is Tunku Alayn e Zakuan-Alauddin, na and Tun ku Azalea
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THE INSIDER
Tunku Azalea, the youngest daughter of Tunku Mohamed Alauddin Naquiyuddin and Puteri Badrinise ZakuanAlauddin, celebrated turning six in an elaborate Maleficent-themed birthday party. Guests arrived to a breathtaking set-up decorated with dried leaves, barren trees and twining vines reflective of the movie starring Angeline Jolie.
Not only the decor, but the treats for the day, as well as Tunku Azalea’s birthday cake were all in line with the theme of the party
malaysia tatler . may 2016
FACES | ONLOOKER Tan Sri Vincent Tan
Pornsiri Rojmeta and Puan Sri Esther Tan
Elakumari Kantilal, Tan Ai Chin and Vivienne Cheng
Morvin Tan and Nicholas Tan
Thai Invasion GRAND OPENING OF GREYHOUND CAFÉ MALAYSIA Bangkok’s renowned Greyhound Café has made its way to Malaysia thanks to the entrepreneurial efforts of Chryseis Tan and her business partners. The grand opening of the fashion-focused café in Jalan Bukit Bintang began with the arrival of HRH Sultanah Kalsom, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Invited guests were given the opportunity to sample the café’s delicious offerings such as the sandwich in a bowl salad.
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eis Tan
nd Chrys
alsom a ultanah K
HRH S
SM Faliq SM Nasimuddin
Diani Lee and Nikola Hassan
THE INSIDER
HRH Sultanah Kalsom was presented with a special token of appreciation at the event
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FACES | ONLOOKER Shireen and Pauline Kandiah
Old is Gold INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES FAIR COCKTAIL RECEPTION Reyna Harilela and James Beltran
Ronald Ch a Danielle G k, Christian Deydier, raham and Jean-Pierr e Galla
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A private cocktail event was held at the Lobby Lounge of the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur to promote the ninth edition of the International Antiques Fair in Hong Kong. Founded by William and Priscilla Chak, who are Asian art and antiques experts based in Hong Kong, and managed by their son Ronald Chak, the fair will bring together more than 80 exhibitors, making it one of the largest antiques and art gatherings in Asia.
Victor Poo She Kiong and Vendy Poo
Raja Dato’ Yasmin Baizura Neeta Bedi
Shan Saeed
THE INSIDER
The International Antiques Fair will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 28 to 31
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Jacques Babando and Elizabeth Galland
malaysia tatler . may 2016
FACES | ONLOOKER Michelle Wan and Gillian Ng
Mohd Yus of, Jenny Cho Dato’ Tan Aik Sim , w and Ch ok Kon Fa tt
Carmen Low
Choong Wei Theng and Thean Siew Li
Cruising Forward
THE INSIDER
Fred Tan and William Tan
A birthday celebration for Datuk Rosyam Nor was also held that night
TSH RESOURCES GALA DINNER Stylish nautical-inspired attires and dapper men and women filled the ballroom of Hilton Kuala Lumpur as TSH Resources celebrated its annual dinner. Guests were treated to a delectable Chinese set-course dinner that was accompanied by a stand-up comedy show by Kuah Jenhan, a performance from the St John Alumni Pipe Band and a fashion show by Zens Production with a lucky draw and prize-giving ceremony also taking place.
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Ho Wei Chung and Bryan Tee Datuk Kelvin Tan
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FACES | ONLOOKER
Mama Mia! MAMA-SAN KL PARTY AND OFFICIAL OPENING Socialites, influencers and celebrities spent their Friday night having a fabulous time at Mama-San, one of the city’s most fashionable dining spots. Mama-San opened for business in Suria KLCC a few months ago and has gained a strong following for its delicious food, stylish interiors and unique cocktails. Attendees included Dato’ Kong Sooi Lin, Vivienne Cheng and Tengku Siska Alisa.
Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing Hubert Hoi, Lexie Rodriguez, Ken Lim and Ferhat Nazri-Aziz
eng and Lee Jim L rah Khan a F ri S ’ Dato
Jessy Lon and Lisa Chan
Yap Teak Sing and Shawna Yap THE INSIDER
Dato’ Tiffanie Marie Lim snuck to the DJ booth to snap a selfie with DJ Arabyrd for her Instagram account Kavita Sidhu, Roberto Guiati and Amarjit Chinna Datin Su Day
Serena C and Ning Baizura
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Datin Sri Barbara Yap and Yap Po Leen
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Non binding recommended retail prices. Some items shown may be available only in selected stores.
Miranda Kerr
Earrings from MYR 415 Necklaces from MYR 415 More to love at SWAROVSKI.COM
FACES | ONLOOKER
Lukcy Sadhwani and Venita Sadhwani
Lena Abdullah, Cynthia Teoh and Esther Vanniasingham
Professor D rT and Datuk Y eo Soo Hwang asmin Yusu ff
Golden Year HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah
Wan Azuar Datuk Wan Daud and Dr Azlina Firzah Abdul Aziz
THE INSIDER
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Guests were treated to a performance by Qistina Batrisyia, a child brain cancer patient who sang We Are One, a Children’s Cancer Awareness Song
Clare Ratnasingham and Dato’ Zubaidah Atan
THE NATIONAL CANCER SOCIETY OF MALAYSIA CELEBRATES 50 YEARS The National Cancer Society of Malaysia celebrated its 50th anniversary milestone with a gala dinner, which also doubled as a charity fundraiser to further aid its cause. The event took place at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and was graced by VIPs including HRH Sultan Nazrin Shah and HRH Tuanku Zara Salim of Perak. The night was accompanied by a jazz performance as well as a dance number by a group of cancer survivors.
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OLA 25
Limited Edition
Pininfarina Design
“ELEGANT, UNPRECEDENTED AND AUDACIOUS”
FACES | ONLOOKER
Teeing Off MAYBANK CHAMPIONSHIP P MALAYSIA COCKTAIL PART TY The inaugural Maybank Championship Malaysia kick-off party was held in style at Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Distinguished guests included some of the world’s best golfers, who traded their golf gears for more dapper and stylish attire. Among them were international golfing greats Paul McGinley, Danny Willett, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Martin Kaymer. Songstress Dasha Logan entertained guests that night with her fine voice.
at Tan Sri Meg in d d u Zahar
Datuk Abdul Farid Alias
Nina Ismail Sabri, Zaida Ibrahim, Vivy Yusof and Angela Karto
Dasha Logan and Renai Mattu
Paul McGinley and Tan Sri Yong Poh Kon
Thongchai Jaidee
Datin Karen Radzi
Royal Touch CO OLLABORATION LIINE LAUNCH Jovian M a Tunku Tu ndagie and n Aminah
Fadza Anuar
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Thhe Tunku Tun Aminah x Jovian collection is a magnificent display of 21 designs that exclusively im mbue the princess’ own personal flair and style into the range. With each outfit being named aftter those nearest and dearest to her, it is clear that this collection represents the timeless, im mmaculate elegance that Tunku Tuun Aminah is renowned for.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
FACES | ONLOOKER Dr Gabriel Sa lgo and Johanna Salg o
Monica Valiram Datin Joanne Yong and Cheryn Ong
Watch This ROLEX DAY-DATE 40 EXHIBITION AT SWISS WATCH GALLERY Held at Rolex’s boutique by Swiss Watch Gallery in Suria KLCC, Rolex fans were invited to engage with the history of the Rolex Day-Date timepiece through an interactive and educational exhibition.
Raymund Sze
Priscilla Ng and Shirley Chan
Ashvin Valiram
Fazura Sharifuddin
Chic Sensation
Tunku Harunnarasheed Putra and Che Puan Amelia Thripura Henderson
Nini Davis and Indah Jonasson
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SPRING/SUMMER FASHION
y Yasmin Hani, Sazz inal Za a ur Az d Falak an
CH Carolina Herrera unveiled its spring/summer 2016 collection and the new Baret Bag in an exclusive evening soiree at its boutique in Suria KLCC. Malaysian celebrity, Fazura Sharifuddin who is a big fan of the brand, shared a selection of her favourites from the latest collection, with fellow fashionable attendees during the event.
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FACES | ONLOOKER
Datin Janet Yeoh
Shining Example TAN SRI MICHELLE YEOH RECEIVES THE OFFICIER DES ARTS ET DES LETTRES AWARD
Lyn Siew and Ian Chong
Malaysian celebrity Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh was recently awarded with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres award by the French government. Presented to her by French Ambassador, His Excellency Christophe Penot, Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh is the first Malaysian to receive the award. The ceremony was attended by her close friends and family members.
Datuk Seri Jean Todt
d enot an Yukimi P tophe Penot s HE Chri
THE INSIDER
The award is presented in recognition for significant contributions to the field of arts or literature
Josephine Yap, Chloe Teoh and YK Loke Megan Fong and Chris Sy
Veron Chew
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Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh
FACES | ONLOOKER Datin Kathleen Chew Wai Lin
Jacqui Walford
THE INSIDER
The money raised was channelled to a school that was set up by the Dignity for Children Foundation
Dato’ Ruby Khong and Datin Julie Yeoh
Teoh Chu Lin Dato’ Ye oh Soo K e and Reb ekah Yeo ng h
One for the Children
Lily Hui and Dato’ Yeoh Soo Min
FUNDRAISING LUNCH
Datin Hasni Mohamad Yusoff
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Freida Eu and Puan Sri Jamilah Sudin
Several women of calibre, including social entrepreneur Rebekah Yeoh, got together to discuss on ways to help the less fortunate. The main aim of the lunch was to raise awareness about the problems that underprivileged kids, refugees and undocumented children face. Pastor Elisha Satvinder also shed some light on projects run by the Dignity for Children Foundation.
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ONLOOKER | FACES Lovely maidens—the top five contestants
Queen of the Night MISS UNIVERSE MALAYSIA GALA NIGHT 2016 and Carey Ng aidu N Swarna
Kiran Jassal
Anabelle CoMartinent and Kong Len Win
Raechel Chong
The grand ballroom of Palace of the Golden Horses hosted the grand finale of Miss Universe Malaysia 2016. A panel of nine judges, comprising Elaine Daly, Awal Ashaari, Sonny San, Dato’ Sri Navneet Goenka, Datuk Wira Rahadian Mahmud Khalil, Shawn Loong, Jeff Lee, Dato’ Dr Ko Chung Beng and Zaihani Mohd Zain were tasked with selecting a deserving queen. Guests were entertained by a contemporary musical theatre show featuring the top 14 finalists, with Kiran Jassal who was crowned at the end.
Sangheetha Kuppusamy and Anne Andrew
Grace Yap and Alan Cheong
Lobbying Change GRAND SALON LOBBY LOUNGE UNVEILING The Palace of the Golden Horses unveiled its newly refurbished Grand Salon Lobby Lounge in an intimate meet and greet cocktail session. The hotel’s general manager Alden Kang was there to greet everyone, followed by a tour of the revamped space.
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M Maniraja
Alden Kang ,T Kim Yew an an Sri Lee d Jacob Isaa c
PHOTOGRAPHY: RACHEL REBIBO
RIGHT ON POINT Jacket by Loewe; top, trousers and sandals by Chloé
M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
STYLE Beautiful things to have and hold
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POSTCARD FROM PARIS Escape to the City of Light with these romantic and airy ensembles that are perfect for the summer
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JET, SET, GO
HACKING IT
ALL FOR MUM
HIS OR HERS
ELIXIR OF YOUTH
Jet-set around the world in style with Michael Kors’ Spring 2016 collection
Hacket Mayfair’s spring/summer 2016 collection will keep you looking fly
Find the perfect gift for mum this Mother’s Day with our specially curated gift-guide
Menswear designers opt for androgynous looks this season with lace shirts and more
Lancôme’s Advance Génifique range will have any woman loving their age
STYLE | NEWS
Jet, Set, Go Jet-set around the world in style with the Spring 2016 Michael Kors Jet Set 6 collection Designed with the jet-setter’s wardrobe in mind, Michael Kors’ Spring 2016 Jet Set 6 collection will awaken your inner desires to travel the world. Starring model Lily Aldridge, the Jet Set 6 campaign sees a shoe-obsessed Aldridge making her way around Los Angeles as she tries to avoid paparazzi in a tongue-in-cheek video. Much like the breezy, fun and glamorous vibe in the video, the collection is the fashion house’s latest offerings from its seasonal must-have shoe wardrobe. From boho-glam gladiator sandals created using rich Vachetta leather to chic white kicks that define the sport-luxe style, to denim and jute laid-back wedges, the Spring 2016 edition which is available on MichealKors.com and in selected Michael Kors lifestyle stores and wholesale stores, features the Sofia gladiator, the Claudia flat, the Maxwell wedge, the Craig sneaker, the Holly sandal and the Jackie sandal.
WHAT’S SMART AND SEXY AND STRIPED ALL OVER? You, silly! Take a linear approach to summer, dressing in stripes of all shapes and sizes. From Dennis the Menace to Where’s Wally, summer’s stripes can be horizontal, vertical, for night, for day—and layered, too.
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WALK OF FAME Model Lily Aldridge fronts the Michael Kors Jet Set 6 campaign
EARN YOUR STRIPES Clockwise from left: Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès
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DISCO FEVER MCM celebrates four decades of design and innovation with its SS16 collection. Sporting a retro theme, the Munich Disco Days collection blends glossy ’70s chic with elements of classic Bauhaus design, bringing the Ziggy Stardust era to life with graphic shapes, fearless Technicolour hues, sparkling studded motifs and trippy polka-dot patterns.
Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé
Let’s be real here, one of the main reasons anyone really watches an awards show is to see who’s wearing what on the red carpet. The Grammy Awards was a teaser that whet our taste buds and prepped us for a hearty main course in the form of the 88th Academy Awards, or Oscars. From sultry lace gowns to sequined emerald gowns, the Oscars satisfied our cravings with true finesse.
Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein Collection
Brie Larson in Gucci
WHO, WHAT, WHERE?
BAG IT Born from the encounter between traditional know-how of leather working ateliers and an urban vision of today’s woman, Dior presents its latest Diorever bag. Much like its name, the bag is designed with architectural lines, a reversible flap and a metallic clasp making it timeless and truly stunning.
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TATLER FOCUS | OPTIMAX
Third Generation Lasik Over two decades, Optimax has grown from an eye care clinic into a large specialist healthcare service provider. Its expertise in LASIK surgery is only the tip of the iceberg of what they have to boast about
A EYEING THE FUTURE The Optimax eye specialist hospital in Penang; modern amenities and trained professionals at work
s they say, the eyes are the windows to the soul. Yet, for some, the gift of sight—like all the five senses that we are born and blessed with—is something that is taken for granted by mankind. One should always strive to be on top of things when it comes to the health of your eyes. Thankfully, with an eye care specialist centre like Optimax at your service, you can rest easy knowing you always have a place to count on for all matters concerning eyesight. Affiliated with Optimax United Kingdom, one of the largest providers of laser refractive surgery in Britain, Optimax was established in 1995. Optimax has 21 years of experience under its belt, having started off as a refractive surgery clinic in Kuala Lumpur before growing into a widely connected specialist eye care centre in the country. At the moment, clients can also have a variety of treatments and services to
choose from depending on their needs and prescriptions, ranging from eye examinations, laser vision correction, refractive lens exchange to implantable contact lenses, ortho-K and even eye disease management. Optimax also has an impressive roster of prominent names in Malaysian ophthalmology across its centres all around Malaysia. Its long-term presence in the field of eye care in Malaysia, spanning two decades, has also given Optimax room to spread its wings and play a role in developing the nation’s eye care expertise with skills, technology and infrastructure. In the early days, Optimax started off with the Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) procedure, which had a rather slow vision recovery rate. Technology then evolved into laser eye surgery (LASIK) by making a flap on a patient’s cornea, which had the same results as PRK but with faster recovery periods and lesser discomfort to the patient. The revolution
doesn’t stop there, though. Over the years, improvements in laser technology have made it possible for better and more predictable surgery outcomes. Now, the evolution of laser technology comes in the form of the ReLEx Smile procedure, where you do not even have to make a flap on the cornea—which results in a procedure that can provide the patient with fewer post operative complications and more comfort after treatment while maintaining the benefits of all the other methods. Minimally invasive, and innovative, this correction technique for short-sightedness and astigmatism uses a four millimetre incision instead of a flap cut, which helps preserve more corneal tissue in your eyes as well. Optimax was one of the first to have performed this treatment in Malaysia and has since become an authority on the matter. Optimax is also ISO certified with clinical results being audited in compliance with the Healthcare Performance Measurement and Reporting System (HPMRS). They have a number of professionals involved in their operations, including in-house engineers and doctors specialising in vitreoretinal, cornea treatment and even paediatrics.
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VISION OF EXCELLENCE An inside look of the Optimax headquarters in TTDI; meet some of the faces behind Optimax (from left) Dr Chuah Kay Leong, Dr Stephen Chung Soon Hee and CEO, Sandy Tan
With these technologically advanced surgeries and skilled experts to add to its credibility, Optimax has been actively expanding its portfolio to encompass other components of healthcare in a holistic manner. The eye care provider also opened a private eye specialist hospital in Penang with two more centres now open in Sri Petaling and Ipoh. Another venture worth mentioning by Optimax is its Sena Clinic, a subsidiary of Optimax which provides healthcare services across different disciplines for people across all walks of lives. Aiming to be a one-stop centre that manages an individual’s health and educates the public on wellness, physically and holistically, Sena Clinic––like its Optimax centres before that––is certainly poised for success. Having treated 100,000 eyes already, Optimax which adopts the Vision for Life programme is very certain of their services and offers a lifetime warranty for patients—one of the reasons they won the Frost and Sullivan award under the category of eye care centre (LASIK). Visit optimax2u.com for more info. Q
Face On, Front and Centre Xavier Dolan returns to Louis Vuitton this spring/summer in a new campaign Following the success of Xavier Dolan’s first Louis Vuitton campaign, the luxury French fashion house has once again called upon the actor and director to front its new advertising campaign for spring/summer 2016. Returning as the embodiment of the Louis Vuitton man, the campaign, shot by Alasdair McLellan showcases the S/S 2016 collection designed by Kim Jones, the men’s artistic director of the maison.
THE VERSACE MAN Clockwise from left: Clutch, cap, bag and shoe from the spring/summer 2016 collection
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Best known for his French featurelength film, J’ai tué ma mere, Dolan is seen wearing sportswear-inspired ‘souvenir jackets’ with refined embroidery, made using artisanal techniques from Southeast Asian countries Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. The collection also offers bags, shoes and accessories crafted in the iconic Epi and Taiga leathers which offer a new sobriety and sophistication.
TAKING CHARGE Designed for brave men who are pioneers in every part of their lives, the Versace spring/ summer 2016 collection is one of refined mood and tones. Featuring zip-up blousons in perforated leather, printed nylon and Greek Key silk ties, the vast collection also includes long shirts, longsleeve tees, silk-jersey headscarves and footwear.
malaysia tatler . may 2016
NEWS | STYLE
LIVING THE JEAN DREAM Nothing says chilled-out operator quite like denim trainers or trunks… LABEL LOVER
Yuko Minamide EDO KOMON Designer Yuko Minamide, originally from Tokyo, Japan, Yuko moved to London in 1997. There, she graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a master’s degree in design product in 2003 and went on to work at Barber Osgerby and Adjaye/Associates after. Having moved back to Tokyo in 2007, the designer has held exhibitions at Wonder Box, New City Art Fair New York, Ambiente in Frankfurt, Fourisalone Milano Design Week in Milan and more. Known for her delicate craft, Yuko Minamide has produced some of the finest men’s scarves for Edo Komon. Done through a vigorous progress that includes designing the template by engraving and dyeing and
Dior Homme
Dolce & Gabbana
steaming silk, Edo Komon is known for its use of traditional workmanship and is currently one of the most prominent brands in Japan.
Loro Piana
Marwood, available at Mr Porter
WHISKY SHADES
Scotch whisky brand Glenmorangie partnered with Finlay & Co to design sunglasses from their whisky casks. Designed and handcrafted in Britain, the sunglasses are done to display its unique grain, natural finish and can be personally engraved for each customer. malaysia tatler . may 2016
Jimmy Choo
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STYLE | PROFILE Chanel watch
YSL wallet
Custommade earrings
I like using studs with everything ON POINT Always sure of what she wants, Karina Grewal exudes an air of confidence regardless of what she wears
Gucci perfume
Spontaneity at Best
I
am very spontaneous when it comes to dressing,” Karina Grewal shares when asked about her sense of style. Admitting that she dresses based on how she feels, Karina can be seen in something elegant, funky or sexy, depending on the occasion. “My mom and sister have both always been very fashionable. I look up to them a lot when it comes to fashion,” says Karina who has been into fashion and makeup from a young age. As someone who prefers to let her dressing do the talking, the daughter of lawyer Harpal Singh Grewal always sticks to minimal accessorising. “I like using studs with everything, but I don’t go overboard with them. I like alternating between either a statement necklace or a pair of earrings because the jewellery I wear doesn’t only depend on my outfit but also my makeup,” shares Karina.
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Louis Vuitton handbag
Giuseppe Zanotti heels
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WORDS: BRYNA KAUR; PHOTOGRAPHY: SEAN WONG
Carefree with a spontaneous nature, Karina Grewal’s style is a burst of energy and charm, much like her personality
STYLE | FASHION
Hacking It Hackett Mayfair’s spring/ summer 2016 collection will keep you looking fly
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DO IT A LA DON DRAPER Look dapper in a check suit that will take a busy executive from the office to a night out on the town
breasted suit, made using British wool from the prestigious Fox Brothers mil. To complete the look, the luxury fashion house is also offering a range of Egyptian luxury cotton shirts made from Giza 87 cotton as well as accessories made from saffiano leather. Highlights include cabin holdalls, document cases and briefcases while small document wallets, also made from saffiano leather, are available in bright orange—adding a pop of colour to the collection. So, step up your game and look effortlessly dapper with the Hackett Mayfair S/S16 collection which is now available across global Hackett stores. @ malaysia tatler . may 2016
WORDS: BRYNA KAUR; IMAGES: HACKETT LONDON
s the summer sun shines bright and a cool wind breezes through, it is no surprise that this is the season where everyone comes out to play. Soaking up the season’s offerings, spring/summer also marks a time to be seen, which means one would need to step up their fashion game. A modern reflection that is inspired by the successful man and his sartorial requirements, Hackett Mayfair’s S/S 2016 collection offers pieces to take the urban gentleman from his office to a restaurant or a cocktail bar, looking effortlessly stylish and turning heads wherever he goes. Made up off highly luxurious fabrics, the collection offers a colour palette of blue, cream, green, tan and grey and consists of lightweight deconstructed jackets which are best worn over pique or cotton polos teamed with chinos. A true sentiment of the perfect wear for British summer days and nights, key pieces from the collection include the lightweight Prince of Wales check jacket in blue and the silk blend check jacket in tan. Suede makes a prominent appearance in Hackett Mayfair’s collection with creations such as a suede bomber jacket and quilted gilet, while a four-pocket suede jacket in tan makes for a standout piece in the collection. If your taste runs to the more traditional, check suits that are tailored in classic and slim fitting styles dominate Hackett Mayfair’s collection. Using the finest fabrics and trims, the designs include the classic navy check six button double-breasted suit in a straight hemmed style, made from luxurious Loro Piana wool and a classic grey check single-
#WE ARE MALAYSIATATLER.COM
Dato’ Bernard Chandran #couturier #kingoffashion #bernardchandran
FASHION | STYLE
GLAMOUR FROM DAY TO NIGHT Roger Vivier is a master of juxtaposition. Being both bold and demure, classic and modern, it is versatile enough to be worn round-the-clock, as three society darlings show us how Photography Kim Mun from HopScotch studio Styling Melium Group
THE WORLD OF ROGER VIVIER IS A GLAMOROUS ONE, UNMISTAKABLY. i , i . i
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Given a colourful overhaul, the Roger Vivier Prismick bag perfectly complements Esha Geneid’s vibrant personality, while the Belle Vivier Trompette pumps keep it classy. Top and skirt by Maticevski from Aseana
STYLE | FASHION Roger Vivier Pilgrim De Jour bag and Belle Vivier Trompette pumps in pretty pink have just the right amount of playfulness and ladylike charm, reflecting Chryseis Tan’s feminine sartorial taste. Top and skirt by Mary Kantrantzou from Aseana
AT TIMES, VIVIER WOULD PLACE A FLOURISHING FABRIC BOUQUET ON MULES, TO EVOKE THE SPLENDOUR OF SPRING IN EVERY FOOTSTEP. Other days saw him embellishing pumps with pheasant feathers, showcasing a rigorous standard of craftsmanship. He even boldly ventured out into jewellery, designing footwear and accessories encrusted with gemstones and dripping with beads. To describe Roger Vivier as spirited is certainly fitting, though it is also imperative to point out that its exuberance does not reflect the ostentation that is sometimes associated with luxury fashion. Beyond its eccentric, photogenic facade, the eponymous label truly respects the tradition of an exceptional savoir-faire.
Highly versatile, Roger Vivier Belle Vivier Trompette Crystal pumps are a wardrobe essential that gets Lee Jim Leng through a hectic day. Top and skirt by Simone Rocha from Aseana
“All I need is a pair of Roger Vivier, which takes me from day to night, from desk to drinks�
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Roger Vivier Night Crystal Pilgrim clutch and Belle De Nuit Crystal pumps are reliable company for functions and fashion during the night. Jacket and dress by Farah Khan
MADE IT TO THE LIST, REVEALING ROGER VIVIER’S UTILITARIAN AND SENSIBLE FACET. The statement is further bolstered by Lee Jim Leng who has been a devotee of the brand. “One of the focal points of Roger Vivier’s designs is comfort,” she says. Standing at the helm of Hong Leong Investment Bank, this lady is constantly balancing the equilibrium between a hectic career and an exciting social life. Finding the right pair of shoes and accessories thus becomes all the more important. “All I need is a pair of Roger Vivier, which takes me from day to night, from desk to drinks.” And that is exactly what Roger Vivier’s creations are made for: a silhouette that encapsulates many characteristics—aesthetics and functionality; elegance and playfulness—carving a niche that it proudly calls its own.
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FASHION | STYLE
Shimmery or neutraltoned, Roger Vivier completes any evening look. Chryseis is wearing a dress by Marchesa from Aseana paired with the Roger Vivier Night Crystal Pilgrim clutch. Esha’s dress is by Farah Khan. On their feet are Roger Vivier Belle De Nuit pumps
Chanel-ling Nature Karl Lagerfeld takes a break from the hustle and bustle of the
K
arl lagerfeld departs from Chanel airport and adjourns to a more chilled out route for the Chanel S/S16 haute couture collection. Where previously it was a scene that conveyed the constant movement of travellers in a chic airport, this time Lagerfeld transformed the Grand Palais into a Zen space, featuring a large neat garden and a beautiful wooden house. The eco-conscious theme carries on to the haute couture collection, featuring lightweight materials, natural colours, and fabrics embroidered with fragments such as shavings of wood, small tiles and patterns
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of bees, birds and flowers—Lagerfeld’s idea of incorporating nature into the collection. Paying tribute to Gabrielle Chanel who was dubbed the queen of beige, the collection features a neutral palette such as ecru, ivory, sand, dove, putty, taupe and mocha. The silhouette is the focus here, as Lagerfeld plays with inverted volumes: short tweed jackets with oval sleeves, worn with long pencil skirts or fitted jackets coupled with full skirts. Chiffon, tulle and lamé organza are seen on blouses, skirts and ethereal dresses. To cap it all off, the evening look is punctuated with strapless dresses, satin charmeuse dresses and trousers complemented with painted capes, wide-cut boleros or embroidered jackets. malaysia tatler . may 2016
WORDS: BRYNA KAUR; IMAGES: CHANEL
airport, opting for a more Zen feel in Chanel’s spring/summer 2016 haute couture collection
FASHION | STYLE
The eco-conscious theme features fabrics embroidered with fragments such as shavings of wood, small tiles, and patterns of bees, birds and flowers
HIGH-TECH Apart from the sumptuous detailing on the outfits, models are seen wearing a matching smartphone pouch throughout the show
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TATLER FOCUS | POH KONG
A Touch of Glamour
Looking for something special for your mum this Mother’s Day? Be spoilt for choice by Poh Kong
C
onvey your love and gratitude to the woman who made a world of difference in your life, with a gift that reflects your feelings. It is important to express how much we love the most important woman in our lives, and what better way than by giving them something special and beautiful this Mother’s Day, or any other day in fact. Poh Kong exclusively carries the Schoeffel pearl collection which has a unique baroque necklace featuring exceptionally rare-sized, cultured freshwater pearls. Plus, the collection also features the Schoeffel Collier Tahiti Pearl in shades of dark lustre and Akoya pearls that exude feminine charm. Besides that, Poh Kong also presents the Angel Diamond collection which is world’s most brilliant ideal square diamond, bedazzling any woman by its sheer elegance and allure. The highly in demand Jadeite collection showcases jewellery of immaculate craftsmanship and distinctive quality. With jadeite that shines through with tasteful embellishments of sparkling diamonds that complement each piece of jewellery, it adds to the glamour of those who wear it. These collections are available at selected Poh Kong outlets, Poh Kong Gallery, Diamond & Gold and Diamond Boutique. For more information, visit Poh Kong’s online platforms— Website: pohkong.com.my Facebook: pohkongjewellers Instagram: pohkongmy Q
GIFTS TO CHERISH Mesmerising collections that will captivate the queen of your heart
STYLE | FASHION
All for
MUM
Mother’s Day is here and it is time to shower the queen of your heart with all things luxurious and beautiful because she deserves nothing but the best
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MUM’S BEST FRIEND ND Identifying y g the rose o as the traditiional syymbol of love and appreciation, Piaget uses the queen of flowers to serve as an everlasting ode to a mother’s love and kindness. Available in necklaces, rings, and earrings in pink and white gold, each design of the Piaget Rose (above, in pink gold) is accompanied by brilliant-cut diamonds. Building on its timeless Delta collection, Swarovski introduces a classy pair of pierced earrings (bottom right) featuring crystal pearls and iconic V-shaped designs in rhodium-plated metal and crystal pavé. Highly fashionable, these earrings impeccably complement a mother’s graceful demeanour.
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WORDS: BRYNA KAUR
mother’s love is unmeasurable. My mum once told me that no n matter how old I am, she will never stop worrying about my wellbeing. As a child, we nevver fices for truly know how much a mother sacrifi us, until we have become parents oursselves. Abraham Lincoln was quoted as sayingg “All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my aangel mother,” which for most of us fortunate ones, is true. It does not take much to make a mother feel appreciated; sometimes all it takes is a phone call, especially for thoose who are living apart. Much like Valentine’s Day, there is one o day every year that is specially dedicated to mothers and this year, that day falls on May 8th. This Mother’s Day, skip the typical brunch or teas and predictable spa treatments and present your mother with something a little more thoughtful, stylish and luxurious. Now, we at Malaysia Tatler understand that buying gifts are never easy—especially when you are trying to show your mother how much you appreciate and love her. Very well aware of this, we have conjured up a gift guide to help you get the perfect gift to thank your mother for being the amazing and beautiful person she is.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA Salvatore Ferragamo’s Rainbow Stripe Leather Aileen Shoulder Bag (right) makes a stunning gift for mothers who are big fans of colours. Easily paired with a classic black dress or even a daring bold coloured outfit, this colourful bag is sure to add some spark to your mother’s collection. Apart from that, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Sofia Patchwork Satchel (above) serves as the perfect gift for mothers who prefer something a little more subtle yet statement making at the same time. Suitable for most everyday occasions, the elegant bag is detailed with the brand’s Gancio closure and features a high-contrast patchwork design of fur and exotic skins.
On the apparel front, Versace’s new Emoji T-shirts (left) make it just in time for Mother’s Day. Emblazoned with the iconic Medusa Emoji, a smiley face with a range of different playful expressions and styles, you get to pick the one that best describes and suits your mum. Not one for T-shirts? Then the luxury fashion house’s Palazzo Empire Bag (far left) is for her. Crafted in the finest calfskin or exotic leathers such as python, the bag can be carried either in the hand or across the body. The Palazzo canvas backpack with leather straps is another great alternative.
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STYLE | FASHION
FOR THE GO-GETTER Add a touch of vibrancy to your mum’s bag collection with a Soft Swagger from Coach (right). This is an updated version of the classic Swagger. Slimmer, lighter and more compact, the new Soft Swagger is durable and comes complete with a multifunctional strap allowing for the bag to be used over-theshoulder or as a crossbody bag. Available in metallic hues and bright canary yellow among other Spring 2016 colours, the bag features a timeless silhouette, too. Is your mum constantly on the go? Then the Voyageur Halle Backpack by Tumi (bottom left) is guaranteed to add vivacity and positive vibes to her busy schedule. Featuring a padded laptop compartment and heaps of interior pockets, the lightweight backpack is practical for work, travel or weekend adventures. If you are looking for something a little bigger for mum, then opt for the Tumi VaporLite Medium Trip Packing Case (bottom right). Extremely lightweight and durable, the case comes complete with pockets, compartments and straps on the inside and features a hardshell casing that is resistant to scratches.
SWEET AND STRONG Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana (above) is a fragrance that has a delicate balance between sense-pleasing allure and innovation in the art of perfumed composition. Much like the grace, tenderness and strength of a mother, the perfume is a gentle mix of white flowers, Neroli leaves and the South African Amaryllis. Dolce’s signature floral scent is counterbalanced by the background of warm musky notes and complex accents of Cashmeran, packaged in an elegant bottle topped by a flower stopper reminiscent of marzipan creations by Sicilian confectioners.
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For the strong and tough mums, Gucci Bamboo (above) makes the cut as the fragrance emanates a woman’s diverse sides: her femininity, confidence, savvy and strength. Its natural and resonant ingredients exude woody and warm notes that strike a complementary contrast with the exotic floral notes of soft Casablanca Lily, feminine orange blossom and delicate ylang ylang.
REFINED TASTES Surprise mum with the gorgeous RendezVous Ivy Tourbillon (below) by JaegerLeCoultre. Powered by the Calibre JaegerLeCoultre 978, the watch embodies the expert blend of high jewellery and fine watchmaking. Measuring 39mm in diameter, the watch features a sparkling row of diamonds forming a delicate wreath along its bezel. The pièce de résistance are the ivy motifs that appear to surge from the
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tourbillon to bloom on the dial. Available in a plum satin strap with a diamond-set white gold case, this watch will leave mum feeling on top of the world. For something delicate but equally stunning, the Faubourg Joaillerie watch by Hermès (top right) fits the bill. Designed to drape on the wrist with supple elegance, this beauty positively glitters with light due to its artistic arrangement of 652 diamonds. It measures a diminutive 16.3mm in diameter, yet every space on the dial is seamlessly patterned with 112 diamonds. Powered by a Swiss-made Quartz movement, this timepiece makes for an extraordinary gift, fitting for the queen that mum is.
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STYLE | FASHION
POST CARD FROM PARIS Escape to the City of Light with these romantic and airy ensembles—perfect for the summer
Photography RACHEL REBIBO Styling JUSTINE LEE
SHEER VENEER Dress by Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci; heels by Christian Dior; socks by Wolford; bracelet by Louis Vuitton
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FRILL SEEKER This page: Top and skirt by Chanel; top (inside) by Lanvin; shoes by Louis Vuitton. Opposite page: Top, trousers and earring by Louis Vuitton
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HAIR: YUMIKO HIKAGE; MAKE-UP: KASIA FURTAK; MODEL: DOMINIKA AT MARILYN AGENCY; STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: ANDREA DE SAINT ANDRIEU
FLORAL AFFAIR This page: Dress and shoes by Alexander McQueen; bracelet by Louis Vuitton. Opposite page: Jacket and dress by Saint Laurent; choker stylist’s own
MEN | STYLE
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SURF’S UP
STYLE | BEAUTY
FAMILIAR FACE
The accomplished Isabella Rossellini was the first face of Lancôme in 1983. Today, at 63 years of age, she is a muse for maison Lancôme
Elixir of Youth Unleash your inner beauty and look as young as you feel with the aid of Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique
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or the last 80 years, Lancôme has been a trustworthy beauty partner to many women by listening to their actual needs and giving them some of the best solutions based on avant-garde science. The iconic Génifique range, which has won over 150 awards worldwide, lies at the heart of Lancôme’s vision of beauty and femininity. It promises to make you love your age—a message delivered by four of Lancôme’s ambassadresses: Kate Winslet, Penélope Cruz, Lupita Nyong’o and Lily Collins, in a film created as a statement of faith in the power of
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positive emotions and their ability to change lives. These four actresses were chosen by Lancôme as all are socially engaged and emancipated women, as well as contemporary icons who have successfully transformed their dream into reality, even if it has meant discrediting a few age-related clichés. Just like its ambassadresses, Lancôme invites all women to pursue their desires and shrug off the constraints of age by revealing a new facet of the Advanced Génifique youth activator serum, which offers noticeable results in just seven days. Fresh and enveloping on application, the serum leaves behind a subtle halo of softness combined with a sensation of plumped skin. malaysia tatler . may 2016
TROPICAL TONES This summer, NARS makes a getaway with its limited-edition line, featuring new Lip Covers and Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows encased in unique packaging. Inspired by François Nars’ love of the lens and the French Riviera, the packaging’s illustrations were designed by Konstantin Kakanias.
FAIR PLAY Achieve radiance with these enhanced skin whitening and brightening ranges ESTÉE LAUDER For glowing porcelain skin, be sure to try out the new and improved Re-Nutriv Radiant White AgeRenewal collection
SK-II Target current and hidden spots caused by UV damage with SK-II’s GenOptics whitening skincare range
FEATHERLIGHT SENSATION
Those requiring comfortable all-day makeup will be glad to hear of a new generation of compact foundations, designed to meet the demands of active women. Chanel’s Le Teint Ultra Tenue Compact provides a light and silky powder texture that blends perfectly with each contour of the face for the perfect coverage.
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SULWHASOO The upgraded Snowise Line from Sulwhasoo contains a more concentrated formula of precious White Ginseng to brighten skin
STRONG HOLD If you’re bored of your same old daily hair style, then switch it up with the help of Shiseido Professional’s Stage Works line. Inspired by the steps involved in applying cosmetics, this inventive line offers products for pre-hair styling, base hair styling and hair styling finish including products like the Air Feel Wave styling spray.
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STYLE | BEAUTY Giamba’s models paired pink eyeshadow with punky pink tresses
Dior
Pink eye—not words associated with fresh-faced sexiness, yet on the spring runways fuchsias and peaches were swept across lids, lashes and even brows. Novices nervous of the been-crying-allnight, hay-fever look should opt for a rose gold smoky shadow, while punchier punk princesses should embrace popping candy-coloured tones. Done well, this look is disarmingly fresh and pretty. Try it—you might just be tickled pink.
Pret-A-Porter Eye Shadow Palette by Surratt
Eyes to Mesmerise in Jean by Charlotte Tilbury
Y S O R S ’ of UTURE e queens
T H E F pink is just for girlie gfliralst?terTinogacll oylour of all t Who says ’s reclaim the mos cool: let
( ') ) 3 n ! ! 3 ) % ! ! 3 +% 3 +% ' Multi-Stick Multi M Stick (f (for eyes eyes, cheeks and lips) in Tenderly by Ilia Kisses Gloss in Tangerine by Burberry
Yes, you love your lipstick. But is it really giving you that “Look, aren’t I glowy and sweet and probably taste like sweets� kissableness? No, it’s not. So whip out the magic wand and slick on some shine because glossy smooches are back ... and nothing says pucker up like a perfectly polished pout.
Ecstasy Lacquer in Uptown by Giorgio Armani
Tint in Gelato in Peach by Shu Uemura
#Get Dirty Lip Cover in Desert Rose by Nars
Dewy-faced Dior girls wore a barely-there slick of pink on lids and lips
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PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON LLOYD-EVANS (MODELS)
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BEAUTY INSIDER | STYLE
LOVE YOURSELF There’s no shortcut to beauty, only self-discipline and smart management of time. Tan Soo Yin of AsterSpring International talks about the importance of making time for your beauty needs
NO EXCUSES Despite her busy schedule, Tan Soo Yin makes time for self-care —everything matters, is her beauty motto
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hen it comes to owning beautiful skin, modern women look for the fastest way. Constantly pressed for time, women turn to quick fixes like injections or surgeries because they want instant results. But the truth is, these enhancements will not be permanent if you do not make a commitment to self-care and maintenance. From your observation, what are the top three biggest skin concerns commonly faced by AsterSpring customers? Many AsterSpring customers’ skin concerns include resolving signs of ageing, dehydration and pigmentation. This is because signs of ageing start when we are 20 years old, including wrinkles, sagging, thickening and hollowing in our faces.
WORDS: LILY ONG; PHOTOGRAPHY: ALLAN CASAL
What would you say are really important beauty habits to practice? Consistent commitment to our beauty habits is important to ensure optimal skin health. At AsterSpring, customers enjoy professional skin treatments every two to three weeks to boost results, which they can best maintain with good quality products, including Dermalogica skincare, Youngblood mineral cosmetics, Davines haircare and Bioxil
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Tan Soo Yin, the senior regional education manager of AsterSpring International, firmly believes in this. “My beauty secret is ‘everything matters’ as every aspect of our daily routine contributes to our appearance. This involves the wellbeing of body and mind through regular facial treatments and usage of skincare products, as well as gym workouts, watching your diet and doing a ‘spiritual’ detox regularly,” says Tan, who counts 32 years of experience in the beauty industry underneath her belt. Innertreats. Regarding skincare, basic routines typically involve a cleanser, toner and moisturiser. However, to maximise skin health, it is important to also use exfoliants, serums, boosters, masques and SPF protection. Women often say they are too ‘busy’ for selfcare. What do you say to that? Beauty is a simple discipline. With practice, a five-minute daily routine during the day and night is sufficient enough to care for your skin. Similarly, a quick and effective facial treatment can be done in 20 minutes, for example, AsterSpring’s LPG Endermologie Treatment. What self-skincare massage techniques would you suggest every women should learn and why? There are two massage techniques that I would highly recommend, namely the Digito (Point) Massage for eye and Lifting Massage for the
neck contour. As you know, age is always a woman’s secret, however, our eyes and necks often give away our biological age. These particular areas are more prone to showing signs of ageing because of their more fragile and delicate skin structure. How do you ‘measure’ healthy skin? Generally, the gauge for healthy skin is by its radiance and glow. As a general rule of thumb, after one’s cleansing routine, the skin should be bare and still feel as if it is sufficiently self-hydrated. In your opinion, how often should one have a facial done? We should have professional facial treatment at least once a month. This is because our skin renewal cycle takes 28 days to complete. Thus our skin cells rejuvenate and go through a unique turnover to maintain its proper function during that time.
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M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
STYLE
IMAGE: LOUIS VUITTON
BLOSSOMING BUSINESS Hamdi Chatti from Louis Vuitton’s watches and jewellery division has huge ambitions for the brand’s potential and growth—see page 164
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SOFIA’S CHOIC
TURNING BACK TIME
TOURBILL LON TOUR
POETIC NS CREATION
AU NATUREL
Jaeger-LeCo oultre’s most iconic timepiece t is 85 years old o
Richard Mille e gives a modern spin to the classical tourrbillon
Van Cleef & Arpels A deems timele essness as a benchm mark
Friend of Carrtier and style influ uencer Sofia Coppola on the allure of watc ches
Stand out and rock the raw look with jewellery pieces set with partially polished stones
STYLE | WATCHES NEED FOR SPEED As part of their newly formed relationship, Richard Mille will support Aston Martin in a series of endurance races it is participating in
Iconic Ties Luxury brands Aston Martin and Richard Mille seal the deal for a global partnership that brings the best of their brand signatures together
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ritish luxury sports car marque Aston Martin and Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille recently announced a longterm global partnership. The collaboration will see Richard Mille and his skilled group of developers and watchmakers work directly with the design team at Aston Martin led by chief creative officer Marek Reichman on an exciting new collection of
exclusive Richard Mille watches featuring the iconic Aston Martin wings. Both companies will combine the iconic designs of their luxury products with cutting-edge technologies and sophisticated materials, which will remain at the core of the new watch collection. In addition, Richard Mille will be supporting the Aston Martin Racing team in the FIA World Endurance Championship, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 24 Hours Nürburgring races.
LESS IS MORE
The L.U.C collection by Chopard has always been a special one for the brand because it was the first contemporary watch produced under its modern manufacture. This year, the timepiece is revisited via the L.U.C XPS 1860, which features an ultrathin case and a second counter at 6 o’clock. 150
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COME FLY AWAY
IWC Schaffhausen hosted a celebrity-studded party at SIHH this year, inviting guests to go back in time to the 1930s in honour of the decade that its famous Pilot watch was born. Jazz and swing were the music of the night, setting the mood for attendees to let loose. TABLE TALK Lasting Laureate In 1975, GirardPerregaux introduced the Laureato, a watch that was coveted at the time for its unique shape, materials and movement. Inspired by the film The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft, the name of the watch was suggested by the Italian distributor of Girard-Perregaux. This timepiece is honoured once again with a limited edition release of 225 pieces this year, representing a modernised interpretation of a timeless classic.
BACK TO BLACK
Bulgari’s Octo Ultranero is a watch for the modern man. Choose from an allblack watch in DLCcoated steel fitted with a black rubber strap or the DLC-coated case with a pink gold bezel and crown. malaysia tatler . may 2016
These stunning clocks prove that haute horology is not always confined to wristwatches Crystal Clear Selected for its purity, rock crystal makes up the body of Vacheron Constantin’s first Métiers d’Art Arca clock. Its silver base is decorated with guilloche and grand feu enamelling.
Sculptural Stunner Part artwork and part horological wonder, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos Marqueterie Céleste clock’s open-worked dial is presented in a mother-of-pearl ring, with a moon phase using a lapis lazuli disc.
Mane Event Three mechanisms drive Parmigiani’s Hippologia: the automaton itself (in the form of a mare and her foal), another to display the time, and a third to trigger the automaton. A diamond-set window shows the time.
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Sofia’s Choice
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BLING RING Sofia Coppola believes that there’s nothing like a little piece of jewellery to liven up one’s ensemble
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here is an aura of mystery around Sofia Coppola. The world of film is a part of her lineage; her father is eminent director Francis Ford Coppola, the man behind The Godfather movies, while her cousins are famous actors Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman. While she started her career by acting in her father’s movies, she eventually transitioned to behind the camera, beginning with The Virgin Suicides in 1999, a critically acclaimed movie that propelled her into fame. Then along came Lost in Translation in 2003, a film starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson that earned Coppola her first Oscar award for best original screenplay and
the recognition of being the third woman to be nominated for a best director award. She then went on to direct Marie Antoinette and Somewhere, and her 2013 directorial effort, The Bling Ring, earned rave reviews. She is also a mother to two young girls, with French musician Thomas Mars. With her European looks, svelte figure and refined taste in clothes, Coppola is one of the most photographed figures on the red carpet whenever she makes an appearance. Marc Jacobs’ muse and a previous director for Dior ads, her career in fashion began at the age of 15, when she interned at Chanel. Living in Paris, it seemed natural that this impeccably chic lady would develop an affinity for Cartier jewellery and watches; first as a private client, which then organically progressed to a longterm friendship and relationship. malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMAGES: CARTIER
She’s from cinema royalty and talented in her own right. Sofia Coppola talks about elegance and style as defined by her friendship with the house of Cartier, writes Lily Ong
WATCHES | STYLE
“I like Cartier’s smooth use of metal and simplicity. They don’t overdo anything”
What does Cartier represent to you? Cartier has always been linked to creative people who appreciate design like Saint Laurent. For me, Cartier is the ultimate and gives you this idea of adorning yourself. There’s something very cool about the Cartier style, it’s not overly ornate. I guess it’s just classic and timeless. I bought that mini tank over 10 years ago and I still love it. Cartier, due to its heritage, craftsmanship and history, makes pieces that you keep your entire life. You mentioned that Cartier has playfulness. Can you elaborate on that? Yes, Cartier has playfulness and they have pieces that come apart and turn into other things. There’s something fun about discovering that. Cartier has always been focused on the power of design and aesthetic. Does that give reason for the timelessness of the maison? Yes. I love all their designs from the ’40s and throughout. A great Cartier piece has its own voice and really
“I have always loved Cartier, it represents the height of beauty, heritage, craftsmanship and history,” enthuses Coppola. In return, the house of Cartier repaid the compliment by praising her talent, creativity, style, distinctive vision and voice. Treasured items in her personal collection of jewellery consist of her Cartier wedding ring, a mini tank watch, bracelets from the Menotte, the Nouvelle Vague, the Trinity and Love collections as well as a panther ring given by her husband. “Cartier is versatile,” she remarks. Here, she shares with Malaysia Tatler her fascination with the watchmakerjeweller and how the brand fits into her own jet-setting lifestyle. malaysia tatler . may 2016
stands out. The designs are also substantial and feel heavy on your skin. I like Cartier’s smooth use of metal and simplicity. They don’t overdo anything. You’re known for your select choice of accessories. Are you someone who wears the same pieces all the time or do you occasionally vary? I go through phases. Every day I wear the same thing, my Clé de Cartier watch and my Nouvelle Vague bracelet. They go with everything so I don’t have to think about them. Then in the evening, I’ll put on a beautiful bracelet or necklace because it gives a more ‘I’m going out to dinner’ feel. Are you someone who always has a watch on her wrist? If so, why? I do because it’s a habit. And I feel the younger generation just use their phones. I like wearing a watch, viewing it as a piece of jewellery and not just a practical item. For my work, a watch is essential. When you’re on set and only have five minutes to get a scene, you’re always aware of the time. You’re one of those versatile style icons that look great dressed up or down. Does the Clé de Cartier watch have the same versatility? Definitely. You can wear this watch during the day or at night. It goes with everything and makes you look a little more put together. It is never out of place. It’s beautiful, understated yet when you really look at it, it says something. It just doesn’t call out for attention. What else do you love about wearing the Clé? What drew you to the timepiece? The Clé de Cartier is low-key yet people notice the watch and pay compliments. I love that it’s for men and women.
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STYLE | WATCHES
TALENTED POOL Personalisation means exclusivity and Jaeger-LeCoultre has a team of dedicated watchmakers who can customise your Reverso to your heart’s desires
Turning Back Time
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ighty five years is a significant amount of time. In 1931, landmark icon the Empire State Building was opened for the first time and that same year, renowned actor and cultural icon of teenage rebellion James Dean first drew breath. It was also the year when famed haute horologist Jaeger-LeCoultre released the legendary Reverso, a unique timepiece that allowed the wearer to flip the watch’s face to reveal a hidden back plate for personalisation. This year marks the 85th anniversary of this incredible wristwatch, with three new expressions to characterise this
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stylish art deco timepiece. The first of three is the Reverso Classic collection, an expression defined by the original styling of its geometrical case, gadroons, straight Arabic numerals and all the other qualities that correspond to the golden ratio theory developed by ancient philosophers. This collection pays tribute to the Reverso’s classic identity codes and features authenticity through three models. Then comes the Reverso Tribute expression, inspired by the maison’s watchmaking expertise and technical innovations therefore allowing for truly stunning pieces intended for connoisseurs. While the Tribute watches also stand out malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMAGES: JAEGER-LECOULTRE
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legendary timepiece turns 85 this year and with such a milestone comes fresh interpretations, writes Tien Chew
“When you have to manage an icon you have to be very humble because this timepiece was great 85 years ago”
Christian Louboutin and JaegerLeCoultre CEO, Daniel Riedo
A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN Christian Louboutin teams up with Jaeger-LeCoultre to bring a whole new range of women’s Reverso timepieces (above); Reverso Tribute and Reverso Classic (right)
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in terms of complications and innovations, it remains true to its origins as a reversible timepiece. The Reverso One collection on the other hand, is more female-oriented through its feminine finishes, the Dauphine-type hour hands and light Arabic numerals resembling handwritten characters. “When you have to manage an icon you have to be very humble because this timepiece was great 85 years ago. You have to make an evolution rather than a revolution,” says Daniel Riedo, the maison’s CEO. He goes on to explain that the aim this year was to resize the Reverso collections while redesigning the watches with light touches that hark back to the previous codes and making them more noticeable to customers. “We also feel that the markets are really keen on art deco and the Reverso is art deco,” adds Riedo with his signature smile. The iconic timepiece’s 85th birthday also brings a new opportunity for customers to further personalise their Reverso watches through the Atelier Reverso line at JaegerLeCoultre flagship boutiques, taking
customisation of the watch to a new level. Famed shoemaker Christian Louboutin has also partnered up with the watchmaker as the first celebrity collaborator to work under this new line, fusing haute horlogerie with Louboutin’s signature flair. This results in ultra feminine timepieces with shimmering straps, different textures that capture the eye and playful excitement combined with refined elegance. The Reverso still remains an icon because “it is timeless yet contemporary, exclusive, elegant, true, not only historical but unique and has a one-of-a-kind rectangular shape that reflects the style of the ’30s,” says Riedo. Such an accomplishment is testament to the watch’s success for so many decades, including the fact that it is one of the most successful non-rounded wristwatches in the market. Turning 85 is a milestone that should be celebrated and Jaeger-LeCoultre has unequivocally pulled out all the stops with fresh, updated collections. Looks like 2016 is shaping up to be the year of the Reverso.
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SVELTE AND SEXY The RM 017 is a milestone for Richard Mille, thanks to its extremely thin tourbillon construction
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WATCHES | STYLE
Tourbillon Tour Haute horologist Richard Mille crafts timepieces that adapt a modern outlook for classic horological pieces like the tourbillon, writes Tien Chew
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tourbillon is a significant component in fine watchmaking, acting as a watch’s heart and soul that is dazzling and functional. Invented in 1795 by a French watchmaker by the name of Abraham-Louis Breguet, the tourbillon (whirlwind in French) was created to negate the effects of gravity in pocket watches for a more accurate read and later got carried forward to wristwatches when they became the norm. Watch a tourbillon in action and it would be difficult to dismiss its entrancing effect, with its constant twirling and spinning keeping in symphony with the tick of time. The invention of this mechanical marvel brought in a new era of fine watchmaking like never before. Exploding into the watchmaking scene in 2001 with the Tourbillon RM 001 and followed by the RM 002 with a torque and function
indicator, Richard Mille watches began to follow a chronological and serial production order and immediately made an impact in the horology scene with its bold designs. In 2003, another milestone was born in the form of the RM 008 Split Seconds Tourbillon, a wristwatch that managed to marry the elegant grace of a tourbillon with a split-seconds mechanism worthy of the 21st century, instantly becoming one of the most complicated watches in the collection. While these two models paved the way for Richard Mille’s expertise in the field of haute horlogerie, the maison has come a long way since then, crafting a large repertoire of tourbillon timepieces that are not only unique to the watchmaker but also stand out in a sea of watches with its technical mastery of the art form. Each timepiece adheres to the company’s philosophy that comprises three crucial elements: the best in technical innovation, the best of artistry and architecture, and the best of hand finished heritage and culture in fine watchmaking. O Of the many stunning pieces to debut from m the maison, the RM 56-02 Tourbillon Sappphire is truly a marvellous piece of woork. The baseplate of the model, which is craafted from grade 5 titanium, is suspended wiithin a sapphire watch case by a specially deeveloped thin single braided cable that is woven within a system of pulleys. O Other parts of the watch have also been ccarefully crafted and optimised to ensure ttransparency. The case features antiglare protection on both the front and back while also being able to maintain waterproofing of up to 30 metres. Being able to witness the tourbillon in all its glory through an expression of weightlessness and transparency makes the gorgeous RM 56-02 Tourbillon Sapphire stand as a testament and achievement to the Richard Mille family of sapphire timepieces.
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BEAUTIFULLY TRANSPARENT RM 56-02 is a gorgeous sapphire watch that allows you to view the tourbillon of the timepiece
Constantly pushing tourbillon manufacturing further, the maison also unveiled the RM 017 Ultra Thin Tourbillon during the 2010 SIHH. Breaking away from the iconic tonneau shape of Richard Mille watches and instead opting for a rectangular case that was first adopted by the model’s predecessor, the RM 017 sports modern, elegant lines and a distinctive design that fits the curvature of the wrist with tapering specific to the brand. With a total height of just 8.70mm, the RM 017’s manual winding movement sets new standards as one of the thinnest tourbillon constructions ever created during the time of its release. As the tourbillon was once originally intended for pocket watches, which
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were the norm before the commonplace adaptation of wristwatches, Richard Mille revisits this personal age of timekeeping with the RM 020, the first pocket watch to make use of carbon nanofiber, a material originally utilised in US Air Force jets. True to the maison’s philosophy, the tourbillon escapement is driven by a double winding barrel that is directly coupled to supply around 10 days of power reserve. The RM 020 comes with a titanium watch chain that also doubles as a pendulette de bureau (office clock) when used with the additional desk stand, representing the perfect combination of the greatest 18th century horological values with 21st century technology and aesthetics. malaysia tatler . may 2016
A REIMAGINED CLASSIC The RM 020 takes the tourbillon into the 21st century with modern aesthetics and watchmaking techniques
Watch a tourbillon in action and it would be difficult to dismiss its entrancing effect, with its constant twirling and spinning keeping in symphony with the tick of time Yet, the implementation of the tourbillon seems to know no boundaries when it comes to creative watchmaking. The RM 022 Tourbillon ‘Aerodyne’ Dual Time Zone aptly communicates space and supersonic speed that lives in the brand’s DNA. Although the dual time zone is technically complex, it is very user friendly, featuring a transparent sapphire crystal disc inscribed with hours that permanently rotates at the centre of the dial. These digits are only apparent when transposed on a clear background situated at the 3 o’clock position of the watch and is adjustable through a pusher situated at the 9 o’clock position. It uses a complicated calibre with chronometric characteristics, which include a manual winding tourbillon malaysia tatler . may 2016
movement with hours, minutes, dual time zone, power reserve, torque indicator and function selector. Richard Mille is a modern watchmaker that respects classic horology and updates time-tested movements like the tourbillon into something fitting for the 21st century. As proven by its repertoire of elite ambassadors in their respective fields the likes of Felipe Massa, Rafael Nadal and Pablo Mac Donough, Richard Mille is more than capable of fine-tuning such an important horological advancement like the tourbillon for different purposed watches. The aforementioned timepieces are all prime examples that showcase how old ideas can be made fresh with ingenious reinterpretations.
ROUND AND ROUND
A tourbillon defies gravity by rotating its escapement 360 degrees around its own axis, therefore negating gravity’s effects through constant movement
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STYLE | WATCHES
Poetic Creations Timeless creativity is the benchmark by which Van Cleef & Arpels measures its success, according to its president and CEO, Nicolas Bos
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Then, he smiles, leans forward and looks me in the eye. “You know, nnow that I am CEO, I don’t have ennough time as I should to spend at thhe workshops as I did before. But it’s just a tiny regret compared to the biggger scheme of things.” As its global president and CEO, Bos now looks into both the creative and business aspects of the brand. His background in the creative field proved beneficial in his current role, as well as his strong grasp of the brand’s history and legacy. “A jewellery house does not operate the same way as a fashion house. We don’t operate on trends as the motivation for creation. Instead, we uphold timelessness as the secret to our success. Emphasis is on preserving the identity of the brand but at the same time, we look into opening new doors for the company,” explains Bos.
LASTING APPEAL Nicolas Bos; the updated Cadenas watch
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WORDS: LILY ONG; IMAGES: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS
t is customary at every SIHH or Watches & Wonders fair for the CEOs of brands under the Richemont Group to have their picture taken onstage to commemorate the fair’s opening. With his black-rimmed glasses and boyish looks, Nicolas Bos stood out among the rest. But once I am seated with the president and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels for a quick tête-a-tête about the brand, I realise there is more to Bos than what he seems. While he may seem unassuming, he is as serious and cerebral as one would expect from a person helming a historical brand. For the past three years, Bos has been quietly elevating this luxury maison to greater heights— all without drawing too much attention to himself. Bos came to Van Cleef in 2000 as its creative and marketing director. He recalls his first visit to the maison’s classical golden-stone headquarters on Place Vendôme and being blown away by his experience in the workshops. “Even now, when I go in, I feel like I am entering into a secret place where magic happens, tucked away on the roof of such a historical building. When you are inside, you feel like some things have not changed even after hundreds of years when you see the creation of the pieces,” says Bos. Was the flurry of activity at the Van Cleef workshops bewildering for him? “The way I see it, craftsmanship is not rocket science. It is easy in theory but when you have to pick up the tools and do it yourself, you realise how difficult this work can be. It is tedious and time-consuming, but for our artisans, they are a matter of pride and discipline.”
“Craftsmanship is not rocket science. It is easy in theory but when you have to pick up the tools and do it yourself, you realise how difficult this work can be”
Timelessness is certainly what came to mind when Bos unveiled Van Cleef’s latest update to its iconic Cadenas timepiece for my examination. Created in 1935 for bourgeois women to check on the time in a discreet manner, the timepiece is presented in a necklace or a bracelet. It is angled so one can check the time in a way that would not be too obvious to another person. On top of that, the updated piece has been fitted with a larger case and comes in four combinations. You will also find the mother-of-pearl dial being discreetly placed at an angle on the yellowgold triangular case behind the U-form clasp. On another piece, Van Cleef again proved its craftsmanship with the Lady Arpels Martin-Pecheur Azur featuring stunning shades of turquoise and blues. You will notice that the bird’s flight ends on the back of the timepiece where there is a rock facing the sea. Limited to only 22 pieces, its 38mm malaysia tatler . may 2016
white-gold case is emphasised by the colour variations and exquisitely detailed threedimensional compositions of enchanting overtones, density and texture. Last but not least, I was mesmerised by the brand’s latest piece inspired by a childhood fairy tale, Peau d’Âne. The Van Cleef & Arpels Peau d’Âne Forêt Enchantée watch is a magnificent piece of work. Its dial is remarkable because of the sheer artistry of its composition—an engraved gold doe as well as a gold tree set with cabochon-cut emeralds, a stream set with multi-hued lines of diamonds and sapphires, white-gold rocks, garnetbreasted robins, a cottage that flickers with a topaz glow from its window, a miniaturepainted night sky with a plume of chimney smoke winding its way behind the plump crescent moon. The piece is enchantingly poetic, for sure. “Everyone who works with Van Cleef & Arpels knows what we stand for. Our creative work creates a sense of belonging that unites us all. That being said, I wouldn’t want anyone to join us if they hate butterflies, fairy tales or birds,” jokes Bos in conclusion. @
FAIRY TALES Behind the scenes work on the Van Cleef & Arpels Peau d’Âne Forêt Enchantée and the timepiece itself; Lady Arpels MartinPecheur Azur; precision in marquetry
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Stand out and rock the raw look via jewellery set with partially polished stones, writes Charlene Co L’Dezen Jewellery
Ornella Iannuzzi
Suzanne Syz Art Jewels Roberto Coin Boghossian
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e’re easily drawn to immaculately cut, unblemished gemstones set on jewellery with clean lines and perfect symmetry—it’s just the way we’re naturally wired. There are pieces, however, that pique our interest for their raw, visceral appearance, featuring stones that are hardly polished or cut (if at all) and set in irregular, unevenly shaped jewellery. A designer who has embraced this organic approach is Ornella Iannuzzi. Her fascination with minerals and precious stones in their natural, untouched form translates beautifully in her jewellery. For her, it’s about highlighting the peculiarities of the stone, such as its unique crystallisation and even its inclusions, as seen in a ring from her L’Exceptionnel collection, which features an unpolished Madagascar demantoid garnet on 22K gold. Payal Shah, the founder and chief designer of Hong Kong-based L’Dezen Jewellery, uses her background in furniture design to create her pieces. With a predilection for curves and free-flowing structures, she presents the Puri di Cuore collection, in which pieces are raw, using diamonds that are not completely cut and polished. Roberto Coin’s Etruscan cuff from the Tanaquilla collection renders an intriguing, unstructured look using unpolished brown diamonds speckled around the cuff’s rugged structure, while the titanium Ali Baba’s Trove ring from Suzanne Syz Art Jewels is topped with a 55-carat Mozambique paraiba featuring a dune-like texture and elegantly embellished with reverse-set diamonds. Appreciated specifically for their imperfections, baroque abalone pearls are used by Boghossian in a pair of earrings with tassels, which are made from smaller pink and blue pearls and diamond beads. The jagged, uneven shell and mother-of-pearl slices, meanwhile, offer Niin the ideal materials for its imperfectly perfect statement necklace. malaysia tatler . may 2016
DIAMOND GLOW
Brie Larson, who took home both the Golden Globe award and the Oscar for Best Actress for her winning performancee in Lenny Abrahamson’s Room, looked radiant in diamond drop earrings and diamond encrusted platinum band rings from Tiffany & Co on the red carpet.
Lustrous Luxury Even in today’s day and age, pearls remain the adornment of choice of a woman of sophistication and class. Chances are, most women will turn to Schoeffel—a pearl jewellery house known for its quality and knowledge— for these lustrous pieces of beauty. With four collections to choose from such as Couture, Collier, Creative and Classic, Schoeffel’s meticulously sourced pearls hold up to high standards of excellence since 1921.
HANDMADE WITH LOVE Named after its founder Isao Nasu, Nasu art jewellery pieces are only for the discerning. These unique pieces are the latest additions to the brand’s expanding portfolio that bring together modernity and tradition in its designs and creation. Revered Japanese skills such as makie—lacquered ware sprinkled with gold and silver powder—are utilised by Nasu to create a series of jewellery that can be worn for any occasion. For more information visit jp-made.biz.
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GIVE HER AN EARFUL The red carpet at this year’s Oscars sparkled with actresses wearing dramatic diamond earrings Kate Winslet wore Nirav Modi’s Luminance earrings, with more than 19 carats of diamonds
Giuliana Rancic shone with Forevermark’s oversized earrings, set with more than 24 carats of diamonds
Kerry Washington rocked a pair of vintage Harry Winston earrings from 1963, set with more than 42 carats of diamonds
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Crafting Continuity To be bold, creative and timeless is the motto that drives Hamdi Chatti to make decisions in his capacity as the vice president of Louis Vuitton’s watch and jewellery division, writes Lily Ong
IMAGES: LOUIS VUITTON
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hroughout his seven years with Louis Vuitton as its vice president of watches and jewellery, Hamdi Chatti has been steadfast in solidifying its strength as an industry player through astute acquisitions and product releases. Louis Vuitton took over a company in Geneva called La Fabrique du Temps. A unique workshop led by two master watchmakers, Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini, this investment bolstered Louis Vuitton’s clout in watchmaking. Chatti disproves the notion that managing watches and jewellery requires two separate mindsets, as he sees his work as a commitment towards luxury above all else. “Luxury is always about quality first above creativity and innovation. This means new ideas need to be balanced with heritage. Managing both watches and jewellery requires the same way of thinking. You need to balance between creativity and craft. One cannot exist without the other.” Chatti remains bullish about Louis Vuitton’s place in the global market. “If you ask me, the real problem we are facing in the luxury business is the lack of creativity and imagination. A lot of big companies don’t take risks to try something new because of the fear of mistakes. The biggest challenge we face in our line of work is to keep our team creative and encourage them to take risks. In a way, you have to show by example that they can take risks. You must keep surprising people,” he explains. For 2016, Louis Vuitton has expanded on its watches and jewellery repertoire with new creations. In the watches segment, Louis Vuitton’s progression has been carefully deliberated; years have been spent to nurture the Tambour timepieces collection. The most recent introduction of the Escale Time Zone watch went on to become a sensational hit among timepiece connoisseurs. “We surprised a lot of people, that’s for sure,” says Chatti with a smile. This year, Louis Vuitton is unveiling the Fifty Five, a contemporary timepiece inspired by the brand’s legendary LV trunks of the past. Available in three different models and diameter sizes, the Fifty Five timepieces feature the LV signature at 12 o’clock and the V at every quarter hour. malaysia tatler . may 2016
“Managing both watches and jewellery requires the same way of thinking. You need to balance between creativity and craft” Elevating the brand’s craft and creativity concepts further is the new Blossom collection. The Monogram Flower, one of Louis Vuitton’s key symbols, takes on a new bloom with the arrival of a double collection spanning both jewellery and luxury watches. The crowning feature on both is a focus on flowers sculpted from mother-of-pearl and ornamental stones, creating a sense of delicate femininity with typical brand savoir-faire. On his aspirations for the brand, Chatti says: “I want more people to wear our watches and jewellery. Yes, even our high jewellery, like the recent Acte V. There’s always an occasion to wear them. This is why we create them in the first place, so that they can be worn and appreciated.”
CHARGING FORWARD Hamdi Chatti is bullish about Louis Vuitton’s prospects in watches and jewellery; Louis Vuitton Fifty Five timepiece; Blossom collection (opposite)
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FEATURES 7(.,
Play It Forward Datuk Nicol David shares with us her latest ventures, her squash journey and her collaboration with Unicef and Louis Vuitton
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Hands that Rock the Cradle This month, we celebrate maternal bonds and motherly love in all its glory through the stories of ďŹ ve extraordinary women
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Body, Mind and Soul
Embrace a healthier and happier you with these informative lifestyle tips on the importance of taking care of yourself
MUM’S THE WORD Despite being a busy woman, Rekha von Bueren always makes time for her three cherubic young children m
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T I Y A L P FORWARD Datuk Nicol David shares with Bryna Kaur about her latest ventures, squash journey, and collaboration with Louis Vuitton and Unicef Photography Aaron Lee / Lenswork Studio Styling Cho Wee Chee
orn on 26 august, 1981 in Penang, Malaysia, Datuk Nicol Ann David is a true legend in the game of squash. One of the most decorated sport stars of a generation, she has captured the hearts of Malaysians and thousands of other fans through a succession of remarkable records throughout her career to date. The Penangite burst onto the scene when she won her ďŹ rst Women’s World Junior Squash Championship in 1999. She then went on to win countless titles, persevering through rough years and defeats, coming back stronger each time.
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PINKY PROMISE Datuk Nicol wears the silver lockit pendant and lockit bracelet by Louis Vuitton, making a promise to do her part
MALAYSIA’S DARLING Datuk Nicol champions the efforts made by the luxury fashion house. Top by Louis Vuitton
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atuk nicol cemented her place as one of the greatest squash players the world has ever seen, when she celebrated her 106th consecutive month at the top of the world rankings in February 2015. This comes after she triumphantly overtook New Zealand’s Susan Devoy as the longest-reigning world number 1. Although currently ranked fifth on the women’s world ranking, it goes without saying nor doubt that Datuk Nicol is a true Malaysian icon and heroine. Similar to Roger Federer’s achievements in tennis and Michael Phelps’ accolades in swimming, Datuk Nicol’s domination of the international squash scene has undeniably been a highly inspiring one. Having spent a total of 112 months, of which 109 were consecutive, at the top of the women’s world ranking, the most for any squash player, and having won a total of 79 international titles throughout her career thus far, Datuk Nicol is far from being done with squash and her other goals in life. Over a quick chat, Datuk Nicol recalls being five years old when she first followed her sisters to a public squash centre in Penang. “My father’s friend built the first public squash centre in Penang and he invited my sisters to take lessons. I followed them then and being just five years old, all I did was run around everywhere. They later gave me a racket and a ball and that kept me on the court all day. It made me very happy and it kept me out of trouble,” shares Datuk Nicol. Having fallen in love with the sport from the moment she started playing it, she persevered and stuck to it as her interest in squash grew and she started to see improvement in herself upon receiving continuous training from her sisters. “My parents are my role models because they paved the way for my sisters and I by showing us their strong traits of love and affection. This translates into everything we do in life and we try to emulate them. They have always been our true supporters, especially in my squash career, and they have continued to strongly support me till this day with their abundant love,” shares Datuk Nicol who admits to being a hyper active child who could not sit still—which was what got her involved in sports in school and kick-started her career in squash. Bringing with her the fundamental values of life that were passed down by her parents, Datuk Nicol remembers never being pressured into excelling in sports or studies because her parents trusted and taught them to do the best in everything they do.
ROAD TO SUCCESS Having moved to Amsterdam was part of the defining point of her success; Datuk Nicol says her trainer, Liz Irving, brought her game to a whole different level, as Irving knew exactly what it is like to be at the top and has paved the way for her to reach her full potential. “I’ve learnt to adapt and be more independent while I’m living on my own, by making things happen for myself with the best experts around. My coach, Liz Irving has been a true mentor in every way to make me the best squash player I can be and showed me the ropes on how to handle life as a professional on tour,” Datuk Nicol shares with enthusiasm. As someone whose parents continuously supports her throughout her career and life, Datuk Nicol explains that it is very tough being away from her family and friends for so long, but she’s glad that they understand the demands that come with her squash
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KEEPING TO HER WORD Datuk Nicol aims to provide a better platform to help girls in Malaysia; Dress by Louis Vuitton
training, which leads to her performing her best at tournaments. “The little bit of my time that I have at home in Malaysia, I try my best to spend it with family and friends as much as possible. My time is limited but we make the most of it somehow. Leaving gets harder each time, but knowing that they love me so much and have allowed me to fulfil my dreams with total support is all I can ever ask for. I am so grateful for their faith in me and for allowing me to do this for myself,” says Datuk Nicol. Outgoing, determined, positive and easygoing, Datuk Nicol does not give up without a fight. “When I put my mind to something, I do all I can to achieve it. I am the kind of person who is very determined to achieve what I have set out to, and I like challenges that drive me to push myself harder so I can find solutions to make things happen for myself,” she states. With the PSA World Series 2016 happening in Dubai this May, Datuk Nicol is currently focusing on training to be able to perform well at the tournament. “I have a program set by my coach and the Institute of Sports, who with their sport science experts have set up a completely physical program that caters to me, which is also a periodisation plan for tournaments throughout the year,” she shares about her training routine. “The general training consists of two to four hours a day. This means I will do one squash session and one physical training session each day, but closer to the competition, I will focus more on my squash training and match practice to get mentally prepared for it,” Datuk Nicol explains. Despite being the only female squash player in history to have spent many months at the top of the women’s world ranking, Datuk Nicol remains a humble being with the drive to achieve more. “It feels amazing and quite surreal to have accomplished this much. It is hard to describe the feeling especially since I am still competing, but I am slowly coming to terms with this achievement. I never thought I would attain the success I have had so far. I love what I do and have decided to work really hard each year to achieve my goals, and as time flies by, I am proud that I have been able to fulfil my dreams and hope to keep doing better,” she shares. A true Malaysian, Datuk Nicol wistfully remembers the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur back in 1998. “I got to represent Malaysia at the age of 14 and was given the opportunity to walk into the Bukit Jalil stadium with the Malaysian contingent. Over 80,000 fans were present and they gave us the loudest roar, cheering their hearts out for the Malaysian team as we walked in. It still gives me goose bumps till this very day. It was one of my proudest moments, to be part of the team representing my country, Malaysia.”
LIFE OUTSIDE SQUASH Passionate about the social welfare of young girls, Datuk Nicol is currently working on setting up her own foundation. Aiming to reach out to girls and help them build their self-esteem, plus give them the encouragement that they need to realise that they can do anything they put their mind to, the Nicol David Foundation will be based in Malaysia. “I want to help more girls in our country to understand their self-worth and to learn to love themselves better. My mission is also to use sports as a way to encourage healthy living for women and girls, which will bring all these qualities together for them. My
“IT FEELS AMAZING AND QUITE SURREAL TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THIS MUCH AND I AM SLOWLY COMING TO TERMS WITH MY ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR” onth year
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UNITY Together with Louis Vuitton and Unicef, Datuk Nicol vows to raise awareness on the struggles children face. Top by Louis Vuitton
“I WANT TO HELP MORE GIRLS IN OUR COUNTRY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR SELF-WORTH AND TO LEARN TO LOVE THEMSELVES BETTER”
foundation is currently in its initial planning stage and I am hoping to have it up and running by the end of the year,” Datuk Nicol shares with enthusiasm. Besides her own foundation and despite her busy schedule, Datuk Nicol David recently collaborated with Louis Vuitton, as the brand partners with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef ) to help children in need. Called the Louis Vuitton Make A Promise campaign, it aims to raise funds for Unicef and help support children who are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being. “I saw this as a great initiative by Louis Vuitton. As a big fashion brand, getting involved with Unicef to show that they can play a huge role in getting the message of their campaign across the globe and within Malaysia was something that caught my attention. Louis Vuitton recognised my role as National Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program in Malaysia and have given me the opportunity to make this campaign worthwhile, and for that I am truly grateful,” she expresses. “Louis Vuitton’s Make A Promise campaign is one way to raise awareness on the struggles that these vulnerable children in many countries face today; they need urgent attention and help. This campaign sends a very strong message, acknowledging that every one of us can play a role in one way or another to make a difference, by making a promise to share this message with others, or by actually getting involved with the campaign and purchasing a Louis Vuitton silver lockit jewellery, where proceeds will help by providing aid, care and protection to these little children who are in desperate need,” Datuk Nicol explains. Sharing similar values to Louis Vuitton, Datuk Nicol says she feels a connection to the brand because Louis Vuitton sets a high standard in their approach with fashion, and their fundamental values come with delivering the very best quality in everything they produce. “I can relate to that because being at the top of my game in squash means I have to deliver my best all the time and Louis Vuitton projects the very same values in every way. When I was selected as one of their inspirational women for their previous project, I was truly honoured to be part of it and also to be associated with the brand,” Datuk Nicol says.
GIVING BACK TO MALAYSIA When asked about plans after retirement, Datuk Nicol discloses a matter-of-factly, “I would like to start my own squash academy, while I am still competing, so that the academy will be established and running properly by the time I retire. It will focus on giving kids a chance to play squash and provide them with funding to attend competitions when they show progress.” She plans to bring in experts, people that she has worked with, to get the academy started. She will also mentor new aspiring coaches and give them a good base to share the basics of the game properly, with the kids who come to the academy. “Hopefully it all goes well, because I would like to spread my academy around Malaysia, as I want to give back to my country for all that it has given me, which got me to where I am today.” A Malaysian through and through, Datuk Nicol’s dream is to see squash being played in every school in Malaysia as a co-curriculum activity. A true heroine of the country, Datuk Nicol has done the country proud and will continue to do so in the time to come.
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Words Sangeeta Devi Photography Tian Xing Fashion Styling Bryna Kaur
Hands That Rock the Cradle A celebration of maternal bonds and motherly love
Intan Nur Rowena Baker nlike the awful stepmother and stepdaughter relationships portrayed in fairy tales such as Snow White and Cinderella, the bond shared between Intan Nur Rowena Baker and her stepdaughter Tengku Intan Nur Qamarina is warm and organic. According to Rowena, the relationship she has with Qamarina is exactly the same as the one she has with her biological daughter, Kelly Roza. “She knows she can call me anytime for support and vice versa,” Rowena reveals. “All my children call me ‘mummy’,” says the mother of one who became stepmom to Tengku Intan Nur Qamarina and Tengku Shah-Rul Yahaya after her marriage to Tengku Dato’ Sri Kamarulzaman. Although the couple are divorced, Rowena remains close to Qamarina and Shah-Rul. “Qamarina is a go-getter and believes nothing is impossible. She is independent and happily travels the world like a gypsy. She is also fiercely protective of those she loves,” Rowena speaks fondly of her 21-yearold stepdaughter who recently moved to Bristol, UK to study psychology. “She is an activist who fights for the rights of the suppressed and will not conform just because she is told to,” Rowena tells us more before adding that Qamarina is also humble and polite to all. “The word ‘stepmom’ usually comes with many misconceptions or stereotypes. I don’t see her as a stepmom but rather a mother, just like any other. We have had a solid foundation and good relationship since the very beginning; she brought me up and moulded me into the person I am today,” Qamarina replied when asked to share details of her relationship with her stepmom. “That being said, we can also drive each other crazy, just like any other mother and daughter would,” she says candidly. “Yes we have our silly disagreements too,” Rowena admits, giving
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reference to a time when Qamarina came home with highlights in her hair. “Some things are only overcome with acceptance,” she states. According to Qamarina, Rowena is eccentric, strong-willed and resilient. “My mum gives 110 per cent into anything that she does,” she says. “It’s amazing how she juggles so many errands yet still finds the time to do her hair and nails!” Qamarina also tells us that Rowena is a vegetarian and a firm believer in holistic medicine. “She strives to do the best for her mind, body and soul. I think it takes strong determination to stick to what she does.” Besides that, she also shares that Rowena has given her plenty of advice. However, there are a few words of wisdom which Rowena never fails to repeat— always save for a rainy day and always respect the home of others—and these have stuck with Qamarina. “Qamarina and Shah-Rul have shown me that children will wholeheartedly accept their stepparent when love is given unconditionally,” Rowena shares. She fondly recalls that when the children were younger, she was very motherly, and definitely the disciplinarian for school work. Now the roles have reversed; the children are more protective and motherly towards her, while she is more laid-back and relaxed. As for how this close-knit, extended family will be celebrating Mother’s Day, Rowena says that there will usually be a dinner treat by the children with a little cake or orchids somewhere in the mix. “I look at the mothers I know, and think they are all amazing in their own right. There are many days where, if I were in their position, I would’ve stayed in bed and covered myself under the blanket to block out the existence of all around me,” Qamarina confesses. “But a mother won’t do that. Mothers are self-sacrificing. And on this specific day, we reflect on the importance of mothers, step-mothers and grandmothers in our lives, and thank them for their unconditional love and support,” she emphasises. malaysia tatler . may 2016
STEPPING IN Intan Nur Rowena Baker treats all her children fairly, whether or not they are blood-related
“Qamarina and Shah-Rul have shown me that children will wholeheartedly accept their stepparent when love is given unconditionally�
A BALANCING ACT Rekha von Bueren manages to juggle having a hectic travel schedule and raising her three children
“You get very good at finding alternative solutions, and I’ve become very resourceful over the years, when it comes to finding whatever the kids need in different places and circumstances”
Rekha von Bueren hen full-time mum Rekha von Bueren is not busy managing her three young kids—Arri, Leo and Tara—she often helps her husband, Nicklas, with his flourishing jewellery and home decor business, Lotus Arts de Vivre. We discover her secrets to raising three little ones while constantly travelling from Bangkok (where she resides) to her hometown in Malaysia. Rekha was initially overwhelmed when she became a first-time mother, but she quickly and surely got the hang of it. “Arri is a thinker who loves order and structure. He’s conservative, responsible and slightly bossy, which comes with the territory of being the big brother,” she tells about her eldest son, who is six years old. Her second son, Leo, is only four and he is their little entertainer. According to Rekha, he’s also very generous with his hugs and kisses and is generally very easygoing. But like many children his age, he does have his moments. Then there is the sweet Tara, who is just a year old. Blessed with natural rosy cheeks and porcelain skin, the cutie reminds us of a precious doll. “Tara is the first granddaughter in the family and it’s such a delight to finally have a rose among the thorns,” Rekha says. “She’s a happy and cautious child and already loves shoes!” However, she reveals that her eldest son is probably most like her in character. “We both
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function best when we are given a lot of information and structure to work with. He’s a bit of a worrier, doesn’t like surprises and can be a little nerd at times,” she describes in rich detail, which shows just how close she is to her children. “My second son takes after his father and is a lot more relaxed and laid-back. They also love to eat and are always willing to try something new,” she continues. On how she manages more than one young child while travelling, she confesses with a laugh, “It’s absolute mayhem most of the time!” She reveals that it takes a lot of organising and early planning. “Even so, there is always something that I will end up forgetting. You get very good at finding alternative solutions, and I’ve become very resourceful over the years, when it comes to finding whatever the kids need in different places and circumstances,” she shares. However, these days, she and her husband prefer not to take the children along on business trips as they take a bit longer to settle in and time simply does not permit. They leave the children with people they trust and make necessary arrangements to ensure they are well taken care of. As Rekha and Nicklas have different cultural backgrounds, the couple have agreed that it is important for their children to understand or at least be exposed to all the facets of their different cultures, nationalities and languages. “The beauty of this incredible mix of heritage is that they don’t see the differences in skin colour, race, and nationalities. To them, people are just who they are,” she explains. And just like all parents, the couple hope their kids will always be kind, well-balanced and have strong family values.
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Che Engku Puan Sri Rozeeta arried to the late Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah, who passed away seven years ago, Che Engku Puan Sri Rozeeta is a single mum to 16-year-old twins. Her daughter, Tunku Intan Kurshiah, is everything she ever wanted her to be—intelligent, gorgeous, humble and well-grounded. “She takes her education seriously and is very driven,” Che Engku Rozeeta tells us with pride. She also reveals that it is always a joy to speak to her daughter’s teachers, who are full of praises for her. In contrast, “my son Tunku Muhammad Shah Tunku Abdullah is more relaxed,” Che Engku Rozeeta says. According to her, he is exactly like his father—a perfect gentleman, articulate, generous, thoughtful and very kind. Similar to his twin sister, he too is very smart and receives similar feedback as his sister does, from his teachers. “The twins are always open with me; we hang out, joke, and even tease each other,” Che Engku Rozeeta reveals. However, while she is extremely close to her children, she wouldn’t call herself their best friend. “I am a mum first and always,” she stresses firmly. Che Engku Rozeeta simply loves spending time with her twins and ensures that she travels with them to different destinations, each school holiday. Whether it is taking them skiing in Switzerland or Japan, going on fun trips to Australia or New York, or just hanging out, at their homes in London, Bali or Langkawi, the three always have a good time. “The twins can be very reserved and take a while to adjust to someone new. But when they are comfortable, they are witty, funny and delightful... a bit like me I guess,” Che Engku Rozeeta says with a laugh. Like many mothers who are close to
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their children, Che Engku Rozeeta has had many memorable moments with her twins, including the time when her son was being protective of her when he was just four years of age. “Each time I tried on a dress in a dressing room boutique, he would stand at the door with his arms folded to ensure nobody comes in,” she recalls. And, it was her daughter who was the one that comforted her when her husband passed away. “I will never forget the moments when I was crying and she kept on hugging me, saying that it will be okay because she and her brother are there for me.” When asked to describe the qualities she finds most inspiring about her mum, Tunku Intan Kurshiah replies, “I love her generosity, patience and determination in whatever task she does. Her traits have contributed to the way she’s raised us and I’m glad to have such a close, trusting relationship with my mum.” The bright teen credits her mother in playing a major role in shaping her. “Through the stories from her past and the lectures she’s given us, I’ve learnt so much from my mum.” For his part, Tunku Muhammad Shah appreciates his mum just as much as his sister. “The freedom she has given us over the years has subsequently made me more aware of the ‘right’ choices in life,” he explains. “Despite this, she still worries for me endlessly, with every bit of love and care any teenager could ask for.” Since his family travels a lot, it is hard for him to pick his fondest memories, though he confesses that his mum always makes him feel safe, healthy and comfortable no matter where they go. Out of the many lessons his mum has taught him, Tunku Muhammad reveals that his mum’s number one rule for him is to always be honest with her. “I think I can speak for both my sister and I when I say that this will definitely benefit us in making sensible choices for the future.”
“The twins are always open with me; we hang out, joke, and even tease each other.” However, while she is extremely close to her children, she wouldn’t call herself their best friend. “I am a mum first and always” 180
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THE TWINS EFFECT Both mother and daughter put on elegant Tiffany & Co arm accessories—Che Engku Rozeeta wears the Schlumberger Dot Losange bracelet, while Tunku Intan Kurshiah sports the Paloma Picasso Olive Leaf cuff and Schlumberger Sixteen Stone ring; Tunku Muhammad Shah looks stylish in a Dior Homme shirt and sweater
“She was happy that I told her friends I plan to have six kids. However, having looked after Rue and my second son, Rae, for over two years, when I told her I was pregnant again with the third, she turned to look at me with the ‘Are you kidding me?’ face”
Connie Lim and Lim Ai San im Ai San and her mother-inlaw, Connie Lim, also share a special bond. “I don’t think we need to describe our relationship, you can see for yourself,” Connie says with a laugh. True to her statement, we noticed during the shoot that both ladies love to joke around with each other and are totally comfortable with one another. “We’re very casual, but I also have a lot of respect for my mother-in-law,” says Ai San who is currently pregnant with her third child. According to Ai San, Connie loves her family and will do all that she can to make sure her family is fed and comfortable. “She will nag us to drink more barley or sugar cane water on a hot day,” she says, giving us an example of her mother-in-law’s endearing nature. “She’s a good blend of traditional and modern characteristics. She’s cheeky, accepting, full of surprises, and the list can go on. She’s also very patient with her grandkids,” Ai San reveals when asked what she loves most about Connie. She later goes on to admit that she admires her motherin-law for how well she looks after the family. “At the end of the day, she just wants to see every single one of us happy.” Ai San describes her relationship with her motherin-law as wonderful. Having known her for three years, the two of them can joke and gossip about many things. “I would say that our relationship is truly an amazing one, as we get along so well. It makes me wonder sometimes, why some people say
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it’s so hard to get along with their in-laws,” says Ai San. According to her, quality time with Connie is usually spent in the evenings at home or during car rides when they are out together. “We talk about everything and anything under the moon.” She then goes on to share with us a recent memorable conversation with her mother-in-law. “Before I had my first child, Rue, she was happy that I told her friends I plan to have six kids. Actually she was overjoyed. However, having looked after Rue and my second son, Rae, for over two years, when I told her I was pregnant again with the third, she stopped walking and turned to look at me with that ‘Are you kidding me?’ face,” Ai San laughs before continuing, “She then said in the most tired voice, ‘Oh my God... Oh my God… have you two never heard of contraception?’ Guess the idea of six grandchildren is too terrifying for her now.” This proves that the two of them really can and do talk about everything. When Connie first met her beautiful daughterin-law, she thought she was fair, pretty and also prosperous looking. Yes, that’s exactly how she described Ai San to us. “Not the fat kind, but you know... the Chinese call it fu gui xiang, meaning she has all the right features to bring prosperity into the family and for her husband. Also, I thought she has the fertile look.” Connie had our attention as she shared with us her first impression of her daughterin-law. “Ai San is straightforward yet sincere, polite, and respectful. I admire her for giving me three grandchildren in three years. Now, that takes great courage, to raise a family well.” malaysia tatler . may 2016
LOVING PAIR Both women look elegant in Tiffany & Co pieces. Connie Lim has on a pair of Soleste earrings, a Victoria band ring and a Cocktail women’s watch; Ai San dons a Victoria Graduated Line necklace and drop earrings
SIMPLY SWEET Liyanna Taff goes for a minimalist and exquisite choice of jewellery with the Tiffany & Co Metro five-row hinged bangle
“There is no one ‘template’ on the best parenting style and every mother should be given the space to practice what she wants, without being judged or criticised”
Liyana Taff e can say all the things we want about motherhood and being a mother but you’ll never know what it is really like to be a mother until you experience it for yourself. As we speak to Liyana Taff about her experience when she became a mother for the first time, we discover that although it is not at all easy, it is definitely worth it. After 12 hours of labour, Liyana’s son Jaziel Mohamed Hashim was born on August 9, 2014. “Honestly speaking, the first few months were pretty tough—the sleepless nights, the breastfeeding, the crazy hormones! No books or blogs can ever prepare you for motherhood,” she says. “I am very fortunate to have a supportive husband and amazing family members who were always there to support me, helping me with my son and ensuring that I was comfortable and relaxed.” Liyana and her husband Hafez Hashim chose the name Jaziel (which means, good attitude in Arabic) as they wanted something different and unique. “It also has a nice meaning,” says Liyana about naming her son who will be turning two in a few months. According to the young mother, Jaziel is a sociable little guy, especially with girls. He loves dancing to upbeat music and is very cheeky. We realised this too during the photo shoot, as the simply adorable Jaziel started moving as soon as music was played. “He’s also a fast learner and knows all his ABCs, numbers, shapes and colours,” the proud mother adds with a smile. Jaziel is definitely a lucky boy as he is the first
MAKEUP: ZAMRI ZAINOL AND ELMA SALWANA ROHANI USING LANCÔME; HAIR: KAY TUAN FROM CENTRO HAIR SALON
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grandchild on both sides of the family, so he is never short of attention. Liyana shares that one of her favourite activities to do with her son is reading. “I love reading to him as he is at the age when he is starting to understand and remembers the stories being told to him. He has several books that he will make me read again and again,” she shares. Little Jaziel also loves doing anything water related; bathing, swimming or even just playing with a water hose. When asked how motherhood has changed her, Liyana reveals that her priorities in life have certainly changed. The many things that she used to consider important seem so trivial now. “I’m content with collecting great memories, not things,” she says. She also admits that even though she may not show it enough, she is also more appreciative of the family and close friends who have been there for her when it mattered the most. As for some of the challenges she faces as a new mother, Liyana finds that today’s society puts a lot of pressure on women to be a perfect mother. “I believe all mothers would obviously want the best for their children, and this differs from one person to the other.” According to her, every child goes through a different developmental phase, hence “there is no one ‘template’ on the best parenting style and every mother should be given the space to practice what she wants, without being judged or criticised,” she emphasises. Liyana, who is now pregnant with her second child, is extremely excited for the one that’s on the way. “I’ve been trying to prep my son on the arrival of his brother or sister but I don’t think he quite grasps the concept of having a sibling yet,” she says with a laugh.
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Bo y, M d & oul The road to feeling good about yourself is not always an easy one. But if you want to become healthier, happier and svelte, read on Illustrations Harvard Low Words Tasha Lim
let’s be honest. Most of us at some point in our lives have wished for a derrière as perky as Kim Kardashian’s or a waist as tiny as burlesque queen Dita Von Teese’s. Shallow? Undeniably so. But we are each entitled to our fantasies, no matter how fantastical they may be! The truth of the matter is that despite our most honourable intentions, life takes over. We wake up in the morning, and somewhere in between brushing our teeth and leaving our jobs at 7pm in the evening, we miss out on running four miles, lifting weights and making sure we lunch on quinoa and grilled chicken instead of a double cheeseburger with extra fries. Looking like we’ve eaten one too many donuts is definitely not a good look, but sacrificing our career productivity (those extra 10 minutes on the computer do count) and our social lives to spend hours at the gym is not the smartest move either. What we need is balance. Here are some simple tips for your everyday life, to get you in shape.
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Natural Supplements Turmeric, green tea, cinnamon, ginseng and caffeine (in moderation), can effectively aid in speeding up a sluggish metabolism and reducing fatigue, plus increase feelings of satiation—meaning you will feel less inclined to scoff down that extra donut or slice of lemon meringue. I’m most certainly not advocating the consumption of fat burning pills, which have the nasty side effect of destroying one’s liver—but natural supplements definitely have a place in our weight loss journey and can make it easier for us to stick to our long-term goals. We need all the help we can get!
Training with Technology Jinie Kamal and Dirk Schmellenkamp are the innovative duo that brought Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to Malaysia. Perfect for socialites on the go, this unique form of training requires only 20 minutes of your time for a workout session that trains nearly 90 per cent of the muscular system. Utilised by professional athletes and celebrities alike, one of fitness’ best-kept secret is now made accessible to the public. Through the utilisation of cutting-edge German technology, electrical impulses are generated from an EMS machine and passed through the skin directly above the muscles to be contracted. EMS training has a myriad of different functions and is able to work as a cardio, shaping, muscle building, rehabilitation and beautifying tool. For individuals who lead excessively busy lives (or who despise the gym), the answer to all your workout woes can be found at Impulse Studio.
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Tracking Your Progress Medical studies have shown that dieters who keep a record of what they eat throughout the day have a better chance of reaching their weight loss goals. By recording what you eat and drink, you will be able to tweak your meals in order to obtain maximum nutrition without the excess calories. It’s all about holding yourself accountable for what you put into your mouth. If you don’t want to write down what you eat, simply download one of the many online calorie counters available, onto your mobile device. Applications such as MyFitnessPal, contains the nutrition profiles of over five million different types of foods and drinks in their online database, making them incredibly useful for individuals who want to keep within their recommended calorie intake. Simply log in each of your meals with the click of a button and watch as the app calculates your daily calorie intake. Remember to find out beforehand from your doctor, how many calories you need to be consuming for a person of your gender, height and activity level.
Dieters who keep a record of what they eat throughout the day have a better chance of reaching their weight loss goals A Healthy Diet The truth of the matter is that you cannot exercise away a bad diet. My personal advice to you is to cut back on the simple sugars and starches in your daily meals—for instance, bread, pastries, chocolates, white rice and noodles. Why? These types of foods greatly stimulate the secretion of insulin within our bodies, which can ultimately lead to insulin resistance. This results in more insulin being pumped out, which will lead to excess fat being stored in all the wrong places. When the levels of insulin in our body are reduced and stabilised, we start burning fat instead of carbohydrates for fuel—the ideal situation! Organise your meals for the following day the night before, so that you won’t be tempted to reach for something unhealthy. Choose meals that are rich in protein and complex carbohydrates in order to feel at your mental and physical best. If you are not the type who likes to cook, try out one of the many food delivery services that specialises in the creation of delicious and nutritious meals for busy people. You can telephone or order online from services such as The Naked Lunchbox, Eat Clean and The Lean Canteen. malaysia tatler . m ay 2 016 0
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Say Cheers! Here’s to drinking more. Water, that is. On numerous occasions, what we often think of as being hunger pangs are actually signals from our bodies telling us that we need to drink more water. Studies have shown that drinking up to two litres of water a day can increase our energy expenditure by about 100 calories a day. This works especially well with cold water as our bodies are forced to expend extra energy (calories) in order to heat the water up to the body’s resting temperature. Drinking more water also has a positive effect on our muscle tone. In order for muscles to effectively contract and tighten, they need to be hydrated. When our muscles have all the water they need, they will contract with ease, making weight-bearing exercises infinitely more effective. Drinking water half an hour before meals can also reduce the amount of calories consumed during the meal, as water provides a feeling of satiation. So before you reach for that Kit Kat in the afternoon, try and have a glass of water first, to see if you are actually hungry, or if you are simply thirsty.
Eat More Fibre I cannot emphasise enough on the importance of fibre. One of the main reasons why lifestyle and diet changes fail is because individuals become hungry! When it comes to losing weight, fibre is key. A recent study found that people who added more fibre to their diets—without changing anything else—lost almost as much weight as people who followed the heart-healthy, low-fat eating plan recommended by the American Heart Association. Unlike carbohydrates, it is not easily digested by our body and passes through the system without causing our blood sugar or insulin levels to rise. Fibre has no magical fat-burning properties, it simply helps you feel fuller for longer, so make sure to load up on plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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Sleeping Beauty Less than seven hours of sleep per night can reduce and undo the benefits of dieting, according to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Let us think about this logically. When we are tired, we are more likely to reach for foods and drinks that give us immediate energy—this translates to an extra pastry or a giant bowl of sugary cereal simply because we need that extra shot of energy to function. Later on, because we are tired, we skip our gym session and instead opt for a greasy takeout meal and an evening in front of the telly. Sounds familiar? As if that’s not enough, scientists have also discovered exactly how sleep loss can make it almost impossible for us to shift those extra pounds. When you don’t sleep enough, your cortisol levels rise. This is the stress hormone that is frequently associated with fat gain. Cortisol also activates reward centres in your brain that make you crave for food. Simultaneously, while this is happening, our bodies produce more ghrelin. A combination of high ghrelin and cortisol shut down the areas of your brain that leave you feeling satisfied after a meal, meaning you are left ravenous even after you have eaten a big meal. Moral of the story? Make sure you get at least seven to nine hours of sleep a night to keep your body functioning at optimum levels.
Choose to engage in a form of aerobic activity that you enjoy so you don’t feel like you are being tortured Work it! While going for a 5km run or spending 45 minutes on an elliptical machine may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying the fantastic results that good old-fashioned cardio has on the human physique. There are many ways to accomplish this—if you don’t like the claustrophobia of a gym, then put on your Pumas and go for a run in your nearest recreational park. Alternatively, strap on your rollerblades and make a few rounds around the roller rink, or do a lap, or 10, at the community pool. Aim for one-hour sessions roughly four times a week, and don’t forget to include some rest days in order to let your muscles repair. Choose to engage in a form of aerobic activity that you enjoy so you don’t feel like you are being tortured. Also, remember to mix it up. Don’t let your body get used to performing only one type of activity, otherwise it will become complacent and burn less energy than it ought to. Exercise will not only work wonders for your body, but for your state of mind too, as it releases endorphins which increase mental well-being and happiness!
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M A L AYS I A TAT L E R
LIFE Wine, food, culture, art and travel
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FOOD
WINE
PROPERTY
PHILANTHROPY
GREAT ESCAPE
Mandarin Grill refocuses their menu, with delectable beefrelated offerings
James Suckling on Napa Valley’s dark secret—unwanted residual sugars
New York sees a boom in luxurious living, thanks to star architects
Pernod Ricard brings light to lives with the Bottled Hope campaign
Tour Asia with our selection of luxury hotels and pit stops for the discerning traveller
IMAGE: LAMBORGHINI
ALONG CAME A SPYDER The Lamborghini Huracán Spyder features new technical advancements resulting in a better drive—p. 202
LIFE | FOOD
Fire up the Grill Mandarin Grill tightens its menu with a re-establishment of the restaurant, emphasising fine food in a warm ambience, writes Tien Chew
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CONVIVIAL SPACE Mandarin Grill features lively jazz in a refined atmosphere that makes for good food and conversations
ingredients do a good job of offering different textures to keep bites from feeling too one-dimensional. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the Mandarin Grill salad is an excellent vegetable starter that is made of butterhead lettuce, a base of quinoa, sprouts, heirloom tomatoes, vegetable chips and lemon dressing together with mango caviar. Refreshing, light, crunchy and slightly savoury, this green dish is a healthy option to get the fire in the belly going without taking up too much room. When it comes to the main show of the meal, order the Tomahawk steak should you have a mid-sized party with you. The glorious cut of 1.5kg Wagyu beef has a marble score
PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVEN SUM
he word steakhouse evokes images of deliciously cooked cuts of beef and is the word used to describe the reopening of the Mandarin Grill at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, yet it doesn’t seem to be a word that does it justice. Brightly lit and decorated with artworks from a local gallery, the restaurant shies away from its semi-fine dining days and instead focuses on being a modern haven for fine steaks and wines alike. Although the restaurant does place focus on pedigree full-blooded Australian and Japanese Wagyu cuts, it offers tantalising alternatives as well. Yet, my money is on the main attraction—the Wagyu beef. Those who enjoy beef tartar will be glad to know that the restaurant serves a flavourful rendition of this classic dish. Served with egg yolk confit, chive oil, pickled cucumber and a slice of toasted farm bread, each bite fuses these ingredients harmoniously, blending the flavours they bring to the palate in a satisfying manner. Take bites of the farm bread to add smokiness and crunchiness that complements the top quality hand chopped beef in the dish. Switch up the beef tartar for another classic if you wish to have some variety before tucking in to your beefy mains. The classic prawn cocktail is given a flavoursome reinterpretation, having essentials like thousand island dressing but featuring a twist with the use of rock melon powder. The sweetness of the melon nicely offsets the tanginess of the thousand island. All of its
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SPICE OF LIFE Jazz up your meats with various salts or swap beef for cod
MASCULINE MEDLEY Chocolate cigars and smoked whisky deliver a peaty yet sweet dessert
of 6 to 7 and looks impressive on the dining table. Not only does it score on looks, it is cooked and charred to perfection, with the outside seared to a lightly smoky sensation while its inside remains succulently pink and juicy. Pair your steak with an array of sauces, mustards, salts and crushed peppers offered by the restaurant but don’t miss out on having your meat with just a light sprinkling of smoked fleur de sel (sea salt) to really bring out the wonderful qualities of the beef. Alternatively, try the mushroom or red wine sauces to jazz up your bites or should you want something out of the ordinary, squeeze a gentle serving of burnt lemon onto your meat. The way you have your steak, has never been so customisable to one’s desires. Be sure to order a few sides to go along with your hearty steak, with tantalising options such as the Mandarin Grill tempura fries that come with tangy BBQ sauce or French fries à la ‘Alsace’, which is topped with generous amounts of crispy beef, gruyere cheese and onions for a mouthwatering pairing with your beef of choice. Crispy onion rings, creamy spinach or green asparagus with butter also make fine sides that marry well with the mains, complementing each other and bolstering the flavours of the meal. As you take a moment to wash down the wonderful taste of grilled meats, do ponder malaysia tatler . may 2016
ALL ABOUT THAT BEEF Tomahawk Wagyu beef and beef tartar (above) are sure-fire palate pleasers GRILLED ATLANTIC BLACK COD Served with a white wine sauce, the fish is flaky, delectable and slightly charred with that delicious oiliness famous in codfish.
MANDARIN GRILL SEASONINGS The restaurant offers various local and foreign peppers, salts and mustards to bring your meaty selections to life.
on a suitable finale to your meal. We highly suggest the chocolate cigar with smoked whisky for a masculine dessert that is sweetly delectable and charmingly creative. Crunchy, sweet with hints of tobacco, this chocolate treat is best consumed with its accompanying whisky that not only acts as a palate enhancer but also a great finish to your incredible meal. Baked Alaska is also a fantastic option in the case that chocolate doesn’t seem alluring. A slightly dense raspberry ice cream rests inside foamy melted meringue with a light cake base that works in unison to deliver a melt-in-yourmouth, balanced yet sweet and cold finish. Mandarin Grill has succeeded in repositioning itself as a modern steakhouse with panache and elegance, building up a focused menu with a wide range of toothsome selections that demand attention. While its beef offerings demand to be sampled, its nonbeef choices are also attractive and appealing. It will take a raring appetite and repeated visits to try them all out.
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LIFE | WINE ROBERTO VOERZIO BAROLO SARMASSA Terrific aromas of pure strawberry and orange peel. Spanish cedar undertones. A full body, perfect balance of ripe fruit and lemon with orange peel. Hints of milk chocolate. Vibrant finish. This will be fabulous in three or four years, but difficult not to drink now. 99 points
CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE BRUNATE Wow—really perfumed and thoughtful, with wonderful depth and purity. A full body, tight and layered. Ultra-fine tannins. Finish is persistent and caressing. A rematch to the superb 2011 but even finer. Drink in 2020. 97 points
Barolos Satisfy It’s amazing to see the 2012 vintage follow so many excellent years for Barolo. Most of the wines show ripe fruit and a balance of fine tannins that give them form and lustre. They’re not the hard-core tannic and acidic wines that some may prefer, but wines with harmony, flesh and appeal. You’ll be able to enjoy them for many years into the future—as well as right now. James Suckling picks his top 10 of the 2012 vintage after tasting close to 160 wines
PODERI ALDO CONTERNO BAROLO ROMIRASCO Very earthy and intense, with ripe fruit and hints of bark and mushroom. A full body, powerful and chewy. Great tannin structure. Better in 2020. 97 points
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CERETTO BAROLO BRICCO ROCCHE The aromas of rose petal, strawberry and dark fruit are breathtaking. Full-bodied, very fine and tight with a fabulous depth of fruit, yet it remains agile and lively. Polished form. Composed and beautiful. Reminds me of the great 2008. Drink in 2022. 98 points
malaysia tatler . may 2016
PIO CESARE BAROLO ORNATO Amazingly structured, with tight and polished tannins that give this wine superb linear length and balance. A full body, bright and focused fruit. Goes on for minutes. Beautiful now, but better in 2020. 98 points
ROBERTO VOERZIO BAROLO BRUNATE Vivid aromas of ripe, almost dry strawberry with fresh roses. Perfumes transform in the glass. A full body plus dusty tannins that are velvety and caressing. Tangy finish. A rich, structured red with a long future. Better in 2020. 97 points
MAURO MOLINO BAROLO VIGNA CONCA Insane aromas of fresh roses and crushed strawberry. Full and velvety textured. Loads of fruit, yet the serious tannin backbone of the wine gives it form and tension. Superb. Better in 2020, but who can wait to taste this? 97 points
VIETTI BAROLO BRUNATE The aromas of liquorice, violets and brambleberry impress. A full body, with incredible length and texture. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Give it at least five years to soften. 97 points
E PIRA & FIGLI CHIARA BOSCHIS BAROLO CANNUBI Pure roses on the nose, raspberry and lemon rind. So pure. A full body, ultrafine tannins, powerful yet so ethereal and soul-touching. A fabulously crafted Cannubi. Better in 2020. 97 points
LA SPINETTA BAROLO CAMPÈ VÜRSÙ The pure fruit aromas are mind-blowing, with meat, fresh flowers, citrus fruit and sliced strawberry. A full body, ultra-fine tannins. Fabulous texture. Super-subtle fruit and finesse. Drink in 2020, but so entrancing now. 97 points
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Reserved Opulence
SCHRADER RBS (TO KALON) This shows complex aromas of chilli, tile and redcurrant. A full body, dense and powerful. So intense and rich, yet it remains agile and fresh. Austere tannins give this wine form and tension. Captivating. Beautiful now, but be patient. Better in 2021. 99 points
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SCHRADER CCS (TO KALON) So aromatic and floral, with violet, lilac and sage character. A full body, very cool. Lots of blue fruit, and hints of sweet tobacco, lemongrass and white pepper. Needs two or three years to open. Muscular. Better in 2023. 99 points
SCHRADER (TO KALON) Amazing structure and muscle, yet it remains fresh and agile. A full body, chewy, with polished tannins. Salty. Chilli, sweet tobacco. So savoury. You want to drink it. You want to marvel at it. Seamless texture. Insane. Why wait? 100 points
SCHRADER OLD SPARKY (TO KALON) Wonderful definition and length. Very finegrained tannins. Fullbodied yet compact. Blueberry, rosemary, lavender, terracotta and stone character. Shows balance and length. So gorgeous now. 98 points
SCHRADER COLESWORTHY (LAS PIEDRAS) The magnum-only wine shows the best of Beckstoffer Las Piedras. So much iodine, blackberry, blackcurrant, liquorice, stone and lavender character. Seamless and ultrafine. A wine with a great future. Better in 2022, but fascinating to taste. 98 points
malaysia tatler . may 2016
ILLUSTRATION: ANDY LEUNG
Fred Schrader and his winemaker, Thomas Brown, have been making some of the most sought-after wines in the Napa Valley for decades, focusing on the vineyards of Beckstoffer, in particular To Kalon. Their recent vintages show fabulous structure and depth. James Suckling tasted Schrader Cellars’ 2013 cabernet sauvignons at the winery in March. Here are his top five
VERSATILE MATERIALS | TATLER FOCUS
Kitchen Experts Give your kitchen a makeover with the help of Versatile Materials Sdn Bhd
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kitchen to foodies and cooking enthusiasts, is a holy place. It is where some of the best food is prepared, with true passion and love. It is also a place where some turn to for therapeutic release—in the form of cooking, of course. That being said, it is obvious why a well-designed kitchen is most important. From the design details to the utilities and the decor, every detail counts in achieving the perfect feel and vibe. However, perfect is a subjective term, and what may be perfect to you, may not appear so to others, which is where Versatile Materials comes in. Known as an established imported kitchen specialist, Versatile Materials focuses on providing high quality, functional and visually appealing products that fit perfectly with gorgeous kitchen design ideas. Aiming to help clients achieve their dream kitchen, Versatile Materials offers services for standardised modular kitchen systems for projects and retail clients.
On a mission to provide excellent cost against quality ratio, Versatile Materials offers rapid delivery and installation, flexibility as well as constant monitoring of the market in order to meet the demands of their clients. Providing services including kitchen cabinet design consultations, on-site measuring and customised manufacturing for cabinets, the company’s main products include Italian brand Arrex Le Cucine and German brand Kagoe. Some of the extensive and impeccable kitchen designs that Versatile Materials is proud of, include the supply and installation of kitchen products in Nova Saujana Subang, Pavilion Hilltop Mont Kiara, The Park Sky Residence Bukit Jalil and Pavilion Suites on Jalan Bukit Bintang. Visit Versatile Materials’s showroom is located at: No 29, Jalan Penguasa A U1/53A, Temasya Glenmarie Square, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor. For more information, call 03-5569 6246. Q
DRESSING A KITCHEN Pictured is the Arrex Le Cucine cabinetry in solid wood spray paint matt finish; Italian craftsmanship at its finest
LIFE | WINE
Sweet Talk Over-manipulation of Napa Valley reds leads to unwanted residual sugars in many wines—but it’s becoming a thing of the past, explains James Suckling
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de-alcoholise fresh wines. The fermentations stop, as the sugar is too high for the yeasts to convert everything into alcohol—so what’s left? Residual sugar. Wines are less stable with this residual sugar, so they need to be treated with products or filters. Of course, the sugar is barely discernable for most palates. Some say the threshold is about three grams of sugar per litre (or just 3 per cent by volume) for a drinker to discover something slightly sweet. But it’s there, giving the wines body and a soft texture—or, as one Hollywood dinner partner called it, “those candy-styled sort of wines.” Many of these sugar-coated reds have received high scores, mostly in American publications. The sugar and alcohol give the wines impact in tastings, and attract tasters with a sweet tooth. This style of red was popular in California from about 1994 to 2009, and in Australia, Argentina and Spain in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But times have changed. For example, I have tasted at various wine shows in Australia over the past five years. Aussie winemakers on the tasting panels seem to despise “jammy wines” made from “dead fruit.” Today in Napa, the young winemakers shun those sweet reds of the past, too, making dry wines that reflect their unique soils and climates. I’m happy the sugar-coated reds of the world are becoming a thing of the past, even though some old-school winemakers are still pushing the sweetness envelope. In the end, outstanding wine is about two things: drinkability and provenance. malaysia tatler . may 2016
ILLUSTRATION: ANDY LEUNG
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esidual sugar in Napa Valley cabernet sauvignons? It seems like a strange topic for a conversation, but it came up a number of times during three trips to Napa earlier this year, when I tasted the amazing 2012 and 2013 vintages. One of the most memorable conversations was with the winemaker of Inglenook Vineyard, the Napa Valley winery of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. His winemaker, Philippe Bascaules, who worked at Château Margaux in Bordeaux before coming to Ingelnook a few years ago, lamented that some of the top-rated Napa reds were so high in residual sugar that it masked their true character and quality. “Winemakers need to be more confident in their terroirs and make drier wines that reflect the fantastic quality of the region,” he said during a tasting of his outstanding 2011, 2012 and 2013 cabernet sauvignons. His reds were dry and structured, with the texture and mouthfeel of a top Bordeaux, yet with the purity of fruit you expect from a Napa red. Indeed, serious winemakers, no matter where they are, need to respect themselves and their terroirs—and make wines that underline where they came from, instead of the hand that made them or some preconceived notion of what the market wants. Granted, this doesn’t have to be the case for inexpensive beverage wines that are akin to fast food. But bottles that are supposed to be special, and are often expensive, should be made in a relatively non-manipulative way. Residual sugar in what is supposed to be a dry red indicates otherwise. The manipulation of such reds begins in the vineyards. Growers pick the grapes as late as possible to assure extreme ripeness, with high sugar content and ripe tannins. The grapes can be like raisins, which produce wines that are very high in alcohol, although winemakers may water down the musts in fermentation or
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LIFE | CARS
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malaysia tatler . may 2016
SOFT TOUCH With the soft-top version of the Huracán unveiled, Sean Li goes to Miami to see if the Spyder changes the essence of Lamborghini’s most accessible supercar
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amborghini this year celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Italian industrialist and car enthusiast who founded the marque in 1963 because he found Ferraris wanting. Since then, classics such as the Miura (1966–73), Countach (1974–90) and Diablo (1990–2001) have rolled off the production line in Sant’Agata Bolognese and set enthusiasts’ hearts on fire. Given a smaller output than rivals, Lamborghinis remained a relatively rare sight—until Audi acquired the company in 1998. The marque has gone from strength to strength since, particularly over the past decade under Stephan Winkelmann. The German-born, Italian-raised CEO has overseen the transition from the Murciélago (2001–10), the Diablo’s immediate successor, to today’s flagship, the Aventador, and from the entry-level Gallardo (2003–13) to the Huracán. The foundation has also been laid for a third car to join the family in 2018, the Urus, Lamborghini’s entry into the SUV market. I have a certain fondness for Lamborghini because it is one of the last bastions of normally aspirated engines. Modern environmental regulations have led to the resurgence of the turbocharged engine in recent years. Technological advances have made such engines more manageable and driveable. Gone is the turbo lag of yesteryear, that frustrating pause between pressing the accelerator and feeling the response. Unfortunately, the downside of modern turbos is that because the power kicks in earlier, the engine doesn’t need to spin as fast, which affects the sound it makes under acceleration. Lamborghini, however, is well aware of the importance of the exhaust note and is steadfastly remaining committed to the normally aspirated engine. There is little doubt that turbocharging will make an appearance in Lamborghini’s future, but the newly released Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder, which I recently tested in Miami, Florida, is most definitely a normally aspirated sports car. And in a convertible like the Spyder, it’s all the more important, as having the top down brings you and your passenger that much closer to the exhaust note.
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LIFE | CARS
The highly responsive 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 engine revs up to 8,700rpm and generates a rich symphony of sound
It is clear that Lamborghini wanted to give the Spyder its own identity while ensuring it was immediately identifiable as an extension of the Huracán Coupé. The soft top, a slightly unusual choice given that competitors have all gone with hard-top convertibles, can be appreciated when you see a number of Spyders lined up on the street; it provides a contrasting element with the rest of the car, and there is no mistaking the convertible for the Coupé. It also allows for more customisation, as the fabric for the soft top comes in a number of colours. To encourage drivers to drop the top as often as possible, the designers created a fast, user-friendly opening mechanism. It takes just 17 seconds to open or close the roof, and the manoeuvre can be carried out at speeds of up to 50km/h. No more wondering when stopped at a red traffic light if you have enough time to do the conversion—even if
the light changes to green, the operation will be completed safely while you’re moving. Convertibles require significant strengthening of the body to compensate for the lack of structural support a solid roof provides. I’m told the dynamic behaviour of the Spyder is almost unaffected by the absence of a rigid roof. And the positioning of extra weight associated with the electric roof has
“I must admit to a certain fondness for Lamborghini as one of the last bastions of normally aspirated engines”
UP AND AWAY The most distinctive feature of the Huracán Spyder is its lightweight, electrohydraulic soft top, which comes in black, brown and red
READY, SET, GO New technical features of the Lamborghini Huracán Spyder include cylinder-on-demand and stop-start functions, and a new electronically controlled all-wheel drive set-up for improved handling. The interiors are fully customisable in Alcantara and fine nappa leather (left)
lowered the Spyder’s centre of gravity. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to assess these factors’ affects on performance as the route chosen by Lamborghini for the test drive did not take us outside the city. Except for a few blasts on the expressway, and some sweeping corners, I was unable to push the car very hard, so I’m still somewhat curious about its limits. On the other hand, I was able to get a good impression of how the car behaves in city traffic and, like its predecessor, it excelled. The Spyder remained docile and tractable in heavy traffic, and immediately came to life whenever road conditions allowed. With the roof down, the wind was never particularly intrusive, and with the roof back up—which was indeed a very quick operation—the air conditioning kicked in to cool me down as I inched through some of the heavier traffic. It became clear as the test-drive progressed that Lamborghini is targeting a different kind of driver with the Spyder. The convertible shares with its older Coupé brother the LP malaysia tatler . may 2016
LAMBORGHINI HURACÁN LP 610-4 SPYDER Body Two-door soft top with hybrid aluminium/ carbon fibre frame Engine 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V10 Max Power 610bhp Max Torque 560Nm Transmission 7-speed LDF dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive Acceleration 0-100km/h 3.4s Top Speed 324km/h Price RM2.4 million
610-4 designation, which indicates it produces 610bhp and has four-wheel drive. The Coupé is geared for high performance in all road conditions, while the Spyder is more suited to a driver who appreciates an exotic car but doesn’t feel obliged to wring its neck trying to set ever-faster lap times. And the Spyder’s wilder but slightly less powerful LP 580-2 hard-top sibling targets those seeking a purer approach to driving. So while the high performance is there for the asking, it’s not the Spyder’s raison d’être. This convertible is a car meant for cruising, top down, along some of the world’s most picturesque roads, a car that gives you the opportunity to admire the scenery confident in the knowledge that the raging bull is available at the flick of a switch if the mood takes you.
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IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
ART OF LIVING
Create your personal sanctuary, by custom designing your residence, or furnishing it with exquisite and high-quality pieces
TATLER FOCUS | AIRA RESIDENCE
Haven in the Hills Aira Residence is a sanctuary located in Damansara Heights, giving tenants their own personal slice of solace and tranquillity within the city
S ARTIST’S SIGNATURE A sample of Piet Boon Studio’s work on a Parisian and Korean apartment
prawling on a three-acre parcel of freehold land at the highest point of Damansara Heights, Aira Residence is a European-inspired luxury condominium that offers exclusive living with only 105 units available, making it the last low-density development within the neighbourhood. All units come with a private lift lobby, a spacious garage fitting up to three vehicles and state-of-theart security to ensure privacy and safety. Residents can utilise the many amenities such as a fully equipped gym, a breathtaking infinity pool, a meditation garden and a sports bar to kick back during hot and sunny days. There is also the option
for tenants to host dinner parties or events with function rooms and multipurpose halls equipped with a kitchen. Aira Residence has also achieved a gold rating under the Malaysian Green Building Index system, with features such as rain harvesting, bioponds and energy-efficient lighting, with low emissivity glass coatings installed to minimise UV rays and infrared light. The condo even provides electric car charging stations. The development is the product of three award-winning firms—Piet Boon Studio, Tierra Design and Aedas, and purchasers can opt to design their dream home with the personalised home-design packages offered. For more info, visit airaresidence.com. Q
TATLER FOCUS | EKOWOOD
FLOORING YOUR SENSES Ekowood’s solid hardwood flooring is made for sustainable luxury living
Feel the rainforest in your home with Ekowood’s 100% engineered solid hardwood flooring, preserved from our Malaysian forest
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hen it comes to your home, only the best will do. At Ekowood, the highest quality sustainable source of wooden flooring is delivered, giving you the luxurious home living you have always dreamed of. Quality is not compromised, as Ekowood’s 100 per cent engineered solid hardwood is pre-finished with six layers of UV-cured acrylic lacquer, with uniform thickness and consistent moisture content. This means efficient installation in your home without the need for sanding, buffing and application of PU coating. The moisture content management is also aligned to our country’s humidity and temperature, ensuring that your wooden flooring lasts longer and better. You do not need to worry about leaving a significant carbon footprint with Ekowood, as the brand places great emphasis on conserving Earth’s natural resources—which is why Ekowood is dedicated to replanting trees. This reflects the essence of a green business. Q
A STYLISH WAY TO LIVE Corporate Br ding catego fo Consumer Har od Flooring 2013 014
TATLER FOCUS | SMEG
Rad Refrigerators Fifties-style Smeg FAB28 refrigerators are not only cool to have and look at, but are of top quality
COOL COLOURS With 14 colour choices, there is a Smeg FAB28 for everyone
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or more than 65 years, luxury Italian home appliance manufacturer Smeg has been creating appliances that are tasteful, elegant and at the cutting edge of technology. Dedicated to providing discerning homeowners with solutions to the demands of contemporary living, Smeg’s new line of ’50s-style FAB28 refrigerators not only exude exemplary class but also promise top levels of performance. Smeg has just added a new colour to its fourstar refrigerator line—a radiant and sunny yellow hue that promises to brighten and liven up any kitchen. Famous worldwide, the capacity of this retro style freezer has been increased from 21 to 26 litres, in order
to allow for the storage of a greater number of items—a useful feature for modern life. Rated A+ for energy efficiency, this not only means that low-energy consumption is guaranteed and that it will benefit the environment, utilising the FAB28 refrigerator will also cost consumers less to keep their food and drinks fresh. Standing 151cm tall and 60cm wide, the gross capacity of the refrigerator is 256 litres with three adjustable shelves—one chrome wine rack, one fruit and vegetable drawer and one shelf covering the drawer. The door also contains further storage by way of two balcony compartments, a bottle shelf and a double compartment with a lid and an egg holder. Featuring an adjustable
thermostat, an automatic defrost function and an excellent climatic class ST which ensures fantastic operation (in variable environments of ambient temperature between 18 and 38°C), this range of FAB28 refrigerators keeps your food and drinks in pristine condition. Available with right or left hand hinges, the refrigerator is also easy to clean, thanks to its soft round lines and the automatic defrost function. The FAB28 series also comes in a wide variety of colours, enabling your kitchen to be customised according to your own personal taste and style. Smeg is brought to you exclusively by Kitch (M) Sdn Bhd. To view Smeg products, please visit the Kitch showroom at: 11, Jalan Dato Abu Bakar (16/1), 43650 Petaling Jaya Tel: 03-7954 2522. Q
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Empire State of Mind New York has become a billionaire boomtown with starchitects providing the ultimate in luxury living, writes Richard Warren
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f i can make it there, then I’m gonna make it anywhere,” crooned Frank Sinatra in his salute to the city that never sleeps. Not only do budding entrepreneurs, artists and others seeking fame and fortune head to New York City, but also those who’ve already made it big—because this is a place where they can meet others like themselves, do business and enjoy the best in culture and entertainment. Imagine a map of Manhattan Island, the long, thin strip of land that the Netherlands ceded to Britain in exchange for the Spice
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Islands 400 years ago. Three-quarters of the way down the island, just below Central Park, is Midtown, where an extraordinary social phenomenon is taking place—the creation of a community of international super-rich. The development reflects New York’s status as joint capital of the world alongside London, and partially results from the wall of money moving out of China and other fast-growing economies into politically stable locations. For the past decade, New Yorkers have referred to a strip of 57th Street roughly parallel with Central Park a couple of streets to the north as Billionaires’ Row. Previously malaysia tatler . may 2016
REAL ESTATE | LIFE MODERN VIBE Clockwise from left: This living room at One57 offers amazing views of Central Park; the reading nook of a flat in 432 Park Avenue; the dining room of a One57 penthouse
In New York’s Midtown, an extraordinary social phenomenon is taking place—the creation of a community of international super-rich malaysia tatler . may 2016
a predominantly commercial area, this stretch of 57th Street is now lined with towering skyscrapers that provide condominiums for the world’s wealthy. But it doesn’t stop there. While uberluxury apartments continue to multiply on 57th, so do additional trophy homes on surrounding streets, putting Billionaires’ Row at the centre of an emerging billionaires’ enclave. “Over the past 10 years, 57th Street and the area around it has emerged as a magnet for billionaires,” says Jason Mansfield of Knight Frank’s international residential development sales department in the US. “The area roughly runs between 52nd Street and 59th Street.” The emergence of a billionaire boomtown is clearly evident on 53rd Street, which estate agent Stribling & Associates now dubs New York’s Second Billionaires’ Row. “53rd Street has all of the cachet of 57th Street,” says Pamela D’Arc, a broker at Stribling. “It’s the epicentre of New York’s global business, arts and cultural districts, and is just a short walk to Central Park. Luxury shopping destinations lining nearby Fifth Avenue include Bergdorf Goodman, Saks and Tiffany & Co. All of this makes 53rd Street very appealing to developers and this stretch is now experiencing its own kind of boomlet. More than 1,000 new units are slated in the next two years.” The pace at which the new quarter is developing appears to be quickening elsewhere, too. Amy Gotzler of Brown Harris Stevens, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, has noticed a spike in the number of purchases in and around 57th Street since the start of the year, with strong sales at two developments: One57 and 432 Park Avenue. “There have been 85 closings recorded at just One57 and 432 Park Avenue already, at an average price of US$21.4 million,” says Gotzler. The 425-metre-high 432 Park Avenue is the western hemisphere’s tallest residential tower. To bring in big-spending clients from China, Russia, Europe and elsewhere, New York’s property developers have brought in the world’s big-name architects. Pritzker Prize-winners leaving their mark on 57th Street include France’s Christian de Portzamparc, who designed One57. Under construction on 53rd is 53W53, designed
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LIFE | REAL ESTATE
by his fellow countryman and Pritzkerwinner Jean Nouvel, and 100 East 53rd Street, conceived by London-based architectural giants Foster + Partners. “Nowadays, having a starchitect involved in a new development marketed to billionaires tends to be expected,” says Mansfield. “It excites buyers and allows new developments to compete in the marketplace. These architects push the boundaries in terms of design, and improve and reimagine what’s been built before.” Another common characteristic of these retreats for the wealthy is the abundance and opulence of amenities on offer. At 53W53, residents have access to a 17,000sqft wellness centre with a 20-metre swimming pool framed by two large vertical gardens designed by French botanist Patrick Blanc. The low-maintenance new apartments in and around 53rd and 57th are good lock-up-and-leave abodes for most foreign billionaires for whom the Big Apple is their second or third home, says Mansfield. For their American counterparts, New York is their hometown where they live for most of the year, so they tend to favour the spacious, older apartments with outdoor space available around 59th Street, the road that runs along the bottom edge of Central Park.
432 PARK AVENUE The newly completed 425-metre residential tower was designed by Uruguayan starchitect Rafael Viñoly. Residents of its 104 apartments have access to 30,000 square feet of amenities, including outdoor terraces with views of 57th Street. Prices start at US$16.95 million for half-floor apartments and US$82.5 million for full-floor penthouses. knightfrank.com
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From US$3.35 million
From US$5.1 million
100 EAST 53RD STREET BACCARAT HOTEL & Foster + Partners’ slender, minimalist RESIDENCES design is intended to complement the bulkier and darker Seagram Building next door. The Chinese developer Vanke has joined forces with US developers Hines and RFR Holdings to build the 63-storey residential tower, which is scheduled for completion in 2017. Prices for its 94 apartments start at US$3.35 million. compass.com
With interiors designed by Tony Ingrao and exteriors by Skidmore Owings & Merrill, the Fifth Avenue landmark resembles the jeweller’s glittering merchandise. Prices for its 60 residences start at US$5.15 million for a 1,167sqft, one-bedroom apartment. Residents have access to the facilities of the hotel downstairs. knightfrank.com
malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMAGES: MICHAEL MUNDY
From US$17 million
Owning a slice of the Big Apple is not only about kudos and having an opportunity to hobnob with an equally wealthy group of chums, of course. Manhattan was one of the few housing markets in the world where residential property prices did not crash following the credit crunch in 2008, and that certainly seals its reputation as a blue-chip property investment. “Foreign investors are interested in these properties as they tend to hold their value,” says Mansfield. Like the perfect lunch combination, the Big Apple and the world’s big cheeses are made for each other, it seems.
TASTEFUL AMBIENCE From far left: The living room of a flat in 432 Park Avenue; the frescoed lobby of The Sherry-Netherland
GREEN SCENE The wellness centre at 53W53 features a 20-metre swimming pool framed by two vertical gardens by French botanist Patrick Blanc
From US$3 million
US$27.5 million
53W53
ONE57
This 320-metre tower above the Museum of Modern Art on West 53rd Street will also accommodate three new gallery levels and provide museum memberships to residents when completed in 2018. Its 139 residences include duplex penthouses with private lifts. Residents’ amenities include a pool, theatre, library and wine vault. Prices range from US$3 million to more than US$70 million. savills.com
This penthouse on the edge of Central Park at 157 West 57th Street is close to Carnegie Hall, the Museum of Modern Art and other city landmarks. Covering half a floor, the 4,193sqft apartment offers expansive views over the city. Designed for entertaining, the threebedroom property has a gourmet kitchen and 132-bottle wine cooler. Guide price: US$27.5 million. sothebysrealty.com
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US$35 million
THE SHERRYNETHERLAND Occupying a full floor of the art deco-era Sherry-Netherland hotel and apartment building at 781 Fifth Avenue, this 9,000sqft “uptown loft” has views of Central Park. The five-bedroom home features an 18-metre gallery leading to its wine cellar. The hotel’s 5-star amenities include a Harry Cipriani restaurant. knightfrank.com
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LIFE | PHILANTHROPY
RUNNING FOR HOPE A run to raise funds and awareness is part of the Bottled Hope campaign
Beacons of Hope
F
or those of us living in the comforts of modern dwellings, we may often take the simplest things in life for granted, such as having access to clean drinking water, or even one of the most basic amenities when the sun goes down—light, powered by electricity. Many underdeveloped areas around the world, Malaysia included, have to cope with the absence of electrical lighting in their homes. This is the premise behind Pernod Ricard’s Bottled Hope initiative, an ongoing campaign that aims to kill two birds with one stone. The two birds in particular? Addressing waste management via upcycling (the process
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of breathing new life into discarded garbage by converting old or discarded materials into new items) and providing for the needy by giving the upcycled products to them. While glass is highly recyclable and can be used without loss of quality, it is one of the least recycled discards in the country, with glass accounting for 4 per cent of the total waste generated by Malaysian homes. As an alcohol company, where a majority of its products end up in a glass bottle, Pernod Ricard has made it a point to play its part in efforts to make the world a greener place. The idea for the campaign came about when Terence Ong, the company’s managing director, was in Klang to aid in malaysia tatler . may 2016
IMAGES: PERNOD RICARD MALAYSIA
French purveyor of fine wines and spirits Pernod Ricard goes into the second year of its Bottled Hope campaign, writes Tien Chew
SHINE A LIGHT Terence Ong; A finished Brightbox model
the refurbishing of a home and asked if he could use the toilet in the house. On the way to the washroom, he quickly realised that the house had no light and was shrouded in darkness. “When I saw people living in those conditions, I got inspired. It was hard to believe that there are a lot of people still living without a light source,” says Ong. “Picture a scene where the village kids are surrounding a candle to do their homework,” he adds. Using candles as a cheap light source also proves to be a danger as the flames have, on more than one occasion, spread and damaged the home. Seeing as how access to empty glass proved to be easy, Ong imagined using it as a fitting light source. To bring this idea to life, Ong partnered up with a social enterprise called Bijibiji Initiative that focuses on recycling and upcycling to create the Brightbox, a sustainable lamp-like box with a glass bottle centre that houses an energy-efficient LED bulb that is able to shine brightly for 12 hours per charge. Naturally, these Brightboxes are solar-powered and take RM350 to create, with the Bottled Hope website outlining malaysia tatler . may 2016
the cost breakdown of one Brightbox for those wanting to know where their money gets channelled to. This includes RM50 for structural sponsorship, another RM50 for electronic sponsorship, RM100 for delivery and RM150 for energy sponsorship. Committing to its cause, Pernod Ricard has pledged 3,000 Brightboxes over the course of three years to aid the underprivileged and has even pledged an additional 1,000 units to be sent to Nepal following last year’s devastating earthquake. The initiative also held a charity run in 2015 that made a return in April this year. This time, it featured three categories along with other activities that instilled environmental awareness among participants. The company has already been successful in delivering 140 Brightboxes to the Ranau region of Sabah, with another 50 more units to Nepalese victims of the earthquake. “The numbers might not seem like much, but it has already made an impact for about 200 families,” says Ong. “It’s not about publicity or anything like that, which is the reason why we remove all our labels from our own bottles. Of course we think that any bottle could work, but we want to start with our own wastage,” he discloses. Thus reducing the carbon footprint and leftover material, all while saving energy and electricity costs for the families in need, literally and metaphorically lighting up the lives of those who need it the most. Those wishing to sponsor Brightboxes can find out more at bottledhope.com.my. @
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LIFE | TRAVEL
Asian Escape Seeking somewhere to spend a long weekend? There’s a bevvy of beauties on your doorstep...
NEW JEWEL OF KEDAH THE ST REGIS LANGKAWI On the opposite side of the island from the Four Seasons, in an idyllic cove overlooking a sparkling white sand beach and the glistening turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, this dazzling new hotel features 85 suites and three water villas, each boasting a spectacular view of the Strait of Malacca. The property, which opened at the beginning of April, is a modern take on Moorish architecture, designed with large gardens, courtyards and an impressive spa. Guests can choose to dine over the water at Kayuputi restaurant or by the shore in a beautiful beach cabana. From complimentary Bentley transfers to the largest swimmable lagoon in Asia, this hotel is set to become a classic. starwoodhotels.com/stregis
ITALIAN OPULENCE THE REVERIE SAIGON Is your motto “more is more”? Do you believe the most luxurious designs should be exercises in excess? Well, then, this is just the Vietnamese venue for you. The hotel, which opened late last year, takes a maximalist approach to decor, with an abundance of Italian silk-clad walls, gilt, mosaic tiles and chandeliers of mirrored medallions. Located in the central District 1, the hotel occupies the top floors of Ho Chi Minh City’s Times Square building, giving all rooms panoramic views over the winding Saigon River out to the Mekong Delta. Furniture from Italy’s leading maisons is accented with works by budding Vietnamese artists, while lavish marble bathrooms come with amenities by Chopard in the rooms and Hermès in the suites. A vast spa, clad in marble and rose gold, is the perfect place to unwind before taking a dip in the open-air pool or indulging in some Cantonese fine dining at the Royal Pavilion. This is the spot for a thoroughly indulgent break. thereveriesaigon.com
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MINI-BREAK BAROMETER The dos and don’ts of a whistlestop weekend away CHECKING IN PACK LIKE A PRO Roll your clothes, stuff your shoes and, ladies, to prevent your pressed powder or eyeshadow from cracking, place a flat cotton wool pad between the pressed powder and the lid. You’re welcome.
A CLASSIC REBORN GRAND HYATT TAIPEI Twenty-five years after opening, the Grand Hyatt Taipei underwent a major renovation last year, which saw a total redesign of its 853 rooms and suites, the Club Lounge and many of its indoor and outdoor facilities. Two new restaurants—Yun Jin (serving Chinese cuisine) and a steakhouse—have been added to its impressive roster of nine dining venues. A highlight is the breakfast buffet, where three dozen chefs helm a plethora of show kitchens, with 168 culinary options on offer—not one for the indecisive breakfaster! If you can, book the stunning new 2,400-square-foot presidential suite, which offers fairy-tale views of the iconic Taipei 101 Tower. All in all, it’s a super-slick and civilised city-break destination. taipei.grand.hyatt.com
REST FOR THE WEARY CATHAY PACIFIC LOUNGE, TAIPEI Passengers flying first or business class to Taipei on Hong Kong’s flagship airline will be pleased to hear that it has opened a brand new lounge in Terminal 1. At 13,500 square feet and with seating for 245 people (about 100 more than the previous lounge), this place is at once spacious and homely. Solo travellers—or those feeling just plain antisocial—will welcome the arrival of Cathay Pacific’s “solo chair.” A spacious seat with high sides and a side table, reading lamp and coat hook, it’s the perfect private spot to curl up and relax. Peckish? The food hall offers cold cuts, cheeses, salads, fruit, desserts and tapas to nibble, while the noodle bar serves up a variety of noodle soups and other Taiwanese classics to hungrier travellers. cathaypacific.com
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A STITCH IN TIME... Time is of the essence on a short break, along with comfort. Forget shuttle buses, trains and taxi queues at the airport. You’re not backpacking! That uniformed chauffeur with your name on a card—he’s got an idling Bentley waiting for you. ...SAVES NINE And why not keep the car at your beck and call for the whole weekend? You deserve it. Even if you never use it, just knowing it’s there will drive your stress levels south.
CHECKING OUT BREKKIE BUFFET SNOBS Look, we all know a good breakfast buffet is the most joyous thing about a hotel stay. So ignore the etiquette sticklers and feel free to mix sweet with savoury, pile multiple plates, and get up and down like a yo-yo. It’s all part of the fun. KNOW-IT-ALLS Don’t forget to put the concierge to the test. They can get tickets to sold-out shows, and organise personal guides for museums, galleries and private shopping. MONDAY SKIVERS Your colleagues know you left at lunchtime on Friday to catch a flight. Don’t magically develop a Monday-morning illness just so you can extend your trip a little longer. Nobody likes a fibber.
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THE LAST WORD
CAPRI
would spend most of the day there, tanning and reading. They serve a wonderful seafood menu and make the best spaghetti vongole I’ve ever tasted. I’d take a nap after lunch and stay at the beach club until 6pm, then hike up to town for gelato and a little aperitivo. I’d have dinner at one of my favourite restaurants, such as the pizzeria Aurora or under the lemon trees at Da Paolino. I usually have a late-night drink, either at La Piazzetta or the terrace of the Quisisana Hotel, and that’s it—I’d go to bed and start all over again in the morning! I like to shop at Grey Flannel, which is a multibrand store. It carries the best labels, including Aquazzura, of course. I also like to go to Carthusia I Profumi di Capri for essences that are unique to the island. When I’m in the mood to see a spectacular sunset, I go to the northwestern part of the island, to the Il Riccio Beach Club. Built on the side of the mountain, it offers such a great view of the Gulf of Naples and is next to the famous Grotta Azzurra, or Blue Grotto, a cave where the water is an electric blue. I like to walk around and discover new things. I am always fascinated by the Villa San Michele. Built around the turn of the 20th century, it is stunning, with gardens offering panoramic views of Capri. Some days I walk along Via Krupp and end the day at Taverna Anema e Core, where I can dance all night to live Italian music with my friends. “One of my favourite hotels in all of Italy is JK Place Capri”
The founder of luxury footwear brand Aquazzura, Edgardo Osorio, tells of the perfect day on his favourite island getaway
I
love to discover new holiday spots, but every summer I find myself back in Capri. It’s my favourite place, because the island is where I was inspired to create my brand. When I was there in 2011 I thought about a brand that represents what Capri is—the Italian dolce vita with a modern twist. There is something about the energy of the place—the light, the food and the people always make me want to go back. One of my favourite hotels in all of Italy is JK Place Capri. With its stucco walls and Mediterranean white and blue interiors, you feel like you’re visiting a close friend’s beautiful villa. My ideal day would start with breakfast on the hotel’s terrace looking out over the Gulf of Naples, followed by a little boat trip to Fontelina Beach Club on the other side of the island, passing by the grottoes. I
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IN EDGARDO’S SUITCASE Borsalino panama hat, Hermès beach towel and Bottega Veneta beach bag
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