Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2024 i Tatler Philippines

TATLER PHILIPPINES Josef Werker, a Gen.T honouree and the co-founder and CEO of Humble, a circular economy solutions start-up, told Tatler how his company aims to prolong the lifespan of consumer products, reducing their impact on the environment. TATLER MALAYSIA Author Vanessa Chan spoke to Tatler about her debut novel The Storm We Made, her decision to write historical fiction, and how writing helped her manage her grief. TATLER HONG KONG The eponymous founder of Nadine Ghosn Fine Jewellery talked about her connection to Asia and why lacking formal design training is a blessing, not a burden. TATLER TAIWAN Sky Yen, the founder and CEO of the non-profit Learning Is Science Education (LIS) and an Asia’s Most Influential honouree, has been on a quest to improve Taiwanese education. Through the…

WEDDING Sofia Coyiuto and Ross Tan shared a love for music, dance and family, making them a perfect match. They celebrated their wedding on February 25, 2024, with a grand ceremony at Santuario de San Antonio. The venue was decorated with baby’s breath, and around 700 guests, including close friends and family, witnessed the couple’s union. The couple’s story began just as the Covid-19 pandemic was nearing its end. Coyiuto fondly describes, “Meeting him was like a breath of fresh air, a new beginning—especially after the last couple of years.” The pandemic’s restrictions did not stop the couple from trying to spend as much time together. Coyiuto recalls, “On our first date, we walked my golden retriever Stella around our village. We weren’t even allowed to remove our face masks…

JAMES JJ ACUÑA Architectural Designer and Founder JJ Acuña / Bespoke Studio (Hong Kong & Manila) Sources of inspiration My concept narratives are generally inspired by stories told, histories of places, cultures and people, my lived experiences, art I’ve seen, spatial fantasies and cities I’ve travelled to. Design heroes I was inspired by the work of Louis I Kahn, Tadao Ando and Carlo Scarpa. These days, as I focus primarily on hospitality and luxury residential interiors, I appreciate the works of women designers like India Mahdavi, Patricia Urquiola, Kelly Wearstler and Ilse Crawford. Favourite design era At university at Cornell and Columbia in the late Nineties and early Aughts, I looked at the emerging works of Dutch designers like OMA Rem Koolhaas and Mecanoo. The husband-and-wife teams of Tod Williams-Billie…

Franco Varona, the managing partner of Foxmont Capital Partners, has been a critical player in the growing startup ecosystem in the Philippines since its inception in 2018. Along with co-founder Jesse Maxwell and a team of skilled investors, Foxmont has invested in 40 promising Filipino-focused or Filipino-led tech companies. According to Varona, they are proud to be the first institutional investor for many entrepreneurs in the country and to help seed the Filipino startup ecosystem. As the country’s digital economy continues to grow due to flourishing entrepreneurship, he believes that Foxmont will remain a significant player. Varona is among the country’s pioneering venture capitalists. He is a seasoned operator who has co-founded, led and consulted businesses across various industries in the Philippines, including media, retail, logistics and transportation. Asked what…

RIMOWA Inspired by the brand’s archives, Rimowa unveils the Hammerschlag collection in collaboration with musician Nils Frahm. The launch emphasises the connection between music and design. Crafted in Germany, the limited-edition pieces feature vintage elements and premium materials. Released this March, they are available in select stores and online. www.rimowa.com CHOPARD Partnering with Raffles Hotel Makati, the café aims to inspire joy and heartfelt conversations among guests. Adorned with pink roses and personalised details, it embodies Chopard’s spirit of joie de vivre. The launch event featured an exclusive afternoon high tea with sweet treats and pink-themed cocktails accompanied by live music. Guests also had the opportunity to explore their exquisite timepiece collection at select stores. www.chopard.com ASTORIA Enticing patrons with their quality and authentic Japanese cuisine, Minami Saki by Astoria…

In the bustling metropolis of Manila, the fashion scene is alive and well. Among these is this unique store that blends luxury with accessibility and style with sustainability. The Bag Hub, founded by Maia Urrutia in 2009, has become a pioneer in the luxury resale market in the Philippines. Starting from a humble beginning, it has grown into a venture that offers high-end designer pieces while promoting environmental responsibility. Urrutia's journey with The Bag Hub is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. It started with her serendipitous discovery of luxury treasures in thrift stores during her formative years as a new employee who wanted to dress well for the office. “It all began with me hunting for luxury pieces in ukay-ukays [thrift stores] when I was…

Hypnotised by tourbillons?…

INFINITE POSSIBILITIES The incomparable Cartier celebrates the centenary anniversary of the Trinity, a true symbol of unity and diversity. Its interlocking rings, advancing with grace through an infinite landscape, move independently but harmoniously as one as they stand the test of time. The Maison brings together five of their visionary ambassadors Paul Mescal, JISOO, Yara Shahidi, Jackson Wang and Labrinth, to help carry on the message of community. These individuals embody the varied facets of love and the many manifestations of connection inhabited by the spirit of Cartier. SPARKLING SNAKE Worn by Ellie Goulding at the 2024 Brit Awards in March, the Messika Snake Dance ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold, set with 14 pear-shaped white diamonds in varying sizes. With its seductive, serpentine design, the high jewellery piece…

Half-Chinese, half-Japanese American producer and writer Julie Wong recalls the day her “Chinese American, risk-averse engineer dad suggested that I try my hand at TV writing” after she had been working in politics in the US for 15 years. “I was shocked,” she says. “But he pointed out that I loved TV and I loved to write, so why not?” A few weeks later, she signed up for her first TV writing class at an NGO called Cape—the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment. It was a decision that changed her life—in 2018, her talent would lead to her being hired as a staff writer and later on co-executive producer of the hugely popular television series Grey’s Anatomy—season 20 was released in March this year. Wong wasn’t wrong to have…

OUTDOOR CALM Settle into the sultriest time of the year with an enhanced al fresco set-up, made all the more relaxing with these standout offerings from some of our favourite furniture brands. Through clear references to nature and an emphasis on comfortable, breathable elements, these pieces make basking in the sun a welcome pastime. FREE FLOW Break down the barrier between interior and exterior spaces by opting for furniture and decor that can comfortably transition between the two. Either through weather-resistant materials, mobility or a truly versatile look, these pieces help create a cohesive feel for your entire living space, allowing you to maximise their use throughout all seasons of the year.…

The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP) challenged the country’s finest designers to come up with an ingenious way to utilise bakong, a locally-grown aquatic plant with antimicrobial purposes. Two emerging creatives from Surgical Innovations and Biotechnology Laboratory (SIBOL) answered the challenge with a sustainable solution: Brakong, a breast prosthesis for breast cancer survivors; made of bakong, the environmentally friendly bio-based product is, at the same time, comfortable to wear. Brakong came at an opportune time. The International Agency for Research on Cancer recorded in 2020 that breast cancer is one of the two most common cancer types affecting women globally, with the Philippines having the highest incidence in Asia. Emmanuelle “Minnie” Alcazaren Pangilinan is a maker, designer, animator and artist who graduated from the University of the Philippines with…

GOLDEN HOUR Metallics were the main event on many runways this season, with gold taking pride of place at Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and Miu Miu. The epitome of glamour and opulence, gold is the ultimate must-have of the season, not only when it comes to show-stopping evening gowns and sleek, modern formal jackets but also chic footwear and statement bags. THE GREAT DRAPE Graceful folds and pleats have long adorned the runway and red carpets, bestowing an air of effortless elegance on every ensemble. The art of manipulating fabric to create fluid, sculptural silhouettes makes the drape dress a perfect option for the summer. TWEED FOR ALL This season, classic tweed is having its moment. Designers have embraced its versatility, as seen in the tailored shapes showcased at Dsquared2.…

Since 1927, Ferragamo has been captivating audiences with its timeless designs and unwavering commitment to fine craftsmanship. As the colourful spring-summer season of 2024 approaches, the brand presents a captivating campaign that celebrates the spirit of femininity and a unique cross-cultural fusion. The creations showcase Italian influence, from the meticulous craftsmanship to the use of high-quality materials from Italy’s best artisans. This Italian influence blends seamlessly with the lively and colourful Caribbean culture, featuring bright colours, tropical patterns, and relaxed styles for a fun and carefree feel. The face of this captivating project is supermodel Natalia Vodianova, whose graceful presence perfectly embodies the spirit of Ferragamo. Renowned photographer Vanina Sorrenti masterfully captures Vodianova in moments of quiet introspection, showcasing the innate beauty and strength of the Ferragamo woman. Ferregamo’s creative…

YOURS TRULY Everyone’s favourite fun watchmaker has paired up with Chinese artist Fen Bing on the Swatch x You Lunar Zodiac collection, intertwining Feng’s eye-catching designs with your personal narrative. Select your zodiac, backdrop hues, intricate index design and a bespoke message for a unique horological creation. Crafted using Swatch’s innovative “configurator”, or personalisation system, this series marries tradition and modernity, ensuring your wristwatch is not just a timekeeper but a reflection of your individuality. RARE HANDCRAFTS Patek Philippe unveils yet another unique limited-edition collection, Rare Handcrafts, an 82-piece timepiece that combines technical mastery and innovation by this season’s engravers and enamellers. This latest release comprises 27 dome clocks, three table clocks, nine pocket watches and 43 wristwatches. The collection highlights the watchmaker’s vast body of know-how, spanning both ancestral…

ENTERTAINMENT Gary Valenciano, famously known as Mr Pure Energy, is about to turn 60. This raises the question of whether he will retire or not. Valenciano is one of the few artists who have reached Superstar status, has conquered every musical artist’s dream and is still performing. He is renowned for his high-energy performances, complicated jumps and gyrations, and a non-stop tempo called “hataw” in Tagalog slang. However, with him reaching 60, it remains to be seen whether he will still be able to deliver the energetic performances he is known for. This is a valid question, considering that he has been on insulin for 45 years now because of Type 1 diabetes plus tuberculosis, pneumonia and knee surgeries. He’s also had a heart bypass, cancer of the kidney, hepatitis,…

Stamba in Tbilisi, Georgia, is a former publishing house-turned-hotel that boasts a stunning brutalist design, where a soaring five-storey-high “jungle atrium” features foliage that cascades over the old print-drying beam. In Amsterdam, the Sir Albert Hotel occupies a 19th-century diamond factory; now a 90-key hotel, it boasts a different kind of treasure: limited-edition works by renowned Dutch designers such as Piet Hein Eek and Joy van Erven. Nous on Greece’s Santorini island offers an escape from the Instagramming crowds that flood the island. Instead, it’s a humble retreat similar to those of days gone by where artists, writers and poets would go to find inspiration and create. Its owner, Cypriot art collector Dakis Joannou, says his “main interest is to share ideas, engage in dialogue and offer opportunities for people…

What is your favourite place in the Philippines? My favourite destination at the moment is Siargao. I am overwhelmed with how beautiful it is. My brother also lives there, so it’s very special to us. I love it. Oh, and our beach house, Paradiso, in Batangas. What is your favourite international travel destination? Skiing holidays in Niseko. It’s my favourite part of the year when we go to Niseko for a family holiday. What’s the number one destination on your bucket list? I want to go to Machu Picchu, Peru and Mexico. What are you currently reading, watching or listening to? I enjoy listening to the Empire podcast. I make it a point to listen to it every time I go for a walk. The podcast initially focuses on the…

BJ PASCUAL A certified Tatler-favourite, this talented photographer and content creator has photographed countless covers and fashion editorials for the magazine for many years now, thanks to his distinct style and out-of-the-box creativity. He captures this month’s cover star, the multi-hyphenated beauty and his good friend, Georgina Wilson-Burnand (p.130). LYN ALUMNO Lyn Alumno is a freelance fashion stylist based in Manila. She previously worked as a fashion and beauty editor for Nylon Manila and Mega magazine. She has worked with brands including Celine, Nike and Louis Vuitton, and styled international artists including Sabrina Carpenter and Jordan Alexander, as well as Filipino stars such as Dolly de Leon, Anne Curtis and Nadine Lustre. She styled this month’s fashion shoot. JAMES J ROBINSON James J Robinson is an Australian Filipino photographer and…

PARTY They say that Jojie Dingcong, a talent manager extraordinaire, is one of the few individuals with the talent to bring together a diverse and vibrant group of people on a single occasion. He recently proved this at his birthday party, which was graciously hosted by his dear friends Ching and Philip Cruz. The gathering, consisting of approximately 45 attendees, took place in the hosts’ beautiful Dasmariñas Village home on the evening of March 15th. According to Dingcong, the party’s theme was simply happiness and the celebration of enduring friendships. Sighted at the party of luminaries were Drs Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho, Alice Eduardo, Philip and Small Laude, Kevin and Mich Tan, Iñigo Zobel, Tina Cuevas, Carla Tengco, Karen Santos, Nikki Teodoro, Michelle Tiangco, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo and…

ARTISANAL FUTURISM Still dreaming about Maison Margiela’s spring-summer 2024 artisanal show? Experience a touch of its magic in the form of sunglasses: the latest chapter in the ongoing eyewear collaboration between Maison Margiela and Gentle Monster. Designed by the former’s creative director John Galliano, the experimental collection consists of ten sunglasses styles, as well as seven spectacles. The avant-garde, mask-like MM101 and MM102 styles are proposed with rubber-wrapped or rimless frames, and bolted temples adorned with the house’s signature four white stitches. Additionally, there are acetate frames in various colours and a selection of leather-framed editions in black, ivory, khaki and blue tones. GREEN CITIZENS Emporio Armani’s capsule collection for spring-summer 2024 emphasises sustainability as well as a stylish urban life. Made exclusively from organic or recycled materials, the collection…

EYE WONDER Supported by groundbreaking research, La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Eye Lift is infused with Caviar Infinite and Caviar Micro-Nutrients that help resculpt the eye contours. This smooth, firming and lifting eye serum is a revolutionary product in the realm of structural skin science, with focus on the eyes. Its potent formulation is improved with the Exclusive Cellular Complex™, La Prairie’s rejuvenating science signature. Each pump releases the two formulas freshly fused, transforming into an eyelift serum that melts into skin. CALLING THE SHOTS A potent treatment to capture the signs of time, the new Dior Capture Totale Hyalushot is packed with a concentrate of powerful active ingredients that target each wrinkle. For an immediate filling action, the formula of the Hyalushot combines two hyaluronic acids of high and low…

A Rolex watch is not just a timepiece; it’s an exclusive symbol of a lifestyle dedicated to savouring life’s luxuries and embracing every moment. Rolex, a beacon of exceptional talent, precision and effortless elegance, stands out in the world of watchmaking. Since 1905, Rolex has led the way in horological innovation. Today, it still displays its unmatched skill and grace, amassing numerous patents and accolades. Every piece is created with precision in mind. Exquisitely designed movements are perfectly calibrated, exceeding industry norms and establishing new milestones for chronometric performance. These remarkable timepieces can run independently for extended periods, expressing the individual’s spirit of independence and self-reliance. More than just aesthetic components, they are declarations of strength and luxury. Rolex watches are not only companions for the modern explorer; they are…

CHRIS NICK The cool Chris Nick Delos Reyes, more commonly acknowledged by his first two names, considers his eponymous label as more than just a brand but a lifestyle. The 30-year-old designer remembers his career coming together in “one huge wave”. Only six months after launching his brand in 2019, he had his work featured on 11 magazine covers and in three fashion shows. “It was so crazy but so full. I realised how much I loved it. I woke up everyday never feeling like what I did was work because I genuinely enjoyed it.” Driven by a lifelong love affair with fashion, art and film, and informed by a discerning eye for beautiful things, Delos Reyes boasts a portfolio that exudes a clean-cut and exceedingly sensual refinement. Pieces are…