Preserving culture and heritage, one stitch at a time
Like mac and cheese or a beautiful sunset and a glass of wine, some things are good on their own, but even better together. That is the case with some of India’s fashion designers and textile artisans—as gatekeepers of the fashion industry and custodians of ancient craft techniques, respectively—who are collaborating to weave history into design, and to preserve culture and heritage.
Other dynamic duos you should know about include combining a luxurious stay at the top hotels in Fujikawaguchiko, Japan with stunning views of Mount Fuji; the surreal blend of fantasy and reality in Tatler’s first ever AI fashion shoot; and the killer combo of talent and drive that’s brought 18-year-old Hong Kong artist Andrew Mok to the attention of global superstar Pharrell Williams and Apple CEO, Tim Cook.
Other newsletter highlights this week:
- Body Banter’s Stephanie Ng on body image struggles and mental health
- Celebrating Jane Birkin: The It Girl, actress, singer and activist whose joie de vivre made her an icon
- Luxury expert Daniel Langer looks at how Asia’s young, affluent shoppers are revolutionising luxury trends
- From childhood flavours to an exclusive playlist: What makes Sumac Restaurant and Lounge special
Whether it’s a good read at the beach or a challenging workout followed by a pampering massage, I hope you’ll make time for your ultimate feel-good combo this weekend, Tatler readers. Until then, happy Friday!
Heidi Yeung
Digital Editor
LIFESTYLE
Jono Toh, the artist sparking joy with shapes and colour
Jono Toh is a new artist taking Hong Kong by storm, and when you walk into his home in Kennedy Town, it’s immediately clear that there is an artist in residence. It’s eclectic and emotive, much like Toh’s art, which features bold colours, deconstructed circles and proportion-play.
This month, ahead of his successful debut show in Hong Kong You Tell Me at H Queen’s, he spoke to Tatler about what inspires him and why he’s determined to live his life bigger, bolder and brighter.
MORE FROM LIFESTYLE
Blackpink and Starbucks launch exclusive drink and limited edition accessories for Blinks in Asia.
No matter whether you’re an art novice or connoisseur, you’ll love these stimulating summer shows in Hong Kong.
NewJeans drops Cool With You and Get Up music videos, which star Tony Leung and Jung Hoyeon in curious and mysterious storyline.
FRONT & FEMALE
Building a sisterhood
Research published in the Harvard Business Review in 2019 found that, as well as a network of well-connected peers, women also need an inner circle of close female contacts if they intend to reach the highest levels of pay and executive positions.
Meet seven young leaders who are protecting women and propelling them to success.
MORE FROM FRONT & FEMALE
These plus-size brides are embracing body positivity by rejecting expectations to lose weight for their wedding day.
Atsuko Toko Fish, founder of the Japanese Women’s Leadership Initiative, tells Tatler how she stepped up to improve the status of women in her country.
Body Banter’s Stephanie Ng opens up about overcoming an eating disorder, and the unhealthy side of eating healthy.
STYLE
Offgod’s Andrew Mok on finding success online and IRL
Andrew Mok may be only 18 and a fresh graduate from Hong Kong’s Victoria Shanghai Academy, but he’s already created a buzz in the streetwear game with his 3D-printed sculptures—mainly headphone accessories—that he creates with his brother, Tate.
The Hong Kong-based artist, better known on Instagram as @yalocaloffgod, also debuted his creations at Men’s Fashion Week in Paris last month in a collaboration with Japanese luxury streetwear brand A Bathing Ape for its spring-summer 2024 menswear collection.
MORE FROM STYLE
Tatler remembers Jane Birkin, the actress, singer and fashion icon, and muse for the iconic Hermès Birkin bag, who died earlier this week.
Cartier has named BTS member V as its latest brand ambassador and the face of its Panthère de Cartier campaign.
Get behind Tatler’s first AI fashion shoot, where we blended reality with the virtual.
POWER & PURPOSE
Meet the Asian shoppers revolutionising luxury trends
In the vibrant, fast-paced world of luxury, the winds of change are blowing from the East. The orchestrators of this transformation? The young, affluent consumers of Asia.
While traditional luxury buyers often seek heritage and exclusivity, these up-and-coming consumers crave innovation, trendiness and, increasingly, a commitment to sustainability.
MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE
It may no longer be Pride month, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the LGBTQ+ trailblazers elevating queer visibility in Hong Kong.
Discover how Tatler Gen.T is supporting Hong Kong Down Syndrome association with its purpose-driven NTFs collection.
Meet the climate tech entrepreneurs who are helping to create a more sustainable world.
DINING
Hong Kong’s Coa shines in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list
It’s official: Hong Kong bar Coa is a legend. The Mexican-inspired watering hole has been named the best bar in Asia for an unprecedented third time in a row.
Following immediately behind, also for the third consecutive year, is Singapore’s Jigger & Pony, cementing its status as the best in the Lion City.
MORE FROM DINING
Eat your way through Kyoto and discover the diverse food scene of Japan’s ancient capital.
From childhood flavours to an exclusive playlist: here’s how Sumac Restaurant and Lounge celebrates Lebanese culture.
At the heel of Japan is the city of Fukuoka, which boasts just as much food excitement as Tokyo.
AROUND ASIA
SINGAPORE | Here are 34 dog-friendly restaurants and cafés to visit with your fur-friends in Singapore.
PHILIPPINES | The future of sustainable motoring: Here are 5 electric cars you can get in the Philippines.
MALAYSIA | Two Kuala Lumpur bars were named in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list.