/
Text
AUGUST 2023
STYLE
Fits to a Tee 24
Dangerous Curves 28
Glow with the Flow 29
Well Suited 30
Heavy Duty 31
On the Streets 32
Fabulous at Every Age 34
A World of Wonder 36
Power Player 42
The Power List 44
O N T H E COV E R
Minnie Nicha Yontararak,
photographed by Junkyoung Lee,
styled by Gracia Phang. Sweater;
coat; underwear; rings, Miu Miu
ON THE FACE Always An Optimist
Illuminating Primer, $48, Rare Beauty.
Good Apple Skin-Perfecting
Foundation Balm, $64, KVD Beauty.
Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion
Touch, $107, Chanel. Dior Forever
Cushion Powder, $102, Dior ON THE
EYES Diorshow Brow Styler in 002
Dark Brown, Dior. Stylo Yeux
Waterproof in 10 Ébène, Chanel.
Ombre G Quad in Undressed Brown,
Guerlain. Hella Thicc Volumizing
Mascara, Fenty Beauty ON THE
CHEEKS Blush de Beauté in 02
Tender Apricot, Gucci Beauty.
Luminizing Face Enhancer in 17
Celestial Sparks, Clé de Peau Beauté
ON THE LIPS Lip Liner in Hazelnut,
Anastasia Beverly Hills. Unlocked
Satin Creme Lipstick in 304 Alpine,
Hourglass. ON THE HAIR Curl Shaping
Mousse, ORIBE. Good Behavior 4-in-1
Prep Hair Spray, IGK. Big Swig
Thickening Spray, Drybar
JEWELS &
WATCHES
Dare to Bare 54
Haute Bijoux 60
Blue Steel 62
Tongue Wagging 63
Stack Attack 64
Ice Queens 68
In Love With the Bee 70
FASHION
MAKEUP: Haemin Kim
HAIR: Aram Chun
MANICURE: Jinsol Kim
PRODUCER: Esther Kim
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR:
Crystal Sang
MA J O R M I N N I E
Photographed by Junkyoung Lee.
Styled by Gracia Phang 114
J U M P F O R J OY
Photographed by Josh Shinner.
Styled by Cathy Kasterine 122
r
r Vivie
Roge
Boot,
AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
A FASHIONABLE LIFE
A Star Returns 75
Shorts Story 80
Bagging Rights 81
Big Bang Theory 82
Inspiration 84
Life Beyond the Flashbulbs 85
Talking Points 92
Book Me a Table at Tiffany’s 94
Hidden Kingdom 96
Alexander McQ
g,
ue
Ba
en
BEAUTY
REGULARS
Hey, Good Looking 100
Screen Time 106
Pure Magic 110
Healing Honey 112
Editor’s Note 20
Get the Look 22
Horoscope 74
Why Don’t You? 134
Visit
.com.sg
THIS MONTH
Gigi Hadid
COOL GIRL
SUMMER
LIKE IT OR NOT,
STARS SAY
JORTS AND
DENIM SKORTS
ARE IN
Bella Hadid
REBEL WITH
A CAUSE
MAKE A STATEMENT
IN GRAPHIC TEES
THIS SEASON
Biker Bra t-shirt, $935,
Alexander McQueen
Olivia
Culpo
Graphic print gradient
t-shirt, $326, Dsquared2
Boke Boy Travels t-shirt,
$350, Kenzo
Hailey Bieber
Taylor Swift
FORTUNE
FAVOURS
THE BOLD
BREAK ALL THE
BEAUTY RULES
THIS MONTH
WITH THESE OUTTHERE PICKS
Everlasting
Lip Liner, $33,
KVD Beauty
at Sephora
Roses sleeveless t-shirt in
cotton, $650, LOEWE
Phyto-Eye Twist
N°9 Pearl, $60,
Sisley Paris
Color
Fuse
Blush,
$61, Haus
Labs by
Lady
Gaga
Satin Kajal
Liner, $41,
Victoria
Beckham
Beauty
HARPERSBAZAARSG
Cosmos Eye
Shadow
Palette, $88,
Anastasia
Beverly Hills
at Sephora
Rouge À
Lèvres Satin
Lipstick, $65,
Gucci Beauty
Versace Goddess safety
pin t-shirt, $540, Versace
HARPERSBAZAARSINGAPORE
AUGUST 2023
KENNETH GOH
Editor-in-Chief
Creative Director
Digital Editor
WINDY AULIA
GLORIA TSO
Deputy Editor
Digital Content Manager
RENÉE BATCHELOR
NAVIN PILLAY
Associate Fashion Director
Senior Digital Writer
JEFFREY YAN
SHERMIN NG
Associate Style Editor
Social Media Manager
GRACIA PHANG
JOE TAN
Senior Beauty Editor
Content Producer
ARISSA HA
BRANDON CHIA
Contributing Sub-editor
JERENA NG
Senior Art Director
DAPHNE TSO
Associate Art Director
ALICE CHUA
STUDIO
Chief Photographer/Videographer
VERONICA TAY
Senior Photographer/Videographer
PHYLLICIA WANG
Photographer/Videographer
ATHIRAH ANNISSA, LAWRENCE TEO
Watch, Cartier
OPERATIONS
Manager, Ad Ops
LIN FENG
ADMINISTRATION &
EDITORIAL SUPPORT
Senior Manager
JULIANA CHONG
Assistant Managers
WENDY WONG, CYNTHIA LEE
Contributing Photographers
Ching, Gan, Junkyoung Lee, Stefan Khoo, Vladimir Martí, Wee Khim
Contributors
Katherine Arteche, Chan Siew Boon, Choi Moonhyuk, Cathy Kasterine, Ray Kohar, Chong Yitan, Catherine Fairweather, Adam Goodison,
Claudia Laukamp, Jiao Ying, Katharine Merlin, Ng Yi Lian, Rosie Arkell-Palmer, Azhar Rahim, Josh Shinner, Tan Shou, Zoe Tauro, Yoon Hyeyeon
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AUGUST 2023
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Chief Executive Officer
TEO LAY LIM
Editor-in-Chief,
Lifestyle & Entertainment
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MCI (P) 031/12/2022 KDN NO: PPS1492/3/2005 ISSN 2010-1473
Bee My Love
ION Orchard 6834 4600
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7050
Bee My Love
ION Orchard 6834 4600
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7050
EDITOR’S NOTE
es, you guessed it, I’m deep in Barbie world. Barbie-isms have been
littering our language of late and you would be hard pressed to not see the plethora of Pepto
Bismol pink that’s been colouring all our outfits and phones since the launch of this movie in
late July. While many may see Barbie as the quintessential bombshell of a woman, she actually
is far more than her blonde mane and impossibly long legs. I have yet to see the movie but
I’ve been so impressed with the reviews and, of course, the legendary Ken doll. My namesake
(played by the ultra dashing Ryan Gosling) with the perfect set of abs (I want!) sports some of
the best candy-coloured fashion. Get Ken-spired with the best in pastels on pages 28 and 29,
where ultra-feminine looks and some of the glitziest and shiniest fashion will make you stand
out like a doll.
I believe fashion should always have a dopamine effect for the wearer—even if it’s all black.
Happiness cannot simply be seen sartorially as bright, happy colours. That would be far too
#basic. Take inspo from our pages of feel-good fashion on page 122—they will literally inspire
you to leap for joy. Our cover girl this month is Thai singer Minnie of the K-pop band (G)I-DLE.
Her story, on page 114, of how she moved countries and picked up four languages in pursuit of
a thriving career in music should be an inspiration to all of us. Minnie also sports some of the
cutest, most feminine fashion from Miu Miu, which brings back all the coquettishness of Barbie
in our real world. There are other new looks to refresh your wardrobe—read our trend report on
page 36. This season, bold reds take centre stage, while quiet luxury in the form of plain suitings
in luxe fabrics and puffer coats are on the rise, as is ultra sexy lingerie dressing—all guaranteed
to give you major Kenergy.
And on the need for positive fashion—our power list this year is eight women who are
Singapore’s comedy queens. These funny girls have the courage, flair and smarts to break
gender barriers. They embody the theme of this issue—rule breakers and daredevils. Read the
stories of these brave hearts on page 44.
And one final word on rule breakers—remember when Madonna shocked the world with her
near naked cavorting, F-bomb-filled lyrics and explosive videos that pulled the curtains on so
many taboo topics? She provoked in the ’80s all the way through to present day—that’s over four
decades of rule breaking. So for me to hear lyrics spewed by today’s Gen Z musicians who think
an F-bomb in a song makes you a rebel—let me tell you, it does not. You are a mere shadow of
the original Mother. And that is my last Ken-ism for the month.
KENNETH GOH
Editor-in-Chief
KENNIEBOY
HARPERSBAZAARSG
HARPERSBAZAARSINGAPORE
20 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
HARPERSBAZAAR.COM.SG
PHOTOGRAPHY: ERWAN ALEXANDRE JEAN. OUTFIT: VALENTIN0. WHITE GOLD, DIAMOND, TANZANITE AND ROCK CRYSTAL PARFUM RING, BOUCHERON
AM I
KENOUGH?
Bee My Love
ION Orchard 6834 4600
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands 6688 7050
GET THE LOOK
Sunglasses,
$630, Prada
Dress,
about $619,
Jacquemus
Hair clip,
$985,
Miu Miu
Coat, about $1,118,
Isabel Marant Étoile
at Net-a-Porter
Blush de
Beauté in
Radiant Pink,
$90, Gucci
Beauty
Ring,
$1,100,
Alexander
McQueen
Pump,
Miu Miu
Spirited and bright eyed, Minnie, our cover star and
Thai sensation from the South Korean K-Pop girl
group (G)I-DLE, pulls off the ultimate Barbie-core
look effortlessly. Take style inspiration from her by
combing the archives and taking camp inspo from
the past, such as a ’60s shift, a ’50s varsity cardigan and
a ’40s plaid coat. It’s about layering your getup with a
spectrum of pinks, and elevating it with sparkly
add-ons and precious accessories.
Bag, $3,850,
Miu Miu
Cardigan,
$4,500,
Miu Miu
Earrings,
$1,385,
Balenciaga
Watch,
Chanel
Skirt, $5,660,
Valentino
Scarf,
$400,
Burberry
Bra top,
$7,500,
Miu Miu
22 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY: GRACIA PHANG. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUNKYOUNG LEE
POLISHED IN PINK
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FITS TO
A TEE
The humble t-shirt takes centre stage,
proving its versatility.
Photographed by Choi Moonhyuk.
Styled by Yoon Hyeyeon
Upsize
Get street-savvy in an
oversize tee and baggy
jeans. Punch it up a notch
with a simple updo and
strong makeup.
T-shirt, Diesel. Briefs;
jeans; sneakers,
Balenciaga. Necklace;
bracelet, Chrome Hearts
24 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Checkmate
Update good ’ol tweed with a
hoodie in the same shade of
pink. Throw in gold hardware
for a touch of sass.
Top, Sculptor. Jumpsuit;
earrings; bag, Chanel.
Belt, Blumarine
25 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Collected
A cool, neutral tailored
blazer pulls together an
otherwise casual fit.
Blazer, Wooyoungmi. T-shirt,
Palm Angels. Trousers, LOEWE.
Earrings, Louis Vuitton
26 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Shapeshift
Re-define wild-west style with a
crop top and a shapely mermaidcut skirt. Add a neckerchief
for a touch of colour.
T-shirt; scarf, Ami. Skirt, Valentino.
Earrings; ring, Valentino Garavani.
Bracelet, Louis Vuitton
Model: Seohyun
Hair: Lee Il-jung
Makeup: Jang So-mi
Styling Assistant: Kang Bu-kyung
27 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
6
7
3
5
1
Picks
2
8
Complement the
slip’s simplicity
with an
extravagant
necklace
4
DANGEROUS
CURVES
9
Show off your silhouette in bodyhugging, corsetry-inspired dresses
11
14
12
16
10
15
1. Dress, $7,000, Kim x Dolce&Gabbana 2. Gloves, $690, Valentino Garavani 3. Necklace, GRAFF 4. Sunglasses, $880, Chanel
5. Corset, about $728, Agent Provocateur at Net-a-Porter 6 Rouge G Luxurious Velvet Lipstick in 940, $54, Guerlain 7. Skirt, $3,670, Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello 8. Bracelet, Boucheron 9. Dress, $1,730, Dion Lee at Farfetch 10. Earrings, Piaget 11. Christopher John Rogers pre-fall 2023
12. Watch, Franck Muller 13. Bag, Dior 14. Dress, about $2,139, Mugler 15. Ring, Cartier 16. Sandal, $2,260, Versace
28 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY GRACIA PHANG
13
2
3
1
4
14
15
5
6
GLOW
WITH THE
FLOW
Everyday staples and sparkling
accessories for all
out razzmatazz
13
12
12
7
Picks
14
9
Add an instant
edge to your
getup with a
bejewelled
ear cuff
8
10
BY GRACIA PHANG
11
1. Bag, $1,550, LOEWE 2. Sweater, about $1,312, Blumarine 3. Watch, Hermès 4. Airpod case, $1,390, Balenciaga 5. Trousers, about $383, Rotate
6. Belt, $9,740, Chanel 7. Ear cuff, $1,000, Alexander McQueen 8. Sandal, $1,370, Gucci 9. Top, about $583, Self-Portrait at Net-a-Porter
10. Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2023 11. Bag charm, Dior 12. Shorts, Brunello Cucinelli 13. Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Virtue, $38, Rare Beauty
14. Dress, $14,000, Miu Miu 15. Earrings, $1,890, Valentino Garavani
29 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
3
2
6
1
5
7
4
WELL SUITED
17
8
Fall marks the return of the
three-piece suit—a blazer, skirt
and trousers—for the
well-dressed mind
16
9
10
13
Picks
14
Pair your best suit with
a pair of smart loafers
for a touch of polish
11
15
1. Skirt, $1,850, Thom Browne at Farfetch 2. Ring, Givenchy 3. Bag, $7,960, Chanel 4. Sunglasses, $1,150, Valentino Garavani 5. Moschino pre-fall 2023
6. Necklace, Dior 7. Blush in Rose Doré, $126, Hermès Beauty 8. Blazer, $4,265, Alexander McQueen 9. Trousers, $1,525, Alexander McQueen
10. Watch, Cartier 11. Belt, $1,370, Gucci 12. Loafer, $2,000, Bottega Veneta 13. Blazer, $3,150, Burberry 14. Skirt, $1,750, Burberry
15. Hat, about $429, Ruslan Baginskiy 16. Earrings, $495, Fendi 17. Trousers, $2,730, Louis Vuitton
30 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY GRACIA PHANG
12
WAIT
LIST
HEAVY DUTY
BY JEFFREY YAN
Sarah Burton’s latest bag for
Alexander McQueen gives new
shape to House codes
Called the Peak, the graphic silhouette of this
new Alexander McQueen bag was inspired by
the fierce tailoring that is the brand’s calling
card. McQueen himself famously got his start
on London’s famed Savile
Row, and the rigour of
English bespoke tailoring
has informed the House’s
output ever since. Sarah
Burton’s fall/winter 2023
collection for the brand
was a compelling exploration
of shape, expressed through
cloth in relation to the human
form. The backbone of the
collection was ultra-sharp
suiting, first presented
straightforwardly, and then
twisted and deconstructed
into new forms. The Peak
bag echoes the muscular,
precise lines of the readyto-wear, and is finished
with a knuckle dusterinspired handle—yet another
signature of the House famed
for marrying the hard and the
soft, and the beautiful with the
brutal. The Peak bag is priced
from $4,500 to $5,040 and
available at Alexander McQueen,
#01-09, ION Orchard (tel: 6509 4091).
31 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
From far left: Make a statement by doubling
the style, but do only one element in colour.
Crisp button-downs are your best match for
a bold peekaboo skirt. Slicked-back hair is
a sharp contrast to free-flowing shapes.
Understated yet stunning, a neutral shift
dress is always easy on the eye
UNCHAINED MELODY
A dress-craft made famous by the late Paco
Rabanne, linked shapes or plates that look like
chainmail suggest a creative finesse with a huge
dose of cheeky sensuality and peekaboo playfulness.
Style yours with classics such as white shirts, blazers
and trousers; and top it off with accessories that
have clean lines and solid shades.
Louis
Vuitton
pre-fall
2023
ON THE
Fashion maestros marry quirky designs with everyday objects
for looks that stop traffic. Cop their styles here
Bag, $890,
JW Anderson
PUFF
IT UP
While the
quilted jacket
is the perfect
transitional
piece, there’s a
slightly more
tailored version
for when you
need to step into
the office. We’re
talking about the
padded blazer—a comfier,
cosier, and a more
fashion-forward
interpretation. Do it like
Balenciaga and go extra large,
with a turtleneck top and fitted
bottoms; shimmery pantaboots
optional. Or opt for a neutralhued quilted suit set paired with
sneakers that both corporates
and fashionistas would approve.
Bag,
$3,650,
Bottega
Veneta
Balenciaga
pre-fall 2023
Bag, $5,290,
Jil Sander
32 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAG OF TRICKS
Quiet luxury has proven to reign supreme
through to this season as Bottega Veneta
sent a chic, plush leather tote disguised as a
plain old brown paper bag down the runway.
While JW Anderson's felt-lined leather tote
comes complete with top stitches and
crinkles like those seen on a well-loved
paper bag, Jil Sander’s leather bag is wittily
disguised in woven rattan. Now, what was
that they say about not judging a book by
its cover? Call us happily fooled.
From left: Own the
street by pairing
shimmer and gold
with your casual togs.
Opt for a feathertrimmed number for
some OTT drama. For
boyish insouciance—
go for an oversize fit
worn with a bralette
From far left: Rock on in
versatile knit and leather
separates. Show off those
hard-earned abs in
asymmetric leather pieces.
Take a futuristic world view
with quirky sunglasses
T
IN SHORT ORDER
TROOP
ER
M P Channel
O
S
BY GRACIA PHANG. PHOTOGRAPHY: SHOWBIT
your inner Lara Croft
in cropped leather separates,
versatile knits and eye-popping
cut-outs. Swap predictable combat
boots for sleek pumps for a touch of
elegance or opt for chunky platforms.
Chain-link detailing on belts and bags mirror
the rough-and-ready look the badass
leading lady sports in her missions.
Whether you’re going for Angelina Jolie’s
sultry sensuality or Alicia Vikander’s
sylphlike toughness, a strong and
fearless attitude is key.
Stella
McCartney
pre-fall
2023
Louis
Vuitton
pre-fall
2023
WAY TO GO,
CHAPS!
Be it the influence of classic films, or a
noughties revival—here’s a trend that
we’re actually delighted to be seen in.
Bermuda shorts or longline shorts—the
refined older sister of the cutoff—are
just as versatile as their shorter, more
summery counterparts. Wear yours
tailored as a set a la Julia Roberts in
Pretty Woman, or take your
cue from Gigi Hadid and
style your denim piece
with an oversize shirt,
sneakers and a cap for
a nonchalant vibe. For
a relaxed look, a pair
of sweatpantsstyle shorts
can take you
from the mall to the
airport. Trends don’t get
any cooler than these.
Chaps—a cowboy’s go-to
protective wear—has
been adopted by the
fashion set and has since
gone through several
iterations over the
decades, including
Christina Aguilera’s iconic
motocross pair at the VH1
awards in 2002. This
season Louis Vuitton and
Stella McCartney have
re-interpreted this
functional wear yet again.
Worn with a chic toga
top and brogues, Louis
Vuitton’s leather-panel
and-wool-skirted version
is sophisticated yet edgy.
Meanwhile Stella
McCartney’s laid-back
take features contrast
denim that cleverly
creates the illusion of
chaps, paired with a chic,
button-down shirt and
casually tousled hair.
33 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Shorts,
Brunello
Cucinelli
Shorts, Sportmax
Shorts,
$2,050,
Givenchy
Shorts,
$2,850,
Gucci
Shorts,
$2,420,
Miu Miu
STYLE
FABULOUS
Boot,
$2,250,
Gucci
Ring,
Cartier
Bag, $2,350,
Balenciaga
AT EVERY
The Canadian tuxedo scales up
with fresh detailing and an
audacious edge
Jacket, about
$1,036 Jean Paul
Gaultier at
Net-a-Porter
Jeans, $2,900, Dior
Watch,
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Skirt,
Off-White
Dress,
$780,
Acler at
Farfetch
Sunglasses,
Ray-Ban
Boot, $79.90,
Charles & Keith
Diesel
pre-fall
2023
Bracelet,
about $254,
Jacquemus
Go chic and soigné
in midnight denim hues for
a dressed-up appeal
Earrings,
$820,
Versace
Bag,
$2,780,
Saint
Laurent by
Anthony
Vaccarello
Necklace,
$2,650,
Fendi
Stonewashed or smocked,
denim makes for a
babelicious fit
Ring,
$135,
Monica
Vinader
Cap, $990,
CELINE
Shirt,
$55.90,
Zara
Skirt,
$1,650,
CELINE
Dress, $7,150,
Louis Vuitton
iPhone 14 Pro
case, $390,
Bottega Veneta
Necklace,
Swarovski
Moschino
pre-fall 2023
Jeans, $1,300,
Dolce&Gabbana
Shorts,
$2,180,
Miu Miu
Jacket, $3,220,
Alexander
McQueen
Scarf,
Versace
Top, about $620,
Mônot at Net-a-Porter
34 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Necklace,
$2,650,
Balenciaga
Balenciaga
pre-fall
2023
Pump, $1,260,
Roger Vivier
Sunglasses,
$430, LOEWE
Vest, about
$718, Dries
van Noten
Bag, Ferragamo
Top, $927, Sacai
at Farfetch
Card holder,
$500, Burberry
Earrings, $2,480,
Saint Laurent
by Anthony
Vaccarello
Belt, $990,
Valentino
Garavani
Dress,
Sportmax
Watch,
Chanel
Jeans,
Sandro
Jacket, $1,530,
Stella McCartney
Ring,
GRAFF
Structural outfits with
panels and top stitching
are accentuated with
a pop of red
Earrings,
Chanel
Necklace,
Hermès
The denim rulebook gets updated
with ombre and painterly shades
with brilliant jewels piled on
Bag,
Chloé
Victoria
Beckham
pre-fall
2023
Headband,
Dior
Bag
charm,
$1,310,
Louis
Vuitton
Jeans, about
$1,019, Mugler
BY GRACIA PHANG. PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DIESEL,
MOSCHINO, FERRAGAMO, VICTORIA BECKHAM
Coat,
Moschino
Skirt, Marc
Jacobs
Watch,
$4,910,
Louis
Vuitton
Skirt, $2,880,
Dolce&Gabbana
Top, $1,450,
Proenza Schouler
Sunglasses,
$330, Burberry
Sandal, $1,240,
Off-White
35 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Bl
um
ar
in
e
en
ue
cQ
rM
de
n
a
ex
Al
R
E D
B
LO
Ja
cq
ue
mu
s
Nensi Dojaka
While neutrals are gaining
ground and black is forever,
certain moments call for
nothing less than a bold,
bright hue. This season, red is
that colour with almost every
collection featuring a
statement scarlet dress.
Alexander McQueen’s mostly
black and white collection
was punctuated by flashes of
red; Jacquemus’ ode to Marie
Antoinette and Lady Diana
featured a voluminous pouf
in the same shade as the
carpet on which the models
walked; while Christopher
Kane’s final collection had a
frilly latex number that
evoked both sci-fi and sex.
Do
lc
e&
Ga
bb
an
a
Kan
e
Fa
s
h
Fr
om It ion h
dr
ca has as n
ess
me al
es
l c so n ever
to
oa
b
e
pil
low and ts an ver b een
y p rega d u een mor
n
u
e
ha ffer l flou der mor fra
s y s, t ri sta e d gm
ou hi she ted el en
co s fa s, o su igh ted
ve ll/
tfu .
it
r
By red. wint the e s to s l.
er
w
x
Je
20 trem eep
ffr
23
ey
i
sea es o ng t
Ya
n
so f na rain
n
ke s
d
Chr
isto
phe
r
Bo
tte
ga
Ven
eta
Fe
rra
ga
mo
A
W WO
ON RLD
DE OF
R
STYLE
O
D
E D
W
Her
mès
ni
Mar
36 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
O
M
A
N
Bottega Veneta
C
U
Quiet luxury has been
dominating the
conversation in recent
months, thanks in no
small part to fictional,
fashionable antiheroines
like Succession’s Shiv
Roy and Tár’s Lydia Tar,
who eschew flashy
logos and brash prints
for muted colours and
crisp silhouettes. The
impact of their
impeccably tailored
suits have spilled onto
the runways, with
designers as varied as
Matthieu Blazy at
Bottega Veneta to
Mary-Kate and Ashley
Olsen at The Row,
all offering their own
take on stealthwealth suiting.
T
B
O
V
E
Dior
Valentino
The Row
David Koma
Prada
A
Gucci
Tod’s
A
R
Gender roles have been blurring for
a while now, and the past few years
have upended the way we work
and what we wear. All these have
provided rich fodder for designers
to re-evaluate the uniforms of
power, and their avenue seems to
be the humble necktie. Once an
emblem of the masculine working
wardrobe, now it is a tool to
subvert gender codes. It is paired
with corsetry at Alexander
McQueen, juxtaposed against frills
and feathers at Valentino, and used
to remix French femininity at Dior.
Alexander McQueen
Dolce&Gabbana
B
I E E R
T
K
A
E
37 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
E
T H
I N
Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello
Chanel
Victoria Beckham
Carolina Herrera
Givenchy
Prada
Rick Owens
Valentino
Jacquemus
Moschino
Y
T
R
PA
K
C
B A
There is a whiff of glamour in the air—the kind represented by opera gloves and sweeping
trains. While the former might be a harder sell, the latter is making a full-on comeback,
with designers giving trains and tails a modern update. Punks and princesses collided at
Moschino; Matthew Williams channelled Hubert de Givenchy’s aristocratic elegance via
fluttering trains on prim midi dresses; while Saint Laurent was a vision of Eighties
bombast, complete with power shoulders and giant scarves trailing dramatically behind.
38 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Victoria Beckham
Gucci
Ferragamo
39 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Miu Miu
Y
T
I K
L
A EC
E
R CH
Fendi
LOEWE
Bottega Veneta
Tory Burch
The Row
Prada
After seasons of increasingly
theatrical fashions, the
pendulum has swung the
other way. For fall/winter
2023, some of the industry’s
most forward-thinking
designers are paring back
with nondescript, forever
pieces—think classic knits
and smart skirts, a well-cut
coat, and good old denim.
This quieter movement is not
without its wow moments.
Bottega Veneta continues to
reinvent everyday staples in
luxe leathers; LOEWE
doubles down on craft with
paper garments, and Miu
Miu thrills with its eccentric
pants-less styling.
Gucci
STYLE
N
Erdem
Alaïa
I O
T
T
A
N E E
O R
R
T
O
S
C
Alexander McQueen
Simone Rocha
Marni
W
U
P
When times
are hard, clothing tends
to become harder (like
armour) or softer, like a
cocoon. For fall/winter
2023, designers seem to
be leaning into the latter.
Fashion may not be able
to resolve economic and
political uncertainties, but
it can sure offer a balm.
Designers like Rick Owens,
Miuccia Prada and Raf
Simons at Prada, Daniel
Roseberry at Schiaparelli,
and Francesco Risso at
Marni keyed into this mood
by sending out puffed up
pieces that are not only
beautiful, but also evoke
a sense of protection.
40 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Rick Owens
LO
Dion Lee
B
Prada
Schiaparelli
Perhaps it was the passing of
Queen Elizabeth II, or that of the
grande dame of punk, Vivienne
Westwood, who loved (ripping up)
a good Victorian reference. Perhaps
it was the inescapable Bridgerton
mania. Whatever the reason,
designers seem to have found
themselves ruminating on dresses
fit for court life in centuries past.
From Alaïa to Erdem, the runways
were awash with voluminous
leg-of-mutton sleeves, classical
portrait necklines and gargantuan
crinolines. The difference is that
21st-century innovations have
rendered these light as air.
Ja
cq
ue
m
us
Gu
cc
i
M
iu
Si
m
on
e
Ne
ns
iD
oj
ak
a
T
To
ry
Ch
ris
to
ph
er
N
D
T
R
H
E
E
S
N SE
IN D
E
S
Bu
rc
h
Ka
ne
Bo
tte
ga
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHOWBIT
U
O
Ro
ch
a
Ve
ne
ta
M
ar
cJ
ac
ob
s
41 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Less is certainly more this
season, though that ethos
has manifested in a few
different ways. Some
designers are taking a literal
approach by stripping
things down to the bare
essentials—namely,
underwear. As fashion
moves on from Y2K and
mermaid dressing, lingerie
looks represent the next
level of skin-baring style.
The vibe is sensual, but also
sophisticated with
barely-there slip dresses
and lace chemises enlivened
by intricate embroideries
and adornments.
M
iu
STYLE
POWER
PLAYER
Elizabeth von der Goltz has shaped how
women dress the world over. The Browns and
Farfetch executive talks to Jeffrey Yan about
how the industry can move forward
lizabeth von der Goltz is one of those people whose
names you might not know, but whose impact you
have definitely felt. She is the woman responsible for
many of the trends and designers in our wardrobes
today. She currently holds dual roles at Browns, the
pioneering British multilabel boutique, and Farfetch,
the world’s biggest fashion e-commerce marketplace, as CEO and
chief fashion & merchandising officer, respectively. On her journey
there, she has led the buying teams at Matchesfashion, Net-a-Porter
and Bergdorf Goodman’s. Von der Goltz describes her job today
as “bringing together teams to create a really beautiful, curated
destination for the luxury shopper.” She came up in the era of the
destination store, but as she says, “so many of the stores that we
loved in the world—the Colette’s and the Barney’s—have closed”
and so, her goal is to have Browns “be that experience, and to have
that experience translate onto our website and app.” In this exclusive
interview, von der Goltz tells us why she does what she does, and
shares her hard-won wisdom for the next generation looking to break
into the industry.
What is the most satisfying part of what you do?
I think the more you progress in your career, the more you actually
get away from the really fun part, which in my case is discovering
new designers and working with the product. A lot of my job
satisfaction still comes from mentoring new designers—making sure
they’re getting global awareness, and the support from my teams.
The satisfaction comes from people in general, whether that’s our
customer, or my team in the business. This industry should be fun,
right? Fashion should be inspirational. We’re not saving lives—we’re
bringing joy. That joy has to spread across your team internally,
and across your customer base externally. It’s about the designer
community, and the people we’re able to touch and inspire, and bring
joy and discovery to.
Elizabeth von der Goltz
When buying into new designers, what are the qualities you
look for?
Firstly, you want something that seems lasting. Does the designer
have some sort of signature or DNA that you can see going
forward and evolving with time? It’s super important for them to
have a unique, distinct style that’s able to grow and develop over
a long period. You also want to ensure that the designer is actually
42 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF BROWNS
set up to succeed. They need to be able to ship on time, and have
the right quality in the clothes. The operational, logistics parts are
important. If you pick them up, can they sustain the business? Lastly,
we’re also looking at their sense of style—what the lookbook looks
like, the styling, the social media images. There’s something about
understanding someone’s total image and how they want the brand
to come across to the consumer.
Here at BAZAAR, we have our NewGen programme where we
nurture young designers. As a retailer, what are some of the things
that designers just starting out need to know, especially the aspects
that tend to be overlooked.
I think one of the most important things when you’re starting out
is not to do too much at once. When you’re a small business, it’s
tempting to get your name and brand out there, but try not to sell
to too many stores at once. Just try to find a few really important
partners. Be really strategic about where you want the awareness of
your brand to come from—whether it’s certain e-commerce players,
or your favourite stores in certain cities. Back in the day, it was like
everyone tried to sell to 100 stores at once, even if you are making
five pieces for one and 10 for another. It’s so much work. It’s better
to find fewer strategic partners and work with them, and have them
help you. When you’re negotiating with stores or whoever you’re
going to partner with, try to make sure that you’re getting what you
need out of the partnership. As a young designer, you need to protect
your bottom line and your business. It’s okay to say that these are
the things I believe in, and this is the way I want to work. You have
to communicate very early on to protect yourself and your business.
And then, stay true to yourself. Often, what happens when you’re a
new designer and you’ve sold a few collections, every store you sell to
is going to give you so much feedback, like, “Oh, our customer in the
US likes this; our customer in Asia likes that,” and they’re all opposite
views. It’s a lot of information—you have to take parts of it that you
really believe mean something to your business and that can help
you, but you have to stay true to yourself,
The Browns boutique in
your design process and your creativity.
London’s Mayfair district,
You have to filter through the noise to find
designed by
Dimorestudio. Von der
what makes sense for you, but don’t try to
Goltz envisions it as a
do everything because then you’re going
store of the future, where
the physical and digital
to create a collection that’s completely
come together. The
watered down and has lost your DNA.
customer experience can
be enhanced with the
Browns app, allowing
sales assistants to access
customers’ wish lists, and
pull out recommendations
based on that
What is it about the industry today that excites you the most?
I find it super interesting that fashion evolves constantly. What
you’ve seen happen in the past five years is that the consumer keeps
changing, so as retailers, we have to keep changing. Customer tastes
are changing; how they shop is changing; what the new generation
is interested in, and how they consume content—all of that makes us
constantly learn and grow. I’m also a true believer in sustainability, and
now that customers are really asking for it, you have to make every
company move towards it. For us, it’s in how we buy more considered,
conscious products, and also in how we help mentor designers to be
more sustainable in their supply chain. I’m also a huge supporter of
diversity and inclusion, and I find it so important to support Bipoc
(black, indigenous, people of colour) brands. I’m very excited that the
fashion consumer is now global and pushing to support all kinds of
designers across the board.
What do you think the future of fashion looks like?
I think sustainability has so much to do with the future of fashion.
As you know, fashion does not have a great track record with
sustainability. I think for this industry to keep existing, you need to
make sure that you’re thinking about your supply chain, and how
the industry can grow in a healthy, sustainable way. I also think that
young talent is the future. Whoever that’s going to end up at the big
houses tomorrow are the young designers you support today. So
it’s really important to nurture them the right way. Trends move so
fast now. Sometimes you buy a designer and they’re really hot, and
then two seasons later, it’s over. How do you do this in a way where
you’re actually supporting the talent that you believe will be leading
the Diors and Chanels of the future? Another thing I’ve always talked
about is that we need more women leaders in the industry as well.
So I hope to inspire and mentor, and do as much in that aspect
as possible.
43 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
THE
This year, we celebrate Singapore’s comedy queens and funny girls who have captured our hearts,
tickled our ribs and got us thinking and reflecting on ourselves and society at large. Whether it’s through
stand-up, sketches, or film, these funny girls have the courage, flair and smarts to not only succeed in the
world of comedy, but to also thrive in it. By Renée Batchelor and Jeffrey Yan.
Photographed by Wee Khim. Creative direction and styling by Windy Aulia
Headpiece,
Eskapade.
Dress,
XiXi’s own
44 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
XIXI LIM, 35
MAKEUP: MANISA TAN. HAIR: KAROL SOH
To meet Lim in person is to
experience the uncontained joy
and effervescence that has
made her—to her own
confusion—naturally funny to
everyone she meets. “Even
when I’m being serious
everyone is laughing,” she
quips. Still beneath her quick
wit and bubbly persona lies a
steely determination to
succeed. Her comedy hero is
actor Mark Lee, someone who
she feels is still going strong in
his 50s. When Lim, a child
actor, first made the decision to
move into performing full-time
as an adult, she was initially met
with scepticism as she did not
fit the mould of what a celebrity
should look like. “I wanted to
show people that being
different, or being me, I could
still create a career for myself. If
people can see the good in me,
perhaps I can forge another
path for the younger
generation. I want them to think
“If Xixi is doing it, so can I.”
MAKEUP: MANISA TAN. HAIR: KAROL SOH
actor, host and personality
Top, Moncler. Skirt, Kate
Spade New York.
Headpiece, Eskapade.
Socks, Gucci
FARAH LOLA, 31 comedian and actress
Perhaps comedy runs in the blood for Farah—her older brother, Fakkah Fuzz,
is a stand-up comedian—but it’s clear that her singular talent is all her own.
A self-described “hype girl to the class clown,” Farah started creating videos
that gained traction in 2018, and realised that it was not only those in her
immediate circle who found her funny. Since then, her powers of observation
have allowed her to create incisive and flat-out-funny characters based on
people she has met. Still Farah, who also acts, has faced her own form of
stereotyping as the “funny girl” when it comes to casting for projects and
wishes she would get more opportunities in serious roles. “I feel like they
don’t know where to put us, so they don’t really give us all the jobs. But I think
we can do it. We’re so expressive!” As to when she feels the most powerful,
Farah says, “It’s when everybody laughs at my joke. That’s where I feel like,
‘I’ve got you all in the palm of my hand.’”
45 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
ANNETTE LEE, 31
Dress; brooch (worn
on head), Kenzo.
Earrings, Annette’s
own. Gloves,
stylist’s own
46 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Annette Lee—a triple threat who
has found success on social media
platforms like Instagram and
TikTok—had her first true viral
moment with “The Caifan Song,”
her ode to economy rice with
fellow performer Benjamin Kheng.
It still remains one of her proudest
achievements to date because it
was a “seemingly simple idea that
resonated with people.” Since
then, Lee has created a coterie of
loveable sketch comedy
characters including Auntie
Susan, who is always seen in her
infamous CEO of Cutting Fruits
t-shirt, and Chantelle, a
delightedly vapid influencer. On
why comedy is powerful, Lee says.
“It connects people and brings
them together. There’s this quote
by G.K. Chesterton that goes
‘Humour can get in under the door
while seriousness is still fumbling
at the handle.’ Sometimes, when
you talk about something really
seriously, it can create even more
barriers because people have
their guards up. But comedy has
the ability to allow people to let
loose, while still going pretty
deep. It’s paradoxical that way.”
MAKEUP: MANISA TAN. HAIR: KAROL SOH
filmmaker, musician and actor
SITI KHALIJAH, 38
MAKEUP: MANISA TAN. HAIR: KAROL SOH
actor and host
“It’s the happiness at the end of the
show—the standing ovations, the
applause—because that means we’ve
connected with the audience. Whether we
made them laugh or cry, they felt
something. It’s extra meaningful when it
comes from the younger ones because
growing up, I loved watching actors and
performers on stage, and now years down
the road, to hear that I am inspiring the
younger generation makes me feel like I’m
paying something forward,” says Siti on
what drives her. One of the most prolific
stage actors in the country today, Siti’s
journey into the arts scene wasn’t
conventional—her academic background
is in building and drafting—but then again,
she is used to defying conventions. Her
triumphs in theatre feel even sweeter
because they’ve also served to challenge
society’s narrow beauty ideals. “Being a
plus-size girl myself, [what I do] is also to
tell the youth who may not be deemed
as ‘normal-sized’ that this is a safe
environment where we are accepted
based on our talent, not our looks.”
Power, for Siti, only means
something when it’s coupled with
purpose. “It’s about having
something strong that others
don’t, and making good out of
it. If you have wealth, how do
you share it with others who
don’t? If you have the talent
to be funny, how do you
make people happy and
forget their problems,
even temporarily?”
Sweater, Moncler. Skirt,
Kate Spade New York.
Headband, Eskapade.
Sandals, Gucci.
Gloves, stylist’s own
47 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
MAKEUP: MANISA TAN. HAIR: KAROL SOH
Coat; top, Max Mara. (From
the top) Sunglasses, Prada.
Sunglasses, Dolce&Gabbana
SARAH PENG, 39 stand-up comedian
Now based in Singapore, Peng is one of very, very few comedians from China who performs stand-up in English and the
first to have done a TEDx talk. Her foray into the arena happened on a whim—a frequent audience member at open-mic
nights, she decided to take to the stage one night as a self-set challenge. The crowd lapped up her set and something a
tourist who was in the audience said stuck with her specifically. “She told me, ‘I don’t want to come to China and watch a
comedy show where a bunch of foreigners talk about China. I want to hear from someone like you’. That has served as
something of an unofficial mission statement for Peng ever since. “Comedy is very male-dominated. There are already so
many white male comedians. I want to see more Asian women on the stage. Comedy can be a tool to give a voice and
platform to people who don’t have them. Especially here in Asia, there are a lot of people who look like me, but on the
stage, I’m always the minority. So through my comedy, I can make people hear not just me, but all of us Asian women.”
48 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Blazer, Sportmax.
Sunglasses,
Dolce&Gabbana.
Earrings; ring;
necklace, Kate Spade
New York. Trousers;
bra, Sharul’s own
SHARUL CHANNA, 36
MAKEUP AND HAIR: ANDREA JOAN DOM USING KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY
stand-up comedian
Stand-up comedy is not for the
faint of heart, nor for the slow of
wit. And Channa has proven she
has guts and the talent to thrive.
First, for succeeding in a job
which she admits is not always
easy for women to do as it still
remains very much a boy’s club,
and second for favouring
improvisational comedy. “I make
sure that I do as many open mics
because that’s where you sharpen
your comedy skills. What I’ve
realised about myself is that I love
to do audience interaction. I love
speaking to people and stringing
a story together on the spot. A lot
of comedians are writers, and for
me l love impromptu comedy
more than written comedy.” And
while Channa is always assured in
her stand-up routines, there are
still things that make her nervous.
The bravest thing she’s done of
late? Taking on a main role in an
upcoming play by The Necessary
Stage. “I’m playing one of the
main roles, and I’m getting
nightmares. Because suddenly,
I’m not breaking the fourth wall.
I have to speak to another actor...
and I am being directed after a
long time. So my hope is to live up
to my director’s expectations.”
49 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
STYLE
MUNAH BAGHARIB, 35
Munah Bagharib started out behind the
scenes but that ineffable charisma—which
shines through whether she’s on TV
screens, the stage, the set of a photoshoot
or in her YouTube videos—inevitably led
her into the spotlight. Though she has
almost 100,000 followers on Instagram
today, fame is not the reason why she does
it. “The most fulfilling thing about what I do
is the ability to connect with people. When
people come up to you and say that your
work has helped them get through certain
things, you start to think, ‘Oh, there’s so
much more to just making jokes’. It’s very
special to be able to affect people in a
good way.” Bagharib is using her platform
not just to make people laugh, but also to
spark discussion about more serious issues
such as mental health awareness. Like
every human being, Bagharib has her low
moments but humour has helped. “I
suffered a loss last year and I’m not good at
dealing with grief. There was a week where
I didn’t interact with anybody, but a friend
came over and was like, ‘enough is enough’.
He made some passing comment that was
just like a little joke, but I laughed for the
first time in a week and suddenly it felt like
something was lifted off me. That’s why
humour is so powerful because even when
times are dark, a single smile can make
things feel more okay.”
Coat, Tod’s.
Headpiece,
Eskapade. Boots,
Gucci. Gloves,
stylist’s own
50 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
MAKEUP: FIONA B. HAIR: ERI SU
actor, host and content creator
MAKEUP AND HAIR: CHRIS SIOW USING MAKE UP FOR EVER AND REVLON PROFESSIONAL
Blazer, Moschino. Top,
Kate Spade New York.
Hat, Maison Michel. Ring,
Kate Spade New York.
Trousers, Irene’s own
Producers: Cindy Ow,
Navin Pillay
Stylist’s assistants: Naysa
Pradhan, Zoe Tauro
IRENE ANG, 55 host, actor and entrepreneur
“Why you feature me ah?” was Ang’s first question before the interview even started. How could we not? Ang is the OG when it
comes to Singaporean women in comedy. She became a household name, thanks to her 10-year stint as Rosie Phua on Phua Chu
Kang. Since then, Ang has continued acting and hosting in addition to founding FLY Entertainment—a talent management
company—and a string of F&B businesses. The “serial entrepreneurship,” as she calls it, stems from her passion for “building things,
and watching people grow.” It is also informed by her tumultuous childhood. “Because of my family background, I’ve learned to
always have a backup plan.” Her formative years have also helped Ang hone her iconic brand of humour. “You need to be able to see
the brighter side of things, and to laugh at yourself,” she says. She has parlayed that ability into a long career in entertainment,
though she believes that more can be done about artists and creatives being compensated fairly. “Everything I bring to the table is
accumulated over 30 years of experience. You can get someone cheaper, but can they connect to the audience in the same way?”
51 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR SPECIAL
An
Emblem of
Elegance
Modern British couture makes its mark with the chic
Seal bag from Alexander McQueen
A runway look from
Alexander McQueen’s
fall/winter ’23 collection
featuring the Seal bag
in soft ivory (right) and
red (above)
A
woman who knows her worth
is always ready to make a
style statement wherever she
goes—and what better way to
ƉÁŖĢőűĩŖŅʼnőűěĆʼnĂÚĂÁŅġőĂÁĢūĆőĂőĂä
ěÁőäʼnőĂÁĢàÙÁúÙűěäŰÁĢàäŅ`ÚŖääĢ͡őĂä
ŅäĢĩūĢäàěŖŰŖŅű ŅĆőĆʼnĂěÁÙäěʼnűĢĩĢűġĩŖʼn
with high fashion edge and technical
łŅĩūäʼnʼnʼnĆĢÚäĆőʼnùĩŖĢàĆĢúĆĢ̧̧̟̠͠
ĩěàÁĢàÙäÁŖőĆùŖě͡őĂäʼněääėäÁěÙÁú
ūĆőĂĆőʼnʼněĆúĂőěűäàúűűäőŖĢàäŅʼnőÁőäà
äěäúÁĢÚäĢĩőĩĢěűĩĩŹäʼnĩłŖěäĢÚä͡ÙŖőĆőÁěʼnĩ
äġÙĩàĆäʼnĆĢĢäŅʼnőŅäĢúőĂÁĢàÚĩĢƈàäĢÚäùĩŅ
őĂäūĩġÁĢūĂĩĆʼnŖĢÁùŅÁĆàőĩʼnĂĩūĩƅĂäŅ
ÁŖőĂäĢőĆÚʼnäěù͠
`ÁėĆĢúūÁŪäʼnūĩŅěàūĆàä͡ùÁĢʼnĩùőĂä
äÁěÙÁúÚĩġäùŅĩġÁěěÚĩŅĢäŅʼnĩùőĂäúěĩÙä͠
Celebrities from East to West have been
ʼnääĢőĩőĆĢúőĂääÁěùÁġĆěű͡ĆĢÚěŖàĆĢúͿěĆʼnő
ÁÚőŅäʼnʼnäʼnʼnŖÚĂÁʼn'ěěä;ÁĢĢĆĢú͡HőÁěűΎʼněĆÚä
ÁúÁĢĆ͡ ĂĆĢÁΎʼn ŅűʼnőÁě·ĂÁĢúĆÁĢΎÁĆÁĢà
UÁłÁĢΎʼnűÁėÁ`ĆűĩʼnĂĆ͠
Under the direction of creative director
ÁŅÁĂ ŖŅőĩĢūĂĩĂÁʼnÙääĢÁőőĂäĂäěġ
ʼnĆĢÚä̠̞̟̞͡őĂäDĩŖʼnäĩùěäŰÁĢàäŅ
`ÚŖääĢĆʼnŅäłŖőäàùĩŅĆőʼnĆĢʼnłĆŅäàÁłłÁŅäě
ÁĢàÁÚÚäʼnʼnĩŅĆäʼn͠ ŅäàĆőĆʼnàŖäĂäŅùĩŅġÁĢű
ĩŖőʼnőÁĢàĆĢúÚĩěěäÚőĆĩĢʼnʼnäÁʼnĩĢÁùőäŅʼnäÁʼnĩĢ͡
ĆĢÚěŖàĆĢúőĂäúĩŅúäĩŖʼnäÁěĂÁĢàÙÁú
ūĂĆÚĂūÁʼnŖĢŪäĆěäàĆĢőĂäÙŅÁĢàΎʼnÁŖőŖġĢͭ
ūĆĢőäŅ̡̠̞̠łŅäͿÚĩěěäÚőĆĩĢ͠
THE ROYAL CONNECTION
MADE TO DAZZLE
What makes the Seal bag so unique is not
Every fashionista needs
ĔŖʼnőĆőʼnŅäƈĢäààäʼnĆúĢÁĢàʼněääėěĆĢäʼnÙŖő
the right accoutrement to
ÁěʼnĩĆőʼnƈĢäÚĩŖőŖŅäĂäŅĆőÁúä͡ġÁėĆĢúĆő
complete her look—and the
a covetable accessory from a luxury fashion
logo-signed shoulder chain
house known for its knowledge of British
satchel Seal bag, with its
history as well as its keen appreciation
elegant shape, is the perfect
of nature.
accessory to get the job done.
Be it for an evening soiree or
Take for example the Tudor rose, a redÁĢàͿūĂĆőäƉĩŅÁěġĩőĆùőĂÁőūÁʼnĆĢőŅĩàŖÚäà
a casual outing in the day, this
by King Henry VII in 1486 upon his marriage
bag is meant to elevate your
to Elizabeth of York. With the match,
äĢʼnäġÙěääƅĩŅőěäʼnʼněű͠
Made with high-quality
which united two warring families during
The Wars of the Roses (1445–1487), their
padded seal leather—a new
combined emblems—the house of Lancaster
signature of the House—this
bearing red roses while the house of York
striking shoulder bag has a
bore white roses—eventually became the
boldly etched logo motif in
ĢÁőĆĩĢÁěƉĩūäŅĩù ŅĆőÁĆĢőĂÁőʼnäŅŪäʼnÁʼnÁ
cut-out metal featuring the
symbol of peace and unity, even to this day.
signature “AM” initials and
interwoven with the Tudor
Inspired to keep British history
at the forefront while celebrating the
ĩʼnäƉĩŅÁěġĩőĆùÁʼnłÁŅőĩùĆőʼn
beautiful blooms of English gardens and
patchwork design. The clasp, encased in a
its countryside, Alexander McQueen has
gold or silver clasp, is a snap for ease of use.
adopted the symbolic Tudor Rose in its
The bag’s gentle curves add softness
design of the Seal bag—both a nod to
and sensuality to it and sets it apart from
the past while injecting new life in the
other straight-cut boxy-shaped carriers.
present as the house continues to push the
Paired with luxurious lambskin leather, the
boundaries of fashion.
bag is smooth and pillowy—toting it is akin
to hugging a comforting cloud—and is the
łäŅùäÚőäŰÁġłěäĩùőĂäőÁÚőĆěä͡łŖƅűÙÁú
trend this season.
Designed to be worn over the shoulder,
the Seal bag comes with a sleek gold
shoulder chain that comprises metal rings
that have been neatly woven together,
adding another layer of luxe extravagance
to its design.
UP YOUR STYLE GAME
Versatile enough for both day and night,
the Seal bag by Alexander McQueen is that
essential accessory that will raise your
fashion game.
The bag is available in various shades
őĩġÁőÚĂàĆƅäŅäĢőłäŅʼnĩĢÁěĆőäʼn͡ʼnőűěäʼnÁĢà
BY ANNABEL MIDDLETON
preferences. Whether you opt for classic
Clockwise from top: Elle Fanning carries the
Seal Box bag in red. Crystal Zhang Tian’ai
carries the Seal Box bag at the brand's FW
Ύ̡̠łŅäʼnäĢőÁőĆĩĢ͠Ƌ
ääÁěÙÁúĆĢŅäàÁĢà
black, crafted from padded black lambskin.
Ƌ
ääÁě ĩŰÙÁúĆĢÙěÁÚėÁĢàʼnĩùőĆŪĩŅűĂÁʼn
a squarer, more compact shape
chic in colours like black or soft ivory, or
embrace your vivacious self in bolder shades
like bright green, fuchsia or anis, the choice
is yours.
With the trendy Seal bag by your side,
you are the style statement—in any setting.
EDITED BY RENÉE BATCHELOR
DARE TO
BARE
Make a simple but stunning style statement, whether
with a standout watch, versatile gold bangle or
a gemstone-studded necklace.
Photographed by Stefan Khoo.
Art Direction by Daphne Tso.
Styled by Jeffrey Yan
From top: Rose gold,
diamond, carnelian
and mother-of-pearl
Bouton d’or necklace,
$145,000; rose gold,
diamond, carnelian and
mother-of-pearl Bouton
d’or ring, $26,800,
Van Cleef & Arpels
54 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
From top: Gold, platinum
and diamond Tiffany Edge
Drop earrings, $53,000; white
gold and diamond Tiffany
Knot Double Row necklace,
$59,500; sterling silver, steel
and diamond Tiffany Hardwear
watch, $6,250; white gold
and diamond Tiffany Knot
Double Row ring, $10,100;
gold, platinum and diamond
Tiffany Edge Multi-row Bypass
bracelet, $114,000; white gold
and diamond Tiffany Knot
Double Row Bracelet, $74,500,
Tiffany & Co.
Blazer; shorts, Valentino
From left: Gold,
diamond and malachite
Perlée couleurs ring,
$12,200; gold and
malachite Perlée
couleurs ring, $3,750;
gold Perlée pearls of
gold bracelet, $7,050;
gold Perlée signature
bracelet, $9,950,
Van Cleef & Arpels.
Sweater; skirt, Prada.
Shoes, Bottega Veneta
From left: Gold and violet
gold Clash [Un]limited
watch; gold, white gold and
diamond Grain de café ring;
white gold and diamond
Grain de café ring, Cartier.
Dress, Bottega Veneta
57 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
From top: Rose gold and
diamond Tiffany T T1 ear
cuff, $12,500; rose gold and
diamond Tiffany T T1 necklace,
$46,500, Tiffany & Co.
Top, Miu Miu
58 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
From top: Gold, tsavorite
garnet and onyx Panthère de
Cartier ring, $5,250; gold, tsavorite
garnet, moonstone, onyx and lacquer
Indomptables de Cartier Zèbre ring;
gold, tsavorite garnet and onyx
Panthère de Cartier bracelet; pink
gold, diamond and onyx Clash de
Cartier bracelet, $62,500; gold, onyx,
tsavorite garnet and lacquer Panthère
de Cartier necklace, $146,000, Cartier.
Bodysuit; boots, CELINE
Model: Olivia Kozak/
AVE Model Management
Makeup: Clarence Lee
Hair: Peter Lee/35A
Photographer’s assistant: Mohd Alif
Stylist’s assistant: Naysa Pradhan
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
GRAND ODYSSEY
Louis Vuitton presents its largest high
jewellery collection with over 170 unique
pieces across 16 themes that capture
nature’s beauty and power. The debut
sees the first 13 in two acts—geology and
life. Rare, no-oil Colombian emeralds take
centre stage for the Gondwana suite,
which is representative of one of two
supercontinents before the Earth was
reshaped. Catastrophic themes named
Volcano, Wave and Rupture are
expressed through the Maison’s signature
graphic design elements, leaning into the
custom-cut “LV” stones. The sun and the
sea, without which life would not exist, are also celebrated with a
chapter punctuated with yellow sapphires and aquamarines. The
second act explores the intricacies of life observed from seeds to
fossils, inspiring the emphasis on textures, layers and enchanting
stones throughout the collection. To evoke the
mesmerising spirit, actress and House ambassador
Ana de Armas models the stunning
pieces in her first high jewellery
campaign for the brand.
Clockwise from left: Pieces of
the collection are designed
to be transformed and worn
in multiple ways—an
element that artistic director
Francesca Amfitheatrof has
pushed for over the past five
years. White gold, diamond,
aquamarine and yellow sapphire
Drift rings. Ana de Armas wears
necklace from the Bones jewellery set
BIJOUX
EW
IN
C
LA
N
The latest and most talked-about collections
SS
The Twenty~4 in rose gold
with chocolate brown
sunburst dial, Patek Philippe
Patek Philippe’s Twenty~4 was
created to suit the lifestyles of
modern women, to be worn at any
time and for any occasion. And the
Swiss watch manufacturer’s third
“manchette” model comes in rose
gold accompanied by a chocolate
brown sunburst dial. The warm
tones of the bracelet and dial
complement each other, while rows
of brilliant-cut diamonds on
two-tiered flanks is all class. The
legible Arabic numerals, trapeze
markers and rounded baton hands
sport a luminescent coating and
the brand’s trademark emblem—
the Calatrava Cross—can be found
on the crown. In the tradition of
Patek Philippe’s excellent
craftsmanship, the E15 quartz
movement forms the mechanical
components of the timepiece.
SO SURREAL
Pop art meets high
jewellery. Boucheron’s
Carte Blanche, “More is
More” collection is
creative director Claire
Choisne’s answer to the
dark days of the second
Covid-19 lockdown in Paris.
Channelling vibrant hues,
geometric shapes and kitschy
motifs, a smorgasbord of
jewels free of all restraints—
conventional shapes, materials
and machining—welcomes joy at
its finest. A highlight of the
collection is an oversize hair bow,
made with both magnesium and
gold,
and with 611 diamonds on 200
From top: White gold,
magnesium and diamond
components weighing in at only 94
brooch; titanium,
grams! Surrealism emerges from the
tsavorite and
mother-of-pearl ring;
collection’s versatility where rings
gold, white gold,
double as scrunchies, a trompe l’oeil
diamond, yellow
sapphire, tourmaline
diamond-pavéd pocket fastened on
and chrysoprase
clothing and a pair of 40cm-long
brooch; white gold,
titanium, diamond,
brooches mirroring hoodie cords, which
and murano glass
can also be worn as earrings.
ring, Boucheron
60 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY BRANDON CHIA
HAUTE
UNDER
THE SEA
PHOTOGRAPHY: TIFFANY & CO.
Tiffany & Co. taps on the genius that is French jeweller Jean Schlumberger
and his extraordinary body of work for the House’s newest aquatic-inspired
high jewellery collection. By Brandon Chia
iffany & Co.’s annual Blue Book never fails to
make waves and the 2023 edition, “Out of the Blue,” is no different.
The aquatic fantasy featuring some of the world’s most pristine gems
celebrates the late, great designer Jean Schlumberger’s fascination with
the sea and sea denizens, re-envisioning his wondrous oceanic pieces from
the Tiffany vault.
“Jean Schlumberger referenced the seabed and its riches many times
throughout his creative repertoire. For this collection, we identified core
subjects from this arsenal and designed the chapters around each,” says
chief artistic officer Nathalie Verdeille of her first Blue Book collection.
“Then, the emblematic research of each theme began: a true deep
dive into the iconic pieces, images, colours and materials that would
eventually define the visual lexicon of this beautiful collection.”
Before Verdeille’s arrival, Tiffany & Co. was no stranger to giving new
life to Schlumberger’s work. Last year’s book was inspired by botanical
Clockwise from top left:
references beloved by the designer, and the year before that was a homage
Platinum, diamond and
black opal necklace; gold,
to his penchant for coloured stones.
platinum, diamond, yellow
Much like these iterations, the newest collection that debuts in two
diamond and sapphire Conch
Shell clip; gold, platinum,
phases, summer and fall, embodies the same essence with modern
diamond, sapphire, tanzanite,
craftsmanship while serving as an expansion of archival designs such as
moonstone brooch, Tiffany & Co. The
House’s craftsman chooses loose
the “La Méduse” brooch modelled after a jellyfish.
moonstones for the jellyfish brooch
The updated form sees a platinum setting with slivers of yellow gold,
diamonds and baguette sapphires
resembling tentacles bopping gracefully
For the body, more than 63 carats worth of cabochon moonstones and tanzanites give the
in the deep—motion being another
brooch a luminescent allure, much like that seen on the sea critters. Likewise, the same metals and
hallmark of Schlumberger’s designs.
gems were used across the suite of jellyfish-themed jewellery.
These exquisite pieces make up the summer release along with six more themes—Pisces, corals,
starfish, sea star, star urchin and shell—where other innovations are implemented through transformable
designs and novel engineering.
The shell theme explores the three-dimensionality of objects sculpted by the sea, imperfect yet
beautiful nonetheless. The key piece features a diamond-encrusted seashell treasure hiding a 21-carat
black opal, which can be worn four ways—as a brooch, a necklace, a pendant with the shell or simply
with the opal alone.
Jewels resembling star urchins are defined by the hand-carved chalcedony spikes, which mimic
the animal’s protective armour. Each spike is set with a spring mechanism, echoing the tremble that
the real deal does in water—an impressive feat that even Schlumberger would be proud of.
“We are guardians of the temple of the House of Tiffany, and of Jean Schlumberger’s legacy. He
designed a palace; it was our duty to open the windows,” says Verdeille.
61 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
Mosaic Wonder
Alexander
McQueen
pre-fall
2023
Great
Cascade
Gold, white gold,
diamond and saphhire
Mosaico Cocktail ring,
Buccellati
Rose gold, diamond
and indicolite Giardini
Verticali necklace,
Pomellato
Eye On You
White gold, diamond and
sapphire bracelet, about
$23,460, Anita Ko at
Net-a-Porter
Wrist Icicle
White gold and
diamond
Perlée watch,
Van Cleef & Arpels
Flip It
Keep It
Frosty
White gold, diamond,
aquamarine and pearl
Aqua Summa
necklace, Piaget
BLUE
STEEL
Dripping in bling and cool blue stones,
it’s time to walk the walk, and talk the
talk with these precious pieces
White gold, black
gold, blue gold,
diamond, pink
sapphire and
aquamarine Love &
Courage ring,
Simone Jewels
Global Scale
Stainless Steel Aqua
Terra Worldtimer
watch, Omega
Purr-fect
Embellishment
Rock On
Gold, diamond and lapis
lazuli Guitar Pick
earrings, about $4,523,
Sorellina at Net-a-Porter
62 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY BRANDON CHIA
White gold, diamond,
sapphire, quartz,
mother-of-pearl and
lacquer brooch,
Boucheron
MUST
HAVE
TONGUE
WAGGING
Louis Vuitton’s Only Watch 2023
is a true horological marvel.
The Tambour iteration spotlights
Albert Einstein’s most
mischievous portrait using two
artisanal techniques—microsculpture and grisaille enamel—to
capture his likeness, including his
iconic frizzy hair in steel and
disguising a lock as a secret
push-piece. The forehead aperture
display changes from his unsolved
equation “T=?” to a number from
1 to 12, for the hour, while the
atom on the lower left rotates
with one of its orbitals pointing
to the minutes. The monogram
flower in the eye narrows and his
tongue extends with triumph
as if he solved yet another
conundrum. When the 100-hour
power reserve is depleted, the
letters transition from LV to
OW—a nod to the Only Watch
charity auction where just one
piece will be available.
BY BRANDON CHIA
Tambour Einstein Automata, Louis Vuitton
63 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
How’s your wrist game?
From Succession’s Kieran Kulkin
to the Duchess of Sussex,
style icons have shown how a good
bracelet stack offers contrasting and
complementary elements by combining
different textures, shapes and weights.
By Katherine Arteche
ere’s a fun linguistic story:
In Grecian times, bracelets
were largely worn by men,
in the fashion of leather
bands that soldiers wore
on their forearms as a form
of armour. The distinguished ranks would
often decorate theirs with silver and gold,
and on occasion, with gemstones. These
trinkets were known as “bracels,” from the
Latin meaning “arm.” When women started
to wear them, they wore more delicate
versions, called little bracels or “bracel-ets.”
Today, jewellery has become synonymous
with personal style rather than for its original
armoured functionality. The ’70s saw a
favourable approach to tennis bracelets,
while the noughties were rife with one-off
statement pieces. In recent times, we’re
seeing all these styles put together and have
accumulated into the careless cascade of
gold twists and elemental curves that are
effortlessly stacked on wrists.
Now, there is no perfect stack prototype.
The benefit of stacking bracelets is that the
look can be easily changed depending on the
occasion. Here’s how you can choose your
favourite pieces and get creative with a wrist
stack only you could wear.
On the wrist, from left: Gold Coco bracelet,
$2,500; Beige gold and diamond Extrait
de N°5 bracelet, $5,100; gold, steel, leather
and lacquer Première Édition Originale
watch, $8,850; Beige gold Coco bracelet,
$2,500; white gold and diamond Coco
bracelet, $3,500, Chanel
From top to bottom fingers: Gold Coco
Crush ring, $5,800; white gold and
diamond Eternal N°5 ring, $13,600; white
gold Coco Crush ring, $2,450; gold Coco
Crush ring, $4,250; white gold, beige gold
and diamond Coco Crush Toi et Moi ring,
$5,100; Beige gold Coco Crush ring,
$5,800; Beige gold and diamond Extrait
de N°5 ring, $5,800 Chanel.
Top, Chanel
64 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
65 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
The art of stacking is a numbers game. A good rule of
thumb is to build on at least three pieces, and avoid
stacking more than one-third of your forearm. Start with a
timepiece which would determine where you’d prefer the
stack to go—whether you’re left- or right-handed.
A suitable jewellery watch would be Hermès’ latest
Kelly watch that comes in five interpretations, in steel and
gold versions (with or without diamonds), and features
a mother-of-pearl or spangled white-lacquered dial. The
fixed metal links add definition to the bangle’s hefty width,
with its key feature being the miniature padlock clock. For
another option in the dainty watches department, the
Cape Cod is a great alternative at a sizable 31mm.
Metal bracelets can be swapped for leather ones,
especially in the Double Tour designs that come
in a variety of colours.
Bracelet accompaniments would include
an Ex-Libris bracelet and its circular charms
in sterling silver and rose gold, and for a bold
addition, a Chaine d’ancre bracelet just to
reinforce the iconic Hermès aesthetic.
MIXING METALS
There probably exists a multitude of rules
about mismatching metal tones akin to
how a well-dressed man should always
remember to match his shoes to his belt.
A tip would be to pick bracelets that have
a matching base metal colour. The rose gold
composition from your Anita Ko diamond
bunny bracelet would be redder (the result of
a greater copper ratio) as compared to the paler
silvered sheen of pink gold in Cartier’s pieces,
for instance.
Having said that, some pairings do work better
than the others. For example, rose gold and yellow
gold often pair well together. Mixing in a yellow gold
Tiffany HardWear chain wrap bracelet with a stack of
yellow and rose gold Lock bracelets creates just enough
distinction, aided by the vast difference in structure.
And if you’re daring enough, you’ll find a place to
throw in an Elsa Peretti Bone cuff, somehow.
BIG STACKS OR SMALL STACKS
The thickest bangle in your jewellery box doesn’t
necessarily have to always be the starring role. It
could be the thematic gold circlet, such as the
Cartier Juste un Clous that could—pardon the
pun—hit the nail on the head. With variations
in yellow, rose and white gold, including a full
diamond pavé design, this statement bangle
serves well as an accent or as the hero piece.
Here, a simple stack would constitute the addition
of a jewellery timepiece that’s been stylised in the
same vein—the mini Baignoire. Its elliptical shape
keeps the stack clean and uniform, with the miniature
silvered dial adding just enough functionality. At this point,
without sending the single wrist stack into overdrive, you
could spread it across both arms instead. Wearing multiple
bracelets on both wrists is a great maximalist style to
elevate the casual white-tee-skinny jeans combination.
Curate the second hardware stack with select Love
bracelets, whose design codes—the closed oval fitting
and iconic engraved screw-head pattern, the same ones
found on the bezels of the Santos watch—would make
a complementing assemblage.
ADD GEMS AND BEADS FOR
COLOUR
While monochromatic stacking bracelets are a popular
choice, gemstones and beads are great for adding
vibrancy to your stack. Jewellery designer Carolina
Bucci is rarely seen without her maximalist stack
of multicoloured Perle Forte beads, all held
together on a Lurex lace cord. The modular
arrangement comprises semi-precious stones,
from jade to amethyst, aventurine to malachite,
which add a casual-chic flair that’s suitable for
daily wear.
The natural patterns found in the crosssections of these stones are presented in
a variety of forms, one example being
the Vintage Alhambra bracelets by Van
Cleef & Arpels. The four-leaf clover motif
sits on an gold chain-link bracelet in the
power of five, and are crafted in a variety of
colourful natural materials, including white
or grey mother-of-pearl, bright blue agate,
and tiger eye. If you’re looking for a subtle
approach to colour additions in your stacking
bracelet look, start with just one gemstone
bracelet and keep the rest in plain metal
styles. Don’t forget vivid watch straps too!
Each beaded Perlée watch, which includes two
interchangeable leather straps, comes dressed
in a variety of colours.
SIGNS AND SYMBOLS
During the Roman era, engraved bangles, and animal
bracelets were particularly fashionable. They were
brought back in fashion in the early 20th century
when the popularity of flora and fauna designs
emerged. Serpentine icons such as snakes
and lizards were reimagined in wrap-around
bracelets, where their scaly details and slinky
features were immortalised in gold. Bulgari’s
Serpenti has been a distinctive symbol of the
Italian jewellery house. And there’s Cartier’s
Panthère bracelet, which in essence, is anything
but fancy dress garb. Even with an in-your-face
Zebra bracelet by David Webb, you can use this as
a strong companion to add tactility to the rest of your
pieces. Wrist-stacking is not for the faint-hearted.
From top: Rose gold and diamond Kelly TPM watch with mother-of-pearl and diamond dial, $55,000, Hermès.
Gold Tiffany HardWear small wrap bracelet, $18,100, Tiffany & Co. Gold Love bracelet, $10,500, Cartier. White gold and
diamond Serpenti Viper bracelet, $97,300, Bulgari. Rose gold and carnelian Vintage Alhambra bracelet, $7,300, Van Cleef & Arpels
66 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: STEFAN KHOO. ART DIRECTION: DAPHNE TSO. STYLING: JEFFREY YAN. MODEL: OLIVIA KOZAK/AVE MODEL MANAGEMENT.
MAKEUP: CLARENCE LEE. HAIR: PETER LEE/35A. PHOTOGRAPHER'S ASSISTANT: MOHD ALIF. STYLIST'S ASSISTANT: NAYSA PRADHAN
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
BE
PA R T
OF THE
B A ZA AR LI F ES T Y LE
Harper’s BAZAAR
covers the
latest in fashion,
beauty, design,
travel, culture,
society and the
arts. Experience
the magazine
brought to life
via the hottest
fashion shows,
the chicest
cocktail parties
and exclusive
events.
Read all about our events at
HARPERSBAZAAR.COM.SG
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
aespa members Winter,
Giselle, Ning Ning and Karina
at Chopard’s “Art Evening”
in Cannes in May this year
K-Pop sensation and Chopard ambassadors, aespa, made a
big splash at the Cannes Film Festival this year. We talk to the
quartet about their first ever experience on the iconic Cannes
red carpet, their favourite jewellery pieces and their
upcoming plans. By Renée Batchelor
QUEENS
68 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
present. The piece itself is absolutely fabulous but what I cherish
most is the meaning behind it.
Winter: I often wear the Happy Hearts necklaces and bracelets that
I love. I like the fact that the jewellery is both casual and precious.
It’s a classic piece that I can wear morning to night, whatever
the occasion.
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF CHOPARD
he K-Pop wave made it all the
way to the Croisette this year, with all-girl pop group aespa making
their first-ever appearance at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. As
official sponsors of the festival Chopard has always had a big
presence at Cannes—they have been responsible for crafting the
prestigious Palme d’Or award since 1998, and in 2001 introduced
the Trophée Chopard, an award honouring a breakthrough male
and female film talents.
But by bringing aespa to their first Cannes, Chopard truly created
a memorable cross-cultural moment—where South Korean music
stars met the glamorous red carpet royalty of the European and
American film scene. The four members of aespa—Winter, Karina,
Ning Ning and Giselle—are known for their futuristic, hyperpop
music and for being style influencers in their own right. Signed
on as Chopard ambassadors in September last year, they have
since starred in brand campaigns and graced the red carpet of the
screening of La Passion De Dodin Bouffant decked out in stunning
high jewellery from the brand. The women also attended Chopard’s
art-themed traditional grand soirée, which included celebs like
Kate Beckinsale, Song Kang-ho and featured iconic supermodels
like Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen and Natalia Vodianova
modelling the collection. We speak to aespa on their first experience
at Cannes and which jewellery pieces they wear every day.
How has it been like working with Chopard since you were first
appointed ambassadors in September? What was your reaction
when you were first approached?
Ning Ning: Firstly, we were truly honoured to be chosen as the
ambassadors for Chopard. It has been both fun and inspiring
working with Chopard, and the invitation to the Cannes Film
Festival was amazing, especially walking the red carpet!
When shooting with Chopard, I was lucky enough to try
on pieces from the many different lines, but the most
exciting moment for me was wearing the stunning high
jewellery creations from the Red Carpet Collection in
Cannes. I felt very strange but thrilled to work with
many different designers and celebrities from
around the world. It was a fantastic experience.
With aespa you have travelled the world, from Cannes to upcoming
stops in Indonesia, North and South America and Europe. What are
some of the most interesting places you have visited?
Karina: I believe every country has its own beauty, but I have a soft
spot for Europe, and France in particular. I have a lot of beautiful
and happy memories in Paris and Cannes. The most memorable
moment was when I went to see the Eiffel Tower with Ning Ning;
we enjoyed a glass of wine and the spectacular view, and it was
fascinating. Also, every memory of Cannes comes back to me like
a scene in a wonderful film. We walked the famous steps of the red
carpet wearing magnificent Chopard jewellery and high jewellery
creations; it was like a dream and a one-in-a-lifetime experience.
Which aspect of the heritage, design and ethical practices of
Chopard do you appreciate and enjoy?
Giselle: I got to know more about Chopard’s journey to sustainable
luxury, and the 100 percent ethical gold they use in their watches and
jewellery and their Lucent steel programme. I respect the initiatives
and think it’s great that [them being] a family business is what made
it possible. This makes me appreciate the values and authenticity of
the Maison even more.
What does jewellery mean to you? Have you received any
memorable jewellery gifts or even treated yourself to any jewellery
or watches since you have achieved success?
Giselle: Jewellery is something I would say I have a passion for. There
are many things I love, but jewellery is something I adore. For me, it
is a mood booster—it just makes you feel good. Not only does it add
an edge to your look but it also enhances your confidence. Jewellery
is the perfect gift and a unique way to express your true feelings.
You have modelled some of Chopard’s most iconic collections
including Happy Hearts and Precious Lace. Do each of you
have a favourite collection from Chopard? Which ones
and why?
Ning Ning: I love the Happy Hearts collection. The pieces
from this collection have a bright and young vibe, so
it is very easy to style them with my daily items. The
necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings are beautiful.
When you wear them you experience a happy and good
energy from them.
What is the one Chopard jewellery piece that you
wear every day? Why?
Karina: I often wear pieces from the Happy Diamonds collection. I
personally selected them—they were pieces I crushed on. You can
wear them every day and I love how they can be mixed and matched
with different outfits. They are very versatile and I always get a lot
of compliments when I wear them. Another Chopard creation I love
is the Happy Hearts necklace. Fans gifted one to me as a birthday
69 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
From top: Ethical rose
gold, diamond and pink
opal Happy Hearts ring,
$3,300; earrings, $6.450;
bangle $6,890, Chopard
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
IN
LOVE
WITH
THE
Chaumet continues its
Bee My Love collection
with more opulent,
statement pieces that
recount the unique story
of the Maison and its
intimate connections to
French royalty.
By Katherine Arteche.
Photographed by Ching.
Styled by Windy Aulia
and Gracia Phang
70 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Rose gold Bee
My Love earrings,
$8,090; rose gold
and diamond Bee
My Love ring,
$16,200; bracelet,
$57,500, Chaumet.
Dress, Ferragamo
OPPOSITE: Gold and
diamond Bee My
Love earring,
$5,940; pendant
(small model with
necklace), $4,550,
Chaumet.
Top, STAUD at
Net-a-Porter
71 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
J E W E L S & WA T C H E S
constructed with more fluidity, gilded mirror polishes, and adorned
with brilliant-cut diamonds.
The collection introduces a new parure in rose gold set with
brilliant-cut pavé diamonds. The geometric pattern of the honeycomb
runs along the jewels’ surfaces, more prominently in the statement
ring, bracelet, and cuff, where a uniform setting of diamonds
accentuate the hexagonal outlines. The cuff features an open-worked
design, where the alternating diamond setting plays on the light
reflecting action that bounces between the stones and the mirrorpolished cells. Its fluid structure is intentional, and not designed just
for the sparkling play of light, but
rom folklore to mythology, the
to create a fit that’s like “second
bee has many symbolisms, such
skin,” allowing it to delicately
as focus, cooperation and hard
wrap around the wrist. Crafted
work. For the House of Chaumet,
from 745 elements and a setting
the bee is a symbol of vitality. Its
of 60 diamonds, the new Bee My
representation comes in the form
Love cuff is an exemplary addition
of its signature honeycomb and bee
and a testament to the Maison’s
designs, both of which have dictated
savoir-faire. “It was a team effort
the Chaumet’s Bee My Love collections.
that involved the design team, the
However, the maison’s use of the winged
jewellery workshop and our expert
insect is anything but figurative. “Bee My
watchmakers,” said Mansvelt.
Love may be an abstraction of the motif of
“Their technical expertise resulted
the beehive and the bee, but it is nonetheless
in a technical design to create a
narrative and very symbolic, as we like to do at
very fluid, supple piece… almost
Chaumet,” explained CEO Jean-Marc Mansvelt.
liquid if I dare say so myself.”
“Wearing a Chaumet creation has meaning;
This collection also features
it’s not just a beautiful, well-made object that’s
Chaumet’s exclusive Taille
comfortable to wear, it’s also a meaningful
Impératrice diamond that, when
object.”
closely observed, makes a direct
At a grand age of over 240 years, Chaumet
reference to the beehive, and
has had a storied history. In 1804, Chaumet
therefore to the bee emblem.
became the official jeweller for the notable
“The 88-facet cut exhibits a
Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife, the Empress
manifold of angles that multiply
Joséphine. Among the crown jewels, which
the brilliance, the fire of the
included Napoléon’s Coronation Sword set with
diamond and the play of light,”
From top: Gold and diamond Bee My Love ring;
a 140.5-carat diamond, the bee was chosen as
said Mansvelt. “Between the
rose gold and diamond Bee My Love earrings, $27,600,
the imperial emblem for the new French royal
smithed craftsmanship of the
and pendant (with necklace), $12,200, Chaumet
family. While Napoléon’s taste for jewellery was
hexagon and its materialisation in
predominantly political, with goals of making France the centre a diamond, these two components of a jewellery piece are iconic for
for luxury and fashion design, his wife sought them as trinkets for Chaumet and the Bee My Love motif.”
expression. Up until the mid-1800s, the Romanticism movement
Earrings come in the form of semi-pavé Bee My Love diamond
was at the forefront, and Chaumet’s designs were heavily inspired hoops that debut in yellow gold, with two models in extra-large sizes.
by nature, a muse that the Empress Joséphine was fond of.
The latter additions comprise a full mirror-polished set in rose gold,
The bee became the champion of its own collection in 2011 with and white gold set with diamonds. The complementing Bee My Love
the release of the first Bee My Love collection. This reflection of pendants in yellow and rose gold are subtle yet fanciful pieces, where
nature by the jewellery house was in homage to Joséphine’s love of the diamond-set piece evokes the collection’s emblematic geometric
all things botanical; the bee and honeycomb motifs were revisited rings. The line-up welcomes the chain necklaces to be worn as a
and crafted a wonderful, highly symbolic garden.
layered stack, the highlight being the new necktie-style necklace.
The Empress was renowned for her sense of style, often draped Crafted in rose gold, the pendant is mounted horizontally on the
in airy veils, misty tulles and diaphanous muslins, as opposed to the chain, where gold rings slide across to alter its length, with precious
conventional rigid corsets at the time. In its likeness, she adopted the semi-pavé honeycombs for the finishing details.
same aesthetic for her jewels, opting for gold, pearls and precious
The winged insect itself is immortalised in a yellow gold suite
stones, and was known to be partial to sentimental jewellery for her comprising earrings, a brooch and a ring, all of which are set with
everyday wear.
Taille Impératrice diamonds and brilliant-cut diamonds. The apparent
“I always like to point out the great characteristic of Bee My Love, use of asymmetry plays up the House’s imperial motif, allowing
which is how it plays on the essentials,” said Mansvelt. “We don’t Chaumet to reclaim and spotlight the precious little insect, regarded
superimpose codes, we don’t multiply details or layers, we don’t as a giant working force of nature. “The pieces have a strong presence
spread out; it’s the purity and lightness of Chaumet.” For 2023, despite their apparent simplicity,” said Mansvelt. “Bee My Love is in
the collection comprises new jewellery creations that have been line with current trends, and what our clients have always loved.”
72 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Yellow gold and diamond
Bee My Love earring,
$5,940; rose gold and
diamond Bee My Love
earring, $27,600; necklace,
$86,200, Chaumet.
Dress, Fendi
Model: Alyssa Lee/AVE
Makeup and hair: RickYang/
Artistry Studios using
Make Up For Ever and
ANTICOLLECTIVE
Stylist’s assistant:
Zoe Tauro
73 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
HOROSCOPE
e to
l hav
u wil
As Augu
st gets underway, yo
24
JU
m
so
or
ef
2
par
–
pre
LY
LEO
A
UG
AQUARIUS
21 JANUARY – 19 FEBRUARY
dec
isio
ns. N
US
ew p
T
leasur
es are in the air, so live fully.
VIRGO
PISCES
20 FEBRUARY – 20 MARCH
24 AUGUST – 23 SEPTEMBER
This month appears
to be something of a
catch-up period for you; what
you deserve is more “me” time.
Mighty Mars in your sign makes
you a dynamo this month. And after
the 23rd, new plans will shape up.
LIBRA
ARIES
24 SEPTEMBER – 23 OCTOBER
21 MARCH – 20 APRIL
You really should cut yourself more
slack this month. The issues that
worry you will finally be resolved.
If you’re perplexed about work
or health matters, all will become
clearer by the end of the month.
SCORPIO
TAURUS
24 OCTOBER – 22 NOVEMBER
21 APRIL – 21 MAY
Venus in Leo is drawing the right
kind of attention your way.
Expanding horizons is your theme;
time to cover new ground.
Certain pressuring matters are
slated to work out better than you
imagine, even if you’re determined
to be hard on yourself.
GEMINI
SAGITTARIUS
22 MAY – 21 JUNE
23 NOVEMBER – 21 DECEMBER
Mercury, your planetary ruler,
is out of sync until the 23rd,
so a wait-and-see approach
should be your motto.
You should let yourself be drawn
into pleasurable pursuits during this
period. Concerns about unresolved
issues will start to clear up.
CANCER
CAPRICORN
22 JUNE – 23 JULY
22 DECEMBER – 20 JANUARY
Your attention seems to be drawn
to matters occurring at a distance
in the month of August, and
you’ll be taking part in new activities.
With Jupiter in Taurus, your home
life is moving into a happier phase
as August begins to unfold.
From top: Out of the Blue gold, platinum, diamond,
aquamarine, black opal, beryl and tourmaline
necklace; gold, platinum, diamond, aquamarine,
black opal and tourmaline bracelet; gold, platinum,
aquamarine, black opal and tourmaline ring and
earrings. All by Tiffany & Co.
74 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
In August, it will be your ability to
engage and truly communicate
that sets the tone. Contacts at a
distance are in the spotlight.
BY KATHARINE MERLIN
3
ec
ru
cia
l
EDITED BY JEFFREY YAN
A STAR
RETURNS
DAI XIANGYU, THE EX-MEDIACORP LEADING MAN, ON HOW
THE LOCAL ACTING SCENE TAUGHT HIM TO SURVIVE CHINA’S
FIERCE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY. BY NG YI LIAN
Coat; blazer;
trousers; boots,
Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello
PHOTOGRAPHED BY WEE KHIM.
STYLED BY JEFFREY YAN
75 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
ormerly known as Dai Yangtian, Dai Xiangyu moved
to Singapore in 2007 after he was discovered by a
talent scout in Shanghai in 2006. His first
accommodation, he said, was a helper’s room in a
Thomson Road condominium. Looking at our widened eyes, he
smiled, “I was in my early 20s and did not have much money
and the rent was really high at $800 per month; I lived like that
for two years. Most people assume actors have lots of money,
but that is definitely not the case when you are a newcomer. It
never bothered me and I was just happy to have a safe and
comfortable bed to come home to after long days of work.”
The 38-year-old’s disarming humility and straightforward
personality did exactly that from the beginning of our interview:
disarm. While not necessarily
politically correct, his candid
answers were refreshing and he
did not shy away from any of the
questions posed. He also made
it clear to the hair and makeup
artist from the beginning that
she had free rein with his hair
and face.
“Acting is just a job to me,”
Dai said matter-of-factly. “Even
me sitting here right now,
getting makeup on my face and
chatting with you—they’re all
part of my job. If I’m given a
choice, the introverted me
would never choose to do all
these if they’re not part of my
job.” If he’s not working, he
would be at the gym every
morning or at the park chatting
to old gentlemen to hear about
their life stories. “To be honest, I
think that’s work too.” Dai
explained, “Even though I’m
curious by nature, learning how
others live and struggle help me
add depth to the roles I play. I’m
willing to do anything and work
really hard to make sure I excel at my job.”
With his curious nature, would he choose to be a journalist
if he wasn’t an actor? He paused, “I believe I’d be a businessman
or entrepreneur. I’ve always been great with numbers and since
my late 20s, I have been watch collecting, not just because I like
watches, but I also really enjoy being able to resell my watches
for a profit.” His preferred brands? “Patek Philippe, Richard
Mille, Panerai and IWC Schaffhausen.”
Dai’s good taste isn’t restricted to just timepieces. The
brands you’ll see him shelling out for are Fear of God and Louis
Vuitton. “I don’t want to spend time thinking about material
things but I make sure I’m well-dressed and comfortable,” Dai
said. “So when I have Fear of God and Louis Vuitton in my
wardrobe, I don’t need to overthink.”
As for his grooming regimen, he laughed, “I use whatever
cleanser my wife (Chinese actress Chen Zihan) or a makeup
artist gives me and that’s the only skincare product I use. I work
out daily and I think that’s my best beauty advice.”
But Dai was all excited when the topic of food came up. The
self-professed foodie admitted the food in Singapore was one
of the best things about living here. He had lined up his meals
over his three-day promotional work trip here and his first meal
was popiah. “I’ve really missed popiah and I like it the way locals
do it—more chilli!”
So why did he return to China to restart as an amateur in
2013 when he was already a household name here? “That was
what my manager asked me. He felt I was not being smart or
strategic about my decision,” Dai was pensive. “The local media
started referring to me as an Ah Ge (Big Brother in the acting
scene) but that term made me
feel like I’d hit a plateau. Seven
years in a career is not long and
I believed I still had much to
learn and to grow, so I decided
to move to China. I was only 30
years old then.”
In Shanghai, he didn’t get a
single acting gig. He recalled,
“Two years was a long time to
not work and, of course, I was
worried about my financial
situation, but I also did not want
to give up trying. I changed my
birth name from ‘Yangtian’ to
‘Xiangyu’ for better luck and it
didn’t help that I refused to take
on supporting roles.”
Fortunately, his hard work
paid off and Dai is now
recognised in China, with over
2.5 million followers on Weibo.
Some fans have even paid to be
on the same flight as him. But
he is careful with his image as
close scrutiny on Chinese
artistes due to recent scandals
means he can’t be seen publicly
chatting with a fellow female
actor. “Nowadays, after filming with female cast members, I
would head straight to my trailer and not speak to anyone to
avoid being caught on anyone’s smartphone camera. It’s so
easy for the truth to be misconstrued.”
In his newest television series Sisterhood on iQIYI, Dai plays
the lead as a young gangster in mid-1930s Singapore. Does he
find it intriguing that his career and life are often deeply
intertwined with Singapore? “I don’t think it’s fate. I made that
happen through my decisions and hard work to come to
Singapore to work and succeed, and then returned to China as
a newbie actor,” he replied matter-of-factly.
“I’ve always wanted to bring the stories of Singapore,
especially the TV shows I’d worked on such as The Little
Nyonya to China; to expose the Chinese production crew to the
amazing history of Singapore. I think I’ve come full circle with
my career and accomplished what I’d hoped to achieve.”
76 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
MOST PEOPLE
ASSUME
ACTORS
HAVE LOTS
OF MONEY,
BUT THAT IS
DEFINITELY
NOT THE CASE
WHEN YOU ARE
A NEWCOMER.
Coat, Bottega Veneta.
OPPOSITE: Jacket; shirt;
turtleneck; trousers,
Tod’s. Shoes, Prada
77 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
78 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Jacket; trousers, Prada
OPPOSITE: Jacket;
trousers; scarf; boots,
Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello
Hair and makeup: Wee Ming
Photographer’s assistant: Ivan Teo
Styling assistant: Zoe Tauro
Producer: Cindy Ow
Digital content manager: Navin Pillay
79 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
SHORTS STORY
FANCY PANTS? NOT QUITE. FORMALWEAR’S
SNAZZY NEW LOOK HAS LEGS
Valentino
fall/winter
2023
Saddle Up
Bag, $3,280,
Bottega Veneta
Turn up
the Heat
Coat, Ferragamo
Take a
Bow
Tie, Maison
Margiela
Lock ‘N’ Roll
Earrings, $1,450,
Givenchy
Traffic
Stopper
Scarlet
Letter
Shirt, $625,
Ernest W. Baker
at Farfetch
Shirt, AMI
Paris
Boot
Camp
Skin
Flick
Boots,
Balenciaga
Seeing Red
Sunglasses, $430,
LOEWE
80 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BY JEFFREY YAN
Shorts,
$5,300,
Prada
MOST
WANTED
BAGGING
RIGHTS
THINGS ARE NOT WHAT THEY
SEEM AT BOTTEGA VENETA,
WHERE MATTHIEU BLAZY
HAS REDEFINED WHAT
LUXURY LOOKS LIKE
BY JEFFREY YAN
There has been a lot of noise about
quiet luxury recently, and the name on
many lips is Matthieu Blazy of Bottega
Veneta. When it comes to making
if-you-know-you-know fashion, he
is the current undisputed master of
the fashion optical illusion—most
famously, with those leather trousers
and shirts painstakingly printed to
look like denim, flannels and ribbed
cottons. This season, he extended
his trompe l’oeil wizardry and the
ateliers’ leatherworking prowess to
accessories. There were soft knitted
slipper socks that were actually
leather. But most arresting of all were
the plain brown shoppers that looked
like any old paper bag, but were
actually crafted from supple calfskin
made to look like brown paper. The
insides were suede and the handles
are also leather, finely braided. It’s a
brilliant addition to the list of ordinary
things that Blazy has so cleverly
reinvented, like the now-iconic leather
jeans and tank tops. The Medium
Brown bag is priced at $3,650 and is
available at Bottega Veneta, #01-04,
ION Orchard (tel: 6238 0020).
81 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
BIG
BANG
THEORY
PHARRELL WILLIAMS
IS A 21ST-CENTURY
RENAISSANCE MAN WHO
EFFORTLESSLY STRADDLES
MULTIPLE CREATIVE FIELDS.
FRESH OFF HIS LOUIS
VUITTON MENSWEAR
DEBUT, THE POLYMATH
TALKS LEGACY, LIGHT AND
LVERS. BY JEFFREY YAN
How did you approach your first collection for Louis Vuitton?
In moments like this, when you’ve been chosen to do something, the
sun is shining on you. The quintessential question that I ask myself
all the time, and people I care about, is, “Hey, if the sun is shining on
you, what would you do with the light?” When the sun shined on me
for an opportunity like this, it changed my life. If I’m going to get this
appointment, I’m going to use it to do two things: one, to share all
my learnings as a perpetual student; and two, to share my love and
appreciation. I’m choosing to shine a light back on this city, these
people, all my friends here, who have kept me lifted all this time.
What is the premise of the collection?
For me, LV means LVERS. If you appreciate Louis Vuitton, you’re
a lover of the curation. You love the product but deeper than
that, it’s a love for the culture that embodies a like-mindedness
of taste. The humans who wear Louis Vuitton have five modes:
dandy, which is tailoring for business and events; comfort, which
is what you wear at home and to the gas station; resort, for
the beach; sport, for activity and working out; and finally, the
core staples of the House, which I’m going to iterate on every
season. It’s thinking across the board of the demographic.
Everything you want to do, we made something for you.
Why did you focus on the Damier pattern?
I came into this wanting to make some indelible marks, the
first of which was: I know the Monogram is historically a
very dominant force within the House. I have the Bastille
bag in Damier, I have shoes and boots in Damier. I saw it as
an opportunity. The fact that it has the chessboard setup,
we could use the grid as a platform to play with different
artistic techniques. The first was to treat the blocks like
8-bit Atari graphics. I worked with ET Artist, who’s really
good at it. The super powerful one is the Damoflage,
which fuses Damier and camo. I wanted to make a print
that makes people say, “Okay, that’s P. And that’s Damier.”
82 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
t seemed like an impossible task. The
biggest luxury fashion brand in the
world, whose menswear division for the
past few years has been a cultural hotrod
when it was spearheaded by Virgil Abloh,
the visionary disruptor, needed someone
new in the driver’s seat. In his time there,
Abloh broke down countless barriers and
redefined what luxury looked like, along the
way making space for people who’ve never been given
a seat at the table. How do you fill shoes as gargantuan
as that? The position of Men’s creative director was left
vacant for almost two years after Abloh’s passing while the
House considered names from every corner of the industry.
In the end, and in the spirit of Abloh, the brand went with
a left-field choice in Pharrell Williams, the multi-hyphenate
best known for his music, but who has also left an indelible
mark in different domains of design, from Adidas all the way
to Chanel.
When Williams’ appointment was announced this past
February, it sparked off an intense debate about traditional
training vs. cultural credentials. The designer silenced
naysayers with a spectacular debut in June that was part
fashion show and part pop culture Event (yes, with a capital
E)—attended by the likes of Rihanna (who is also the face of
Williams’ debut Louis Vuitton campaign) and A$AP Rocky,
Beyoncé and Jay-Z, along with a roll call of some of the biggest
movers and shakers of our time. Shown on the iconic Pont Neuf,
the oldest bridge in Paris, Williams’ first collection for the House
remixed long-established signatures such as the Damier check—
given a pixelated, camouflage makeover—and the Speedy bag,
turned out in pop brights and every size imaginable. Here in
this exclusive Q&A, the designer and musician tells us about his
vision for Vuitton, and the Black legacy he inherited and is now
carrying forward.
Why reimagine the Speedy bag for your first campaign?
It was always a men’s canvas bag until they made a smaller version
for Audrey Hepburn in 1965. I wanted to take something I felt would
be unisex and just make a great bag for humans. It is an everyday
icon conceived for every walk of life. It’s inspired by Canal Street
in New York. It’s flipping it on its head. I want to come in on a bag
level and make a splash. Primary colours are where you start. Then
you see the bag has wrinkles in it and that it’s droopy, and you
know instantly that it’s not a regular Speedy. That’s not canvas.
It’s butter-soft leather.
How has your personal relationship with Louis Vuitton evolved
over the years?
I was introduced to Louis Vuitton through rappers and the aftermarket clothing by Dapper Dan in Harlem. You’d see rag tops on
cars made out of Louis Vuitton bag materials. We were blown
away by that. I never thought I would be able to afford it. I
didn’t even know if I was necessarily interested in it because it
was just so next level. I started working in music and as things
evolved, I met Marc Jacobs. In 2004, he asked Nigo and me
to collaborate on the Millionaire sunglasses. In 2008, Pietro
Beccari, who was at Louis Vuitton at the time, asked me to
design a jewellery collection for the House. My first foray into
fashion was because of Marc’s generosity, and it only grew
from my relationship with Pietro. Over the years, we stayed
in touch. When he offered me the job as Men’s creative
director, I was excited, not only for the job, but to work
with him again.
In your show notes, you pay tribute to “the giant
before me.” Can you tell us a little more about that?
Virgil has always been a brother in spirit. Now, that is
literally what we work with here. He left a lot of hits with
the House. As far as I’m concerned, I’m collaborating
with his spirit. When he got this appointment, I was
really happy for him. Right until he started here, we
were working together on JOOPITER, this online auction
space we had. It was crazy what the connections were,
and the respect he had for us, and which we continue
to have for him. I can tell you that Virgil and I being
here has to say to kids who look like us, “Oh, I can do
anything. I can be anything.”
Clockwise from far left: Pharrell Williams photographed
by Erik Ian. The finale of Williams’ first Louis Vuitton
show, held on the Pont Neuf. Backstage at the show,
where models sported Williams’ new takes on the House
codes, which include reinterpretations of the Damier
check and luxe leather versions of the Speedy bag
What does your appointment at Louis Vuitton
mean to you?
When you come from a culture that has been
purposefully blocked and set in disadvantaged
situations, you can’t imagine what’s even possible.
But there’s this narrative that’s changing. So many of
us are being swept up from one place and landing
in fertile soil in other places, and being treated
and watered and sunned like all souls should be.
I can say there is an impact in that way, which is
changing. It’s not enough, but it’s happening. I’m
very honoured to be a part of that. When I say
the sun is shining on me—and it’s shining on all of
us—is listen, this is a French house but they went
right back to America and found another Black
man, and gave me the keys.
83 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BAZAAR MAN
FIRST
FASHION
MEMORY
DREAM WORKS
“To see my work
in the fashion
world would be
a dream. The
cultural movement
at Louis Vuitton
and what they did
with illustrations
and animations
under Virgil Abloh’s
direction, and their
fall/winter 2023
menswear collection
with KidSuper has
inspired me to constantly
bridge worlds I enjoy.”
“Saving up for
a ‘No Rules’
denim t-shirt,
where its
graphics
amazed the
Five-yearfive-yearold Tan
old me, was
probably my
first foray into fashion.”
Tan’s works for headliners
of “One Musicfest 2023”
Louis
Vuitton
menswear
fall/winter
2023
American
rapper
and record
producer,
Tyler, the
Creator
“My proudest project to date
is definitely my latest one
where I worked on animated
visualisers for “One Musicfest”
in Atlanta for Kendrick Lamar,
Janet Jackson and Megan Thee
Stallion. This is a huge honour
for me, and for my work to be
recognised at this level.”
INSPIRATION
His sneaker
collection
SNEAKERHEAD
“I have quite an extensive
Jacquemus
sneaker collection,
fall/winter
2023
but my favourite is my
Stüssy Cherry Nike dunks
from 2005. The colour
combination was inspired
by Neapolitan ice cream,
along with the cherry detail
on the tongue. They don’t
do it like that anymore.”
JO N TA N
A multi-disciplinary artist and designer, Jon
Tan’s relaxed persona, keen sense of colour, and
boyish charm is reflected in his body of work
that include illustrations, graphics and
animations. The 25-year-old who looks up to
Sean Brown and Philip T. as role models has
done projects with New Balance, worked on
exhibitions in New York, and is constantly
creating projects to hone his craft.
ONE FOR LIFE
TIME TREASURE
“Jacquemus is
a brand that I
go, ‘Wow,’ every
time something
drops. The world
that Simon Porte
Jacquemus has
built is one I
would love to live
in—everything
it represents is
more than clothes.
It is a feeling of
surrealistic joy; it
is larger than life.”
“The most
treasured
Tan’s most
treasured piece
piece in my
wardrobe
is my first
watch
purchase
ever: a
Must de
Cartier Tank.
I just thought it was a
beautiful piece and wanted
it for the longest time. After
a few milestone projects,
I finally got it.”
84 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
“I would love to have a meal with
Tyler, the Creator for sure. His
creative journey has always been
multi-hyphenate in nature, and I
would pick his brain on how he
manages to merge his ideas so
seamlessly and coherently. On
top of that, he is hilarious. I feel
like we would get along.”
Magritte in
400 images,
$40.79,
Amazon.sg
SURREAL LIFE
“If I were an art movement,
I’d be Surrealism. My
favourite is Réné Magritte,
whose paintings spark
conversations about reality
and representation. I love how
he puts almost like a remix to
everyday things, challenging me
to view things differently.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: JON TAN; JACQUEMUS; SHOWBIT
HIGH POINT
SOULMATES
EDITED BY RENÉE BATCHELOR
LIFE
BEYOND THE
FLASHBULBS
Jamie Chua’s new abode is a holistic sanctuary of soft hues,
and a statement of quiet opulence with, of course, an
Instagram-worthy studio at every corner. Expect nothing
less from the glamour queen of Singapore.
By Azhar Rahim.
Photographed by Gan. Styled by Windy Aulia
Entering Jamie Chua’s new
residence feels like stepping
into a grand French salon.
Here, she poses in a Salvatore
Ferragamo dress and Christian
Louboutin gladiator heels
85 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
I DESIGNED THIS HOUSE WITH CONTENT CREATION IN MIND
BECAUSE EVERY PART OF THE HOUSE CAN BE A BACKDROP.
86 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Clockwise from above:
A luxurious 8-seater
Georgetti dining table,
accentuated by a glittering
Baccarat crystal chandelier.
A gorgeous marble sink.
The eye-catching ceiling
arches play with light and
shadow, enhancing the
space’s dramatic
chiaroscuro effect.
OPPOSITE: Singapore’s
Instagram Queen sits on
her three-seater Minotti
sofa dressed in a pink suit
and corset, all from
Versace, and pink heels
from Bottega Veneta
amie Chua is no stranger to
the spotlight. Not one to
blend into the crowd, she is
one of the most recognisable
figures in Singapore. Hailed
by The Straits Times as
“Singapore’s Instagram
Queen” and often celebrated
as one of the most influential
lifestyle personalities in the
region, her digital footprint
is prominent.
Her Instagram follower
count, an impressive 1.3
million, speaks volume of
her influence. Similarly, her
TikTok and YouTube platforms boast a quarter-million and half
a million followers respectively, placing her firmly among
Singapore’s most illustrious content creators.
Her vibrant lifestyle extends beyond the digital world and into
her daily life. In March this year, the mother of two moved to a new
home in a cul-de-sac along Sentosa Cove. This was not originally
on Chua’s list of desired locations, despite having previously lived
on the island before. “That was about 15 years ago,” she recollects.
“I did not enjoy living in Sentosa as it was not very accessible then.”
As life often surprises with twists and turns, Chua’s preferences
gradually shifted. “I feel that as I grow older, I appreciate a more
relaxed lifestyle,” she reflects. “I lived in Bukit Timah, and the
traffic—among other things—was horrendous.”
The final nudge came from her children, who were already
comfortably nestled in their nooks on the island. They convinced
her to give it a second thought, as the area had become more
developed and offered a peaceful charm.
Chua also muses that the Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for
her change of heart. During the lockdown, she spent most of her time indoors
at her old house. “It made me realise how important having a peaceful and
comfortable lifestyle at home is,” she explains. “When we were stuck at
home, we needed a space that felt comfortable, offered activities, and had
a good view—all of which I did not have back then.”
Today, her life is an intriguing duality—on social media, her personality is
larger-than-life, but at home, she relishes her privacy.
Stepping into her home is akin to entering a grand French salon. The
almost entirely white three-storied residence takes up approximately 740
square metres of space. Upon entering, one’s eyes are instantly drawn to the
distinctive arches lining the ceiling, their contours playing with light and
shadow. In the distance, wall-to-wall glass-panelled doors offer a tantalising
glimpse of the waters beyond, filling the entranceway with a serene light that
accentuates the chiaroscuro effect throughout the space.
When it came to the interior design of her home, Chua knew exactly what
she wants. “My brief was clear—I wanted the decor to resemble the
Dior boutique at Avenue Montaigne in Paris. I did my research and studied
their design.”
Like her personality, her home embodies attention to detail and a
relentless pursuit of individuality. “My travels have always been my
inspiration, and Paris is one of my favourite cities,” she declares. Her home,
with its Parisian chic and elegance, is a testament to her love for the city.
“The beauty of Paris always leaves me mesmerised,” she states. “The
city’s fashion, the food, the art—everything adds to my creative process.
I’ve always sought to capture that essence in my home, and I think
I’ve achieved that.”
87 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
The stately wine chiller
showcases an impressive
collection of coveted labels such
as Chateau Mouton Rothschild,
Petrus and Chateau Margaux.
Chua wears a polka dot top,
trousers, jacket, and heels,
all from Valentino
88 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Clockwise from left: Her almost
all-white formal living room opens to
a view of the Sentosa Cove. The
cabinet of curiosity in her living
room is not just a display of her
memories, but also a reflection of
her carefully constructed world.
Chua, in a dress from Versace, shows
off some of her Barbie dolls, which
she has collected for many years
The walls, for instance, are adorned with wooden wainscotting panels
that hide clever storage spaces. Chua shares that these panels were not prebought but were personally chosen and arranged to achieve the desired
effect. The resulting design is unique, with some elements protruding while
others are recessed, providing a visual and tactile experience.
Working with the principal architect and co-founder of Type0
Architecture, Chua recalls it was a hands-on, creative exploration process.
“They would bring me all these strips of wood, and there I would be, putting it
all together,” she says, reminiscing about the satisfying process of seeing her
vision come to life.
Given her eye for perfection and the many details that needed attending
to, the extensive renovation process took considerable time—a year and a
half, in fact.
In Chua’s home, every room is a distinct entity, carefully designed and
compartmentalised to serve its purpose. She appreciates this clear
delineation of spaces. “This layout offers a sense of structure and
organisation, yet each room is a part of the whole.”
“I designed this house with content creation in mind because every part
of the house can be a backdrop,” she declares with a proud smile.
She recalls when content creation was not as seamless, “I used to rent a
studio each time I needed to create content for my clients.”
But that’s in the past. Today, having a space serving multiple purposes
was more than just creating a beautiful home. For Chua, it was also an
intelligent business decision. “For example, if a client offers a supplement, I
don’t have to rent a studio because I can do it right here,” she adds.
The dining area and open-plan kitchen elegantly coalesce within a shared
space, subtly divided by a versatile movable island. The thoughtful design
encapsulates Chua’s practical sense, especially critical when it comes to
hosting—a favourite pastime she shares with her partner, lawyer Terence Koh.
Adjacent to the 8-seater Georgetti dining table set that is anchored by a
Baccarat crystal chandelier hanging above, a handsome wine chiller flaunts
an impressive selection of vintages, including the revered labels of Chateau
Mouton Rothschild, Petrus and Chateau Margaux. The six-door chiller also
serves as a refined backdrop, lending an air of sophistication to the area. Yet,
despite her splendid wine collection, Chua reveals her preference for
champers. “Actually, I am more of a champagne person,” she dilvuges,
expressing a fondness for the crisp and vibrant notes of Ruinart Blanc de
Blancs. This disclosure not only underlines her distinctive preferences but
also adds a whimsical dimension to the overall narrative.
89 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
“It is important that everyone can see what is happening. Of course, we
have a separate ‘wet’ kitchen for the heavier cooking at the back,” she shares.
“Then we have the bar area and this little island, providing plenty of room for
people to move around and mingle.”
However, this vivacious personality that glows in the social limelight
savours her moments of solitude when at home. It is in this space, carefully
decorated with influences from her travels that Chua truly unwinds. “Quite
honestly, I enjoy my solitude. It gives me time to research on how to better
my life,” she says.
Venturing into the back garden, and beyond the lap pool, we meet an
unexpected sight: a chicken coop. Crafted from timber repurposed from
her previous home, this charming, pink-hued sanctuary is a cosy haven—
reminiscent of a real-life Barbie dollhouse—for her brood of fluffy
Silkie chickens.
Beneath this idyllic facade lies a recent heartache. In a voice tinged with a
mix of sorrow and humour, Chua reveals the loss of some chicks to the local
wildlife. “The rodents of Sentosa finally realised there’s a chicken farm on the
island,” she shares. “One morning, I woke up to find the baby chicks dead.”
Despite this, life in the coop thrives. Chua discloses that her household
only uses the freshest eggs from her flock, collected every morning. “This is
as fresh as it gets,” she proudly states.
Chua’s affinity for nature extends beyond the coop. Amidst the lush
greenery, a rich array of vegetables and herbs flourishes. Her garden teems
90 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
MAKEUP AND HAIR: MANISA TAN. STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: ZOE TAURO
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
I ENJOY MY SOLITUDE. IT GIVES ME
TIME TO RESEARCH ON HOW TO
BETTER MY LIFE.
From top: A Fornasetti
table serves as a
statement piece. At the
entrance sits a pair of
Dior-inspired chairs
upholstered in Joie de
Vivre print. The stately
bar chiller against an
all-white facade
OPPOSITE: The crown
jewel of Chua’s home is
her opulent second-floor
walk-in wardrobe, that
showcases her
renowned collection of
Hermès bags. Fresh
flowers add to the
tranquility of the space
with diverse produce, from the heady scent of rosemary to the fiery zest of
green chillies, the unique taste of bitter gourd to the tangy freshness of her
beloved lemon trees. Her need for respite and solitude manifests in this
serene sanctuary, creating a surprising symbiosis between the spheres of
luxury and nature.
The pièce de résistance of Chua’s home is her lavish walk-in wardrobe,
located on the second floor. This opulent woman cave not only houses her
stunning collection of designer clothing and footwear, but, most notably, her
coveted handbag collection, with brands like Chanel, Dior and Hermès.
“While it might not be my home’s emotional heart, it’s crucial to my public
persona. People anticipate seeing it, and I’ve got to deliver. So, a great deal of
thought went into making this space,” she confesses.
While building the wardrobe, Chua firmly demonstrated her design
ambitions. She painstakingly considered every detail to provide a perfect
stage for her cherished items. The result she meticulously achieved
resembles a private boutique with towering glass-protected displays and a
vanity room.
At the centre of the wardrobe is a smaller chamber ingeniously designed
to display Chua’s famed collection of Hermès bags. The harmonious fusion of
glass and brass within the enclosure ingeniously illuminates her collection,
reputedly the largest of its kind. “This was a labour-intensive task,” she
discloses, recounting the laborious process of crafting the distinctive curved
glass piece. “Its unique shape, created from a single continuous piece, was
incredibly challenging and demanded a great deal of time and repeated
attempts to perfect.”
She further reveals that there were numerous setbacks along the way.
“The glass broke several times before a piece could finally make it out of the
workshop,” she says.
Indeed, even amidst the opulence, there are tranquil corners where Chua
seeks solitude. The third-floor spa room, for instance, is an embodiment of
her affinity for wellness and solitude, a private
retreat where she can bask in restorative
treatments, undisturbed and at her own leisure.
Similarly, the meticulously curated cabinet of
curiosities in her formal living room suggests a
deeper narrative, an exhibition of her personal
world. It’s not merely a display, it’s an intimate
collection that underscores her individuality
and her preference for a world that she has
carefully constructed.
Through it all, this is more than just a home,
it is a personalised sanctuary away from the
bustle of her public life. It is a world within a
world, and a home that is a unique
representation of her persona.
In the midst of all this grandeur, Chua
cherishes something far more humble—
tranquillity. When asked what she loves most
about her home, she takes a moment before
revealing the quiet calm her residence offers.
“Amid the chaos of my public life, this home is
my quiet retreat,” she confides.
91 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
ROOT AWAKENING
Stories from Forbidden
Hill by Maxin10sity
Delight your senses with vibrant photographs by
Melisa Teo in her newest exhibition at M Social
Hotel in collaboration with Y Project and
Intersections Gallery. “Les Arbres De Paris” (or
“The Trees of Paris”) is the Singaporean
photographer’s latest work that captures how the
natural environment of Paris contends with the
urban space it inhabits. Her images force the
viewer to ponder on what shapes the mind, the
city and its culture. Rooted in French meanings
and visuals, this exhibition is at M Social Hotel’s
Beast &
Butterflies
restaurant
designed by
French
architect
Philippe Starck,
from now till
31 October.
C
Y
IT
OF LIGH
TS
Singapore
Night Festival 2023
returns with the promise of Night
Lights installations, experiential activities
and more. Embracing the diverse history of
trade and commerce that transformed our fishing
village into a modern metropolis, the festival’s theme
revolves around “Singapore, the Great Port City.” The
event features works by local artists and a curated selection
of food for festival-goers to enjoy. Catch the revelry from
18 to 26 August at the Bras Basah Bugis precinct.
CITY OF LIGHTS
View of Paris:
Confronting
urban scape
and nature
TALKING
POINTS
From the worlds of Art, Culture, Travel and Design
Ribbon Low
stool, $679,
Nendo for
CAPPELLINI
at Mytheresa
Gold
Interconnect
Candle Holder,
around $704,
MENU at
SSENSE
Okinawan dancers and balloon art
BY ZOE TAURO
Blue Relate
Side Table,
around $730,
MUUTO at
SSENSE
VIEW
ASKEW
BLOW UP
Celebrate the 50th year of Asean-Japan relations with
the “Happy Balloons” production by Japanese cultural
group KUGANI from the Tanagusukuryu Gyokusenkai,
the oldest Ryukyu dance group in Okinawa. As part
of the Singapore Street Festival, this family friendly
performance makes accessible the traditional Okinawan
dance with creative balloon art. Catch the performance
at the Gateway Theatre’s Black Box from 17 to 19 August.
Strike a balance
with these
asymmetrical
pieces
Tree Log vase, $162,
POLSPOTTEN at Farfetch
92 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Clessidra
Murano glass
hourglass,
$1,485, Venini
at Farfetch
Heng Balance
Lamp, $40, MoMA
Design Store
BREAKING
BARRIERS
In redefining the realms of travel, fashion and the arts,
RIMOWA’s rich 125 year-history is unpacked in the
new “SEIT 1898” exhibition. By Shermin Ng
T
o celebrate its 125th
anniversary, RIMOWA
unveiled “SEIT 1898,”
a touring exhibition
that reflects on its illustrious
legacy since its beginnings
in 1898. Having kicked off in
Tokyo’s Harajuku district (8–18
June) with South Korean singer
and actor Rowoon, Japanese
actor Dori Sakurada and other
celebrity guests in attendance,
the retrospective will make
its way to New York (8–17
September) and conclude
in its hometown of Cologne,
Germany, in Spring 2024.
“SEIT 1898” features
archive pieces, collaborations
with the likes of Supreme,
Off-White and Dior, as well as
a sticker diorama—mounted
walls of metal sheets sourced
from RIMOWA factories—that
collects memories of the
guests it encounters. The
Tokyo showcase also saw
cases of friends including
Patti Smith, Billie Eilish,
Pharrell Williams, Peggy Gou
and Takashi Murakami.
Emelie De Vitis, senior
vice president Product
& Marketing at RIMOWA,
shares how the brand is
staying true to its heritage
while adapting to an
ever-changing world.
Tell us about “SEIT 1898”
and its key highlights.
Emelie De Vitis: “SEIT
1898” is about RIMOWA’s
provenance. It’s a 125-yearold German brand—few in
the travel industry can claim
to be so. We want to unravel
its lasting legacy through the
evolution of travel, from the
early days of horse carriages to
the explosion of automobiles,
airline and air travel etc.
RIMOWA always had a solution
to accompany this evolution.
Another important aspect is
the durability of our products—
our suitcases have travelled
around the world, carrying
with them lots of emotion
and journeys. Creativity, be
it through our collaborations
or creative associations, is
a strong component for a
design-led brand like ours. We
love to stretch the boundaries
and give carte blanche to our
artists to express themselves.
How does RIMOWA balance
its rich history in engineering
and innovation while retaining
its It factor in the fashion and
arts scene?
EDV: The word-of-mouth on
our products has been on the
quality, which we’re pushing
through communication
around German engineering.
We did a campaign called
Ingenieurskunst (which means
“engineer art”) centred on
the complexities of making a
suitcase, from heavy machinery
to craftsmanship. Another
component is culture—
communicating RIMOWA’s
cult status, collaborating with
big ambassadors and brands
to drive edge and desirability.
Exhibitions like this drive
brand awareness.
Your favourite cases on
display?
EDV: I love cult Japanese label
doublet; it’s one of 26 oneof-a-kind suitcases created
for the “Vol. 1” capsule. They
dressed the suitcase in a series
of intricate sticker-style handembroidered designs; over
200 hours of embroidery
went into that stunning piece.
What’s the most interesting
celebrity travel story?
EDV: Patti Smith has never
done commercial work with
any brand and when we
approached her, she went,
Clockwise from top: RIMOWA remembers its
ties to the golden age of aviation. Emelie De
Vitis and Dori Sakurada at the opening event.
Rowoon poses against RIMOWA’s colourful
polycarbonate suitcases. “SEIT 1898” made
its first stop at JING Harajuku. Patti Smith’s
personal handheld suitcase. doublet
reimagined the Original Check-In M with
intricate embroidery. Fabian Bergmark
Näsman’s protruding horn aluminium suitcase,
part of the “As Seen By” series
93 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
“You know what? I’m gonna
think about it, because I’ve
been using your product
since the ‘90s. It’s toured with
me everywhere around the
world.” She adds badges of her
concerts every time she travels,
and when she sent her suitcase
for the exhibition, it had a lot
of her stuff inside. That is how
she is—this is authentically her
suitcase, so everything from
the outside to the inside
comes with it.
What are your RIMOWA
must-haves for a short vs
longer trip?
EDV: I brought my Cabin Plus
Original to Tokyo as that’s
allowed on planes and you can
fit everything in. I’m a big lover
of RIMOWA’s aluminium pieces
and if it has scratches and
dents, I’m all for it. For a longer
stay, I’d go for a Trunk Essential
as it’s lightweight and you can
overpack it. Mine’s in Green
Gloss and it’s got stickers
everywhere!
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
Clockwise from
top: The stunning
10-storey Tiffany
Landmark building.
The Blue Box cafe
with the lovely
decor by architect
Peter Marino who’s
filled the space
with artwork on the
walls. Lauren Santo
Domingo, artistic
director of the
Tiffany Home
Collection
BOOK ME
A TABLE AT
TIFFANY’S
Concierges around the world are making calls to the posh new
Tiffany Landmark store in NYC not only for diamonds and rubies,
but also for meals at the stunning Blue Box cafe by Daniel Boulud.
What’s even better is you can now buy everything you are served on.
By Kenneth Goh
94 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAHPY: TIFFANY & CO.
Clockwise from top:
Tiffany Wisteria
collection. The soft
pastel tones of the
Tiffany Toile collection,
both by Lauren Santo
Domingo. The delicious
tones of the sixth floor
housing the Tiffany
Home Collection. The
table setting as seen by
artist Julien Schnabel
friend of mine taught me a little
trick to check out the pedigree of
the tableware you are eating off.
You gently lift the plate up ever so
slightly to the side and you take
your knife and slide it beneath the
plate as a mirror to see the crest
or label beneath. Elegant, discreet
and a chic way to find out without
resorting to asking the host or god
forbid, turn the plate upside down
in polite company.
There’s no need to do that with
the new dining range at Tiffany &
Co. I was invited into the posh new
revamped store on Madison Avenue
aptly named The Landmark. It was
ten floors of pure luxury, but it was
at the sixth floor where I stopped to
marvel at the latest range of dining
ware from fashion aficionado,
Lauren Santo Domingo. As the
newly appointed artistic director
of the Tiffany Home Collection,
she has brought refinement and
taste alongside a chic je ne sais
quoi from the closets to the table.
From Tiffany Berries to Tiffany T
True, Tiffany Wisteria, Tiffany Toile,
Tiffany Audubon and Valse Bleue,
the Tiffany Home collection blends
THINK LORO PIANA FOR TABLEWARE—
WHISPER QUIET LUXURY BUT STEEPED
WITH STEALTH WEALTH.
form and function in a thoroughly
chic way. Think Loro Piana for
tableware—whisper quiet luxury
but steeped with stealth wealth. It’s
the kind of dinnerware you would
be proud to display: from the most
exquisite fine dining that would
make a Michelin Star chef beam
with joy to, yes, your humble home
cooked meals.
If satire and irreverence is
more your thing, then an exclusive
tabletop capsule collection created
by American artist Julian Schnabel
might be your go to. The artisanal
masterpieces are crafted in Tiffany
Blue stoneware with a 22K gold
edge. Each plate features the name
of an actor, musician, artist, writer,
filmmaker, or influential figure.
Schnabel envisioned an intimate
dinner party with the illustrious
guests. There are two unique dinner
sets within the capsule collection.
The first set is a tribute to JeanClaude Carrière, Luis Buñuel,
Héctor Babenco, Reinaldo Arenas,
Artemisia Gentileschi and Ben
Gazzara. The second set honours
Rene Ricard, Lou Reed, Laurie
Anderson, Benjamin Clementine,
W.H. Auden and Luigi Ontani.
Perhaps your new ensemble by
Pharrell Williams at Louis Vuitton
would be the best side dish to this
set up.
Known for his iconic plate
paintings that he pioneered in the
95 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
1970s, Julian Schnabel is lauded for
his unorthodox, highly experimental
approach. Enriching Schnabel’s
vision of an unforgettable dinner
party, the capsule collection
is displayed atop a bespoke
tablescape featuring a newly
designed table, uniquely crafted
chairs, and a painting from his very
own Blind Girl series.
If all this talk of tableware is
making you hungry, then pop
over to the main food star at The
Landmark—the Blue Box cafe by
Daniel Boulud. A stunning space
adorned with a million signature
blue boxes hanging down from
the ceiling, this is the jewel of New
York’s Michelin-starred Chef Daniel
Boulud. You can try Breakfast
at Tiffany’s Afternoon Tea or an
all-day à la carte selection in this
elegant café with expansive views
of New York city. Feast on French
madeleines or eggs and caviar for
breakfast. Or perhaps it’s the filet
mignon, lobster salad and a New
York bagel with salmon for lunch
that catches your fancy. Everything
is exquisitely presented and
Instagrammable—perfect pictures
that feed your social, and your soul.
Whether it’s breakfast with
a dash of diamonds or tea with
tourmalines for the win, make this
space your must-visit the next time
you are in the Big Apple. It’s a bite
you won’t regret.
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
HIDDEN
KINGDOM
Catherine Fairweather unlocks the secrets of the
Trans-Bhutan Trail, where she discovers monasteries,
mythical creatures and magical architecture
96 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
To travel in this secretive Himalayan kingdom,
whose identity is built on tales of flying tigers,
dragons, demonesses and yeti, is to be in a state of
constant wonderment. Our route so far has taken
us from the cultural heartland of Paro and the
country’s capital Thimphu, with its single trafficlight, via the balmy rice-paddies of Punakha, to the
snow and wind-driven plains of Phobjikha, where
endangered black-necked cranes pause on their
migratory route from Tibet.
Today, though, we are pushing ever deeper, on
foot now, along this less-travelled central section
of the Trail. The forest floor is soft and springy with
moss; shafts of sunlight penetrate the emerald
gloom of bamboo and pine. Eventually, we heave
ourselves up beyond the tree-line into thin air.
n the largely impenetrable Black Mountains, in
whose shadow threads the Trans-Bhutan Trail,
ghostly forests of bearded hemlock can stir up
ancient superstitions. “Please walk around that
stupa shrine clockwise,” counsels our leader Dorji
Bidha, one of only a handful of female guides in the
country. “It is good for meditation and purifies bad
karma. We don’t want to unsettle Nyala.” This is the
man-eating demon who was once believed to haunt
the dark mountain fastness. Happily, the Trail, newly
restored during the pandemic, offers access to
the deep V of this valley and river-filled gorge, which the tarmac
road could never reach. Its repair, resurrection and relaunch in
September last year, is, of course, a boon for travellers. But, more
importantly, being the historic connective tissue on which the
nation was built, it has once again galvanised communities by
bringing local people together with a shared purpose during the
pandemic. Thanks to the initiative and funding of the Canadian
entrepreneur Sam Blyth, and fully supported by King Jigme
Khesar Wangchuck, a mobilised team of some 900 volunteers
repaired 18 bridges and 10,000 stone steps on the 403km stretch
from Haa on the Chinese border in the west to the Bengal border
in the east. The completed Trans-Bhutan Trail now links the
furthest-flung villages to the fortified temple structures (known
as dzongs), thanks to a dazzling goodwill enterprise that, as
Blyth says, “puts the country back in touch with its history and
heritage, gives impetus to conservation projects and allows the
remoter corners of Bhutan to benefit also from the tourist dollar.”
Back on our path, Dorji is keeping an
eye out for scat from the yeti that she insists
still roam, not just in the wilder realms of
her imagination, as I teasingly suggest, but
also in the higher, lonely regions of the
Himalayan heartland. Here, instead, are
leopard and bear droppings. Only last
month, a tigress and her cubs wandered
out of the Black Mountains and had to be
sedated to stop them moving onto the
country’s one and only highway.
Clockwise from top:
Sunset over Paro
Valley. The Punakha
dzong, a fortified
temple. Luxury resort
Como Uma Paro.
Chillies are a basic in
Bhutanese cooking
and the nation has the
highest per-capita
consumption of
chillies in the world
OPPOSITE: A
three-hour hike on the
Taktsang Trail to
Tiger’s Nest
Monastery (or
Taktsang Monastery)
There, on a summit at 3,000m, is the landmark we have been
told to look out for: a manidhar, a cluster of white pole-flags, 108
of them, the auspicious number that honours a death. The
ragged flags are seen as conduits between the physical and
spiritual worlds, carrying prayers on the breeze. How
seductive the faith and ideology that venerates the
elements and animates every rock, spur, confluence
and tree! We can see the entire trajectory of our
journey below: a landscape slashed with deep ravines
carrying wild rivers that relax into flower-filled
meadows and seep into wetlands. At the rooftop of
the world, the serrated molar outline of Mount
Gangkhar Puensum dominates the skyline—Bhutan’s
highest, and forbidden, peak; unknown and eternally
protected as the sacred throne of the gods.
97 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
A FA S H I O N A B L E L I F E
Clockwise from top:
Overlooking Punakha
District and a
meandering silver
river. Breathtaking
view from Como Uma
Punakha. Age-old, yet
modern charm of
Jakar dzong in
Bumthang district.
Eating is one of the
unexpected delights
of travelling in
Bhutan, and breakfast
on the terrace at
Como Uma Punakha
is no exception
It is at this unlikely and remote halfway marker of my week’s
hike that my phone pings into life. A brief text missive from the
son and husband of a very close friend in England regrets to
inform me that my friend has died—prematurely, but peacefully,
at home, surrounded by family at her deathbed. Could I deliver a
tribute at the memorial upon my return? The heartbreaking news
triggers, among other things, a personal exploration of the value
of friendship, love and mortality for the remaining time of my
pilgrimage along the ancient salt path to Tibet.
But it also helps to make sense of one of the main tenets of
Bhutanese Buddhism: that, to be truly happy, one should not be
afraid to look death in the face. The people of this nation are as
unsqueamish about dying, which they see as a beginning rather
than an ending, as they are about sex and bodily functions—
hence the popularity of Drukpa Kunley: the divine madman’s
bawdy sexuality is depicted enthusiastically in temple paintings,
and his emblematic phallus is popular as a mural on the exteriors
of village houses.
A similarly uninhibited, earthy sense of communality explains
the open-door, or no-door, policy at the Tshangkha monastery
bath-house, next to which we have set up camp. Here, we timidly
share our intimate evening ablutions with the monks. Bathhouse aside, it is a magical place to rest, in the light of the butter
lamps that are ceremoniously lit to settle evil spirits and keep
darkness at bay. But I am footsore, having racked up some
45km over three days, and wrung-out, with the tearstained cheeks of the recently bereaved. The last thing
I need is for my big toenail to peel clean off when I
remove my socks. “We will use my grandmother’s
cure-all,” says our unflappable cook Sherub, going in
search of the artemisia that grows like a weed. I thought
I knew all about this herb. It infused my hot-stone bath
at Como Uma Punakha hotel, where I had stayed earlier
on the trip. At that hallowed sanctuary overlooking rice
fields and a silver river, the bath and subsequent
massage were an out-of-body experience. But now the
weed, squeezed between Sherub’s palms and juiced
onto my toe, acts as an antibacterial poultice and a
pain-reliever. “You’ll be fine to walk tomorrow,” he
promises, and urges me also to eat his healing soup,
shamu datshi. Its main ingredient is matsutake, one of
the most expensive mushrooms in the world, which,
98 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
D O N ’ T L E AV E H O M E
W I T H O U T. . .
Necklace,
Chanel
Hat,
$850,
Fendi
Cape,
Etro
PHOTOGRAPHY: DMITRY ROMANOVSKY/UNSPLASH, BASSEM NIMAH,
MARINA SERSALE, KEITH LEVIT, MARTIN MORRELL
Shirt, $5,000
Valentino
Earrings,
Hermès
Trousers,
$3,400,
Givenchy
Sneaker,
Chloé
Sweater, $560,
JW Anderson
Bracelet,
$560,
Versace
Sunglasses, Dior
Boot,
Coach
Bag, & Other Stories
Shorts, $1,600,
Gucci
like the famous cordyceps, an outlandish fungus that only
grows on the back of a caterpillar, is prized by the Chinese and
Japanese markets for its taste, and its curative aphrodisiac and
anti-ageing properties.
Tonight, from his tiny kitchen tent, our cook also conjures up
momos—plump little meat-stuffed dumplings—his signature
buckwheat pancakes called khuli, and kewa datshi chilli-cheese
potatoes, with fresh broccoli from the local farmsteads. In the
camps and in the homestay in Bumthang valley, in small rural
inns and urban canteens, eating is one of the unexpected
delights of travelling in this land.
The next morning, the mantra-chanting of the monks is my
alarm-call, reverberating around what I shall remember as my
happy valley. I am pain-free, thanks to Sherub’s remedy. The
trail today takes us through rhododendron-studded slopes, a
riot of colour in the spring, into the ravines where the great
Trongsa dzong sits, majestic on its rocky spur. This 16th-century
citadel is the largest and most labyrinthine of Bhutan’s famous
fortifications; stronghold of the royal Wangchuck dynasty for
centuries and the geographical heart of the country. A slippery
descent continues to the rampaging Mangdechhu river, which
is broached via an old cantilevered bridge—vaguely precarious,
but an important step symbolically, bringing us closer to
enlightenment, according to Bhutanese Buddhism.
I am walking the route that will lead straight into the inner
courtyard of the dzong, taken for centuries by pilgrims or run
by garps, the swift-footed messengers who carried news
bulletins and marriage proposals before the advent of Bumble
or Hinge, the dating sites so popular in Bhutan. Until recently,
social interaction was impossible outside your home village or
valley. The competing forces of traditionalism and modernisation
are part of the defining dynamic, inevitable in a country wedged
between the behemoths of India and China. On an earlier
occasion we found that the new interactive QR codes on the
signposts and “way-markers,” which could have given us a
potted history and contextualised each stage of the route, had
been hacked by a Chinese clothing brand, only a few weeks
after their official launch. And at another section of the gorge,
the freshly baked hiking trail was being flattened
unceremoniously by Indian construction workers. Seven
hydroelectric dams in progress along the rivers of Bhutan
produced boulders as big as tuk-tuks into our oncoming path.
But for now, our pilgrim’s way into Trongsa is hard work, zigzagging precipitously up past the King’s
Tables—traditional resting places of
former monarchs that take the form of
centuries-old circular stone tables
surrounded by menhir-like slabs for
benches. A startled giant stag, a sambar,
flees the scene, pausing for a second to
look back, before the forest folds around
him like a curtain. It could be a mediaeval
tapestry that has come to life, and the
sighting feels like a benediction. At the
last King’s Table, we stop and linger. The
minutes slow and time thickens as we
listen to the insect hum of the forest and
the thumping of our hearts; the visceral
pleasure of feeling alive, and the closest I
have come to finding a religion.
99 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
EDITED BY ARISSA HA
HEY, GOOD
LOOKING
Embrace the wanderlust, and the beauty
secrets of globetrotters.
Photographed by Vladimir Martí.
Styled by Claudia Laukamp
RED HOT
Fresh off a long drive? No
problem. Add a stunning red
lippie like Dior’s Rouge Dior
Couture Finish Refillable Lipstick
in 869 Sophisticated ($62) to
freshen up the complexion and
look instantly put together.
LET THE LIGHT IN
While the strobing makeup
trend is a thing of the past,
never underestimate what a
touch of highlighter can do.
Dab some Rare Beauty Positive
Light Silky Touch Highlighter in
Enlighten ($42) on the middle
of the eyelids and use
Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Crystal
Lip Gloss ($35) on the centre of
the lips to instantly brighten
the complexion.
Overshirt, Masscot. Shirt, Soeur.
Trousers, Stella McCartney
101 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
SILVER SCREEN
Combat the effects of jet lag with a
simple trick—use white or silver
eyeliner. Apply Shiseido’s MicroLiner
Ink Crayon Matte Eyeliner in 05 White
($40) on the inner corner of the
eyes to hide the look of tiredness
and brighten the gaze.
Denim jacket, Levi’s
102 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
A LINE WILL DO
No time for a full eyeshadow look?
Swap regular black eyeliner for a
blue one like Chanel’s Stylo Yeux
Waterproof in 38 Bleu Métal ($40)
to add a pop of colour and a
playful touch to your eye makeup.
THE MANE ISSUE
Windblown tresses or an
unfamiliar climate can cause hair
to misbehave. A handy bottle of
dry shampoo like Morrocanoil
Dry Shampoo Dark Tones ($16
for 65ml) can tame flat or oily
hair, or OUAI’s Hair Oil ($26 for
13ml) to rein in flyaways and
frizzy strands.
Coat, Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello
BLUE LAGOON
A versatile choice that accentuates
most skin tones and eye colours—
blue eyeshadow creates a striking
statement. Add a pop of blue with
Dior’s Diorshow 5 Couleur Eye
Palette in 279 Denim ($116), a
delightful palette of matte,
shimmery and metallic tones to
enhance your peepers.
Coat, Saint Laurent by
Anthony Vaccarello
Makeup: Adrián Rux
105 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BEAUTY
Mastering the art of sun protection for
healthy skin all year round.
By Arissa Ha
W
hen it comes to protecting your skin against premature
ageing and harmful UV rays, sunscreens are an absolute must.
Regardless of the season, sunscreen is your trusted ally in the
battle against skin damage caused by the sun’s rays. However,
many people make mistakes that hinder their effectiveness—inadequate
application, such as using too little or not reapplying every two hours, or even
using the wrong type of sunscreen, which would further compromise protection.
LESS IS NOT MORE…
One of the most common mistakes is using an inadequate amount of sunscreen.
A thin or uneven application can significantly reduce the level of protection
provided, leaving the skin vulnerable to sunburn and potential long-term
damage. To ensure proper coverage, experts recommend using at least a shot
glass worth of sunscreen for the entire body and a dime-sized amount for the
face and neck. But let’s face it, not everyone has a shot glass handy to measure
their sunscreens—an easier measurement would be the use of the two-finger
rule. Squeeze out your fluid sunscreen onto both the index and middle fingers
from the palmar crease to the fingertips and this is the amount that should go
on your face. Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin before applying
makeup. This usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t want your makeup
to mix with the sunscreen, as it may reduce its effectiveness.
UNLESS IT’S SPF
SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of a sunscreen’s
ability to protect the skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. The
SPF number indicates the level of UVB protection a sunscreen offers. Typically,
an SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient for protecting your skin from sunburn and
reducing the risk of skin damage. However, SPF alone does not address UVA
protection, which penetrates deeper into the skin and can cause long-term
damage, including premature ageing and skin cancer. This is where “broadspectrum protection” and PA ratings come into play. Some sunscreens list
“broad-spectrum protection” to indicate that they guard against both UVA
and UVB rays. In contrast, countries, particularly in Asia, like Singapore, Thailand,
Japan and South Korea, use PA ratings to specify the level of UVA protection.
PA ratings range from PA+ to PA++++, with more “+” signs signifying higher
UVA protection. By incorporating both SPF and PA ratings, sunscreens offer
a comprehensive defence against the full spectrum of UV radiation, shielding
skin from sunburn and long-term damage effectively.
PAC K YO U R S U N S C R E E N S
The moment your sunscreen is exposed to UV rays, it
begins to photodegrade, which is why reapplication is
crucial. A common mistake many make is not reapplying
sunscreen regularly, significantly reducing the protection
they receive. A study in 2018 by the American Academy
of Dermatology noted that only 33 percent of Americans
reapply their sunscreen. This oversight can leave the skin
vulnerable to harmful UV rays and increase the risk of
sunburn and skin damage.
To ensure effective sun protection, experts advise
reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially during
prolonged sun exposure, swimming, or heavy sweating.
Opt for water-resistant sunscreen formulations when
engaging in water activities or physical exertion to
maintain the product’s efficacy. Sunscreen formats
like sprays, cushions or sticks are convenient for quick
touch-ups throughout the day, allowing for seamless
reapplication over makeup without disrupting your
look. Again, ensure that you are using the right amount
of sunscreen even in your reapplication. In the case of
sunscreen sticks, you need at least two to three passes.
For sprays, you need to see a visible sheen on the skin.
Powder sunscreens are not advisable as they offer limited
protection and coverage—you need a large amount
for protection and that translates to a cakey look after
application. They are often not waterproof, which means
they would also congeal when mixed with sweat or water.
Best to stick to a sunscreen cushion.
Mastering the art of skin protection means
understanding the importance of sunscreen, choosing
the right SPF and using the right application techniques.
Sunscreens come in a variety of formats for you to easily
incorporate it into your daily routine. By avoiding common
sunscreen mistakes and ensuring consistent application,
you can effectively protect your skin from premature
ageing and the damaging effects of UV rays, ensuring a
radiant and healthy complexion all year round.
106 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
IN NEW LIGHT
If you prefer a natural look or
wish to streamline your makeup
routine, consider sunscreens with added
coverage. Tinted sunscreens offer a light
layer of foundation-like coverage while
providing essential sun protection.
Additionally, there are makeup primers
with SPF that create a smooth canvas
for makeup application while
protecting your skin from the
sun’s harmful rays.
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107 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
BEAUTY
YOUTH
DEFENCE
Combining sunscreen with
anti-ageing skincare ingredients
can be a game-changer in your
quest for youthful skin. Look for
sunscreens with antioxidants like
vitamin C and vitamin E, which
help neutralise free radicals
and prevent premature
ageing.
From left: Urban Environment Triple Beauty Suncare Emulsion
SPF 50+ PA++++, $68, Shiseido; Sun Perfect Infinite Glow
Illuminating Cream SPF 50, about $78, Lancaster Beauty;
Absolue Global Youth Protecting Care SPF 50 PA++++, $141,
Lancôme; Reflex Solaire SPF 50+, Eau Thermale Avène
108 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
GENTLE
PROTECTION
EDITING: CHONG YITAN. PHOTOGRAPHY: TAN SHOU. DESIGN: JIAO YING
Sensitive skin requires extra
care when it comes to sun
protection. Sunscreens specifically
formulated for sensitive skin are usually
free from potential irritants and
fragrances. Physical blockers like zinc
oxide or titanium dioxide can be
gentler on sensitive skin
compared to chemical
sunscreens.
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109 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
MAGIC
P
U R E
BEAUTY
Creative and image director of
Dior makeup Peter Philips unveils the
marvels of complexion perfection.
By Arissa Ha
Mirroring the Dior Forever Foundation’s
matte and glow finishes, the new Couture
Cushions also feature the no-transfer matte
and hydrating glow finishes for easy
touch-ups when you are on the go
I
n the ever-evolving world of beauty, we have come to expect the best of both
worlds—makeup products that not only enhance our features but also nurture
our skin with beneficial skincare ingredients. Beauty editors like myself have
been extremely privileged (and spoiled) by innovative launches but Dior’s
newest complexion offering is the artful fusion of makeup and skincare like
never before. With the introduction of Dior Forever Cushion, Dior Forever Skin Glow
Cushion and Rouge Blush, we are once again surprised that hybrid beauty can offer
a seamless blend of transformative makeup and nourishing skincare.
Peter Philips, the visionary creative and image director of Dior makeup, explains
his inspiration for the Dior Forever cushions, “We wanted to create a cushion that
gives a flawless makeup result, is non-transferrable, but still extremely hydrating, so
you get this feeling that it’s caring for your skin when you wear it.” And we absolutely
agree. The best cushion foundations should be seen, not felt — all while the formula
does magic in helping skin feel better at the end of the day. After all, makeup sits on
the skin for a good part of the day, it makes sense that they’re helping to hydrate
and refine the complexion.
The Dior Forever Cushion offers a velvety, non-transferable matte finish, while
the Dior Forever Skin Glow Cushion imparts a radiant and luminous glow. What
impresses most is their formula’s adaptability to the skin, revealing each individual’s
natural luminosity with sheer elegance, all while providing 24-hour wear without
any dryness.
Beyond just providing impeccable coverage, the Dior Forever cushions
incorporate skincare benefits with over 25 percent water in their formula, offering
a refreshing, weightless sensation and allowing the skin to breathe. Moreover, the
thoughtful infusion of floral extracts ensures long-lasting hydration while preserving
the skin’s inherent beauty. The Dior Forever Skin Glow Cushion, enriched with wild
pansy extract, delivers 24-hour hydration, while the Dior Forever Cushion, infused
with rose-hip extracts, helps reduce the appearance of pores, resulting in a refined
and flawless complexion. Let’s just say that even in Singapore’s humid weather, the
skin still looks immaculately matte or glowy depending on which version of the
cushion you use, without signs of unwanted shine ruining your dewy look.
Sun protection is paramount, and the Dior Forever cushions rise to the occasion
with high-performance sun filters—SPF 35 PA+++ for the Dior Forever Cushion and
SPF 50 PA+++ for the Dior Forever Skin Glow Cushion—effectively shielding the skin
from external aggressors and harmful UV rays, and especially useful for topping up
on sun protection when you’re out and about.
The packaging of these cushions showcases the iconic canework motif as a
tribute to the heritage of the House. With two couture case versions inspired by
110 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF DIOR
IN OUR FOUNDATIONS,
LIPSTICKS AND BLUSH, WE ARE
CONSTANTLY PUSHING BOUNDARIES
AND EVOLVING, ANSWERING THE
NEEDS OF CONSUMERS WHO WANT
MORE OUT OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
—PETER PHILIPS
iconic Dior pieces, the Dior Forever Cushion is the perfect companion for your
Lady Dior bag (Instagram flat lay, anyone?). The Embroidered Cannage case, pairs
amazingly with the matte black Lady D-Lite, or if you prefer the Vinyle Cannage, it
looks like a match made in heaven with the vinyl Lady Dior bag.
Now, let’s talk about the Rouge Blush—a true embodiment of timelessness
meeting modernity. With a mesmerising spectrum of 21 ultra-pigmented shades,
meticulously curated by Philips himself, this blush effortlessly blends with the skin.
A light-handed swish with a soft fluffy brush along the temples to the cheekbones
allows you to create a vivid draped blush look easily and can be intensified as
desired. The warmer tones like 319 Rose Montaigne, 365 New World, and 505
Sensual lends a natural flush to fairer skin tones, great for everyday wear. True to
its vision of makeup-skincare hybrids, the Rouge Blush also doubles as a skincare
product, containing 90 percent natural ingredients, enriched with nourishing
iris, wild pansy, and radiance-boosting nasturtium extracts, ensuring a soft and
comfortable texture without any dryness or tightness.
In his vision for Rouge Blush, Philips explains, “I wanted a powder blush that
wouldn’t be intimidating. With Rouge Blush, each woman can build the colour, from
an ultra-natural looking result that is almost invisible, to a really intense look.” The
versatility of Rouge Blush allows for personalised expression, taking into account
every woman’s unique look, style and preference.
The four luxurious finishes—matte, satin, shimmer and holographic—embodied
by each shade symbolise the Dior Forever complexion routine, offering a variety
of looks from sophisticated and natural to ethereal and luscious. It’s easy to find
a shade or finish that can convey the look, occasion or persona you’re taking on.
The Dior Forever cushions and Rouge Blush is the essence of Dior’s commitment
to beauty, craftsmanship and self-expression. The Dior Forever cushions provide
the perfect canvas that serves as the ultimate backdrop for the transformative
power of Rouge Blush, and its resulting flawless finish. These exceptional creations
complement and enhance each other, inviting you to embark on a transformative
journey beyond the limits of beauty.
Philips reveals a fascinating insight into Dior’s approach to beauty, something
the House had undertaken years ago. He shares, “At Dior, we’ve already started
putting in skincare ingredients way before the pandemic, not only in our
foundations, but also lipsticks and blush as well. And we are constantly pushing
boundaries and evolving, answering the needs of consumers who want more out of
their products.” Dior’s philosophy is eloquently showcased in their latest creations—
the Dior Forever cushions and Rouge Blush—products that continually exceed the
needs of its fans, offering a unique blend makeup that cares for the skin.
111 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Top: The
refillable Dior
Forever Couture
Cushion lets you
choose from a
matte or glow
finish. Bottom:
Dior’s new Rouge
Blush comes in 15
alluring shades
BEAUTY
HEALING
Arissa Ha travels to a remote island in Brittany to discover Guerlain’s
commitment to protecting bees
n the vast landscape of skincare
brands that claim to prioritise
sustainability and clean beauty,
few truly walk the talk like Guerlain.
With a longstanding commitment
to protecting nature and preserving
biodiversity, Guerlain does not pay lip
service, but actively engages in meaningful
initiatives and partnerships to create a more
sustainable world. BAZAAR had the
privilege of visiting Ouessant, an
island off the coast of Finistère, west
of France, and one of the five islands
of Brittany, but most importantly,
home to the Ouessant black bees—
which play a pivotal role in Guerlain’s
Abeille Royale range.
From top: Ouessant is an
island rich in nature and
biodiversity. The best
mode of transport on
Ouessant is by bicycle.
Frédéric Bonté,
Guerlain’s director of
research, senior beauty
editor Arissa Ha, and
Cécile Lochard,
Guerlain’s chief
sustainability officer
It’s a long four-hour train ride from Paris to Brest, followed by a
40-minute drive to Le Conquet, and another one-hour ferry ride from
Le Conquet to Ouessant—truly earning it its nickname of “the island
at the end of the world.” What awaited us at the end of the journey
was raw, untouched nature and the promise of rich biodiversity. We
saw dolphins which followed the ferry on the way out of Le Conquet,
were greeted by a vivid palette of wild flowers upon arrival, and were
enveloped by a fresh sea breeze in the island.
In Ouessant, cars are discouraged to preserve the ecosystem and
reduce the carbon footprint. We travelled mainly by bike and a short
ride took us to the apiaries of the black bees. The island’s flora is free
of chemical aggression and rich in pollen and nectar, allowing the
black bees to thrive. This unique environment also allows the bees to
produce an exceptional honey—rich in amino acids and polyphenols
compared to other honeys.
And it’s the honey of the black bees of Ouessant, together
with honeys from three other locations—Corsica (France), Ikaria
(Greece) and Åland (Finland)—that form an exceptional blend for
the new Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Day and Night Creams.
“The honeys from these four locations have been selected for their
pure environment and their composition,” explains Dr Frédéric Bonté,
Guerlain’s director of research. “It is a blend of these four honeys that
revive the activity of the skin cells.”
The vision behind Guerlain’s Abeille Royale line is rooted in the
ancient wisdom of honey bandages. Guided by the knowledge
that honey naturally stimulates collagen fibres, which aid in the
reconstruction of the skin’s matrix, Guerlain researchers sought to
apply it to anti-ageing skincare. They were particularly intrigued by
the findings of Professor Bernard Descottes, an expert in honeybased healing methods, who had demonstrated the medical efficacy
of honey bandages on numerous patients. The encounter with
Professor Descottes sparked Guerlain’s commitment to unlocking
the secrets of honey’s healing properties. Under the leadership of
Dr Bonté, the brand’s researchers delved deeper into the tissue
reconstruction mechanisms in wound healing and the repair of
ageing skin. This scientific discovery became the foundation for the
development of the Abeille Royale line, which combines the healing
prowess of honey with cutting-edge skincare technology.
112 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURTESY OF GUERLAIN
The results of their ongoing research
have culminated in the new Honey Treatment
Day and Night Creams, inspired by clinical
honey poultices and the T.I.M.E. clinical
protocol. The creams target visible signs of
collagen loss such as wrinkles and lack of
firmness; and promote optimal skin repair.
The T.I.M.E. protocol focuses on four key
stages of epidermal healing: tissue necrosis
removal, inflammation soothing, moisture
lock-in and epidermisation.
At the heart of the formula is Guerlain’s
Dynamic BlackBee Repair technology, which
incorporates the Black Bee honey from
Ouessant Island, along with exclusive royal
jelly and the honeys from the other three
areas. This unique blend activates the skin’s
collagen system and enhances its self-repair
mechanisms. By tripling the connections
between epidermal nerve cells and skin cells,
it significantly boosts the repairing efficacy
by 47 percent within 24 hours. In addition,
it also stimulates the synthesis of Collagen
I and III by 158 percent and
77 respectively, prompting
skin to appear firmer with its
plumpness restored.
The 2023 generation of
Abeille Royale creams also
introduces two powerful
ingredients: polyfragmented
hyaluronic acid and a two
percent concentrated proe l a st i c i t y h exa p e p t i d e.
The hyaluronic acid retains
moisture and penetrates all
layers of the skin, while the
hexapeptide targets elastin
and improves skin plumpness.
Combined with Dynamic
Blackbee Repair technology, these ingredients
effectively reverse the visible signs of collagen loss
for a more youthful complexion.
When applied, the creams form a veil over
the skin, similar to the mesh of a honey bandage,
completely enveloping the skin for comfort and
protection. The Honey Treatment Day Cream leaves
a velvety finish that’s comfortable to wear, even in
Singapore’s humid weather. The Honey Treatment
Night Cream, on the other hand, has a silky smooth
texture that protects the skin from dryness while
you sleep. Tapping into the skin’s natural circadian
rhythm, the Honey Treatment Night Cream is also
enriched with Ikaria honey, which has the ability to
boost the skin’s Collagen I synthesis during sleep.
Guerlain’s relationship with nature goes beyond
taking inspiration from its wonders. They are acutely
aware of their responsibility to give back and protect
the environment. Cécile Lochard, Guerlain’s chief
sustainability officer said, “More than two decades
ago we started to understand that the quality of
our raw ingredients was really dependent on our
ecosystem,” stressing the crucial role of conserving
and protecting the delicate balance of the
ecosystems where the Ouessant black bees thrive.
They provide financial support to the Brittany
Black Bee Conservation Association to help in the
maintenance of the hives and the various actions the Association
needs as well as support its research and communication activities.
Guerlain also works closely with beekeepers and organisations
committed to bee conservation, to ensure the long-term survival
of bee populations and their vital role in pollination. In addition to
ingredient sourcing, their sustainability efforts include operational
practices and packaging design. Working with its glass partner,
Honey Treatment Day and Night Creams are made from postconsumer recycled glass, with up to 40 percent recycled content,
and for the first time ever, are refillable.
These initiatives reflect Guerlain’s dedication to minimising
its environmental impact while providing luxurious skincare. By
integrating sustainability and bee conservation, Guerlain sets an
example for responsible beauty practices, ensuring the preservation
of our planet’s natural treasures so that everyone can enjoy its
splendour for years to come.
113 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
From top: Travelling
by bicycles reduces
the carbon footprint
on the island.
Learning more about
the Ouessant black
bees in their natural
habitat. The black
bees produce an
exceptional honey
used in the Guerlain
Abeille Royale range.
Guerlain’s latest
launches, the Honey
Treatment Day Cream
and Night Cream
MAJOR
MINNIE
Thai singer Minnie of the K-pop band (G) I-DLE is more than a
performer. A talented musician, composer and a Miu Miu darling,
she is well on her way to becoming a musical household name.
By Renée Batchelor.
Photographed by Junkyoung Lee.
Styled by Gracia Phang
Cardigan; sweater, Miu Miu
115 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
116 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Cardigan; sweater; skirt;
underwear; hair barrettes;
earrings; rings; bracelets;
bag; pumps, Miu Miu.
Socks, stylist’s own
OPPOSITE: Dress;
stockings; earrings, Miu Miu
Sweater; skirt; ring;
pumps, Miu Miu. Socks,
stylist’s own
icha Yontararak, who is known by her stage name Minnie, is an up and coming dynamo in
the K-pop scene. Petite and doll-like in person, with beautiful features and immaculate skin,
one wonders if her cute nickname has anything to do with her stature. Beneath the perfect
package lies a talented musician (she plays the piano and is keen to learn guitar), composer
(she writes several of the band’s songs) and polyglot (she speaks Korean, English, Chinese
and Japanese, as well as her native Thai.)
To understand Minnie’s career in music, one needs to delve a bit deeper into her upbringing and family
background. Minnie grew up with a musical mum. She says, “My first memory of music is my mum playing
piano. My mum is really, really good at playing the piano and she plays it every day.” In fact, Minnie’s mother
taught her piano from the age of four and her uncle, Nat Yontararak, is a classical pianist, composer and
music teacher. It’s safe to say that music runs in her blood, or at least has been a big part of her life since
she was young.
Her early musical inspirations included singer-songwriters who happened to play the piano like Vanessa
Carlton and Alicia Keys. Seeing her daughter’s interest in both piano and singing, Minnie’s mum began
sending her for weekly vocal lessons from the age of six at a music academy, which she attended all the way
to the auditioning stage of her career. Shy at first, Minnie’s mum rewarded her if she performed on stage,
giving her the push to explore her talent and share it with a wider audience.
Today as a member of (G)I-DLE, Minnie is living the dream. She was recently named a Miu Miu
ambassador. On the Asian leg of a world tour with the group at the time of our shoot, she was looking
forward to a homecoming of sorts when the band performed in her native Thailand for their Bangkok date
in mid-July. These sweet reminders of how far the group has come has been a highlight for Minnie. “We
started in Seoul a few weeks ago, and Taipei was our second stop. And it was Shu Hua’s (her (G)I-DLE
bandmate) hometown. And it was the first time we performed a concert there. Shu Hua cried, and I was
kind of surprised as I don’t see her cry often. I was so proud of her because she looked so happy and so
nervous at the same time,” she shares. And having experienced the same mix of emotions, Minnie could
understand her bandmate’s feelings. “And I can understand her. Because last year when we performed in
Bangkok, I cried a lot. It was a dream come true. It was not the first time we were performing there, but it
was the first time we had our own concert. My parents, friends, everyone was there and I was really touched.
It was very emotional.”
Beyond performing, Minnie also composes some of the band’s songs. On her process she says. “I write
the melody first. And then I’ll write the lyrics after. So when I recorded the demo for ‘Paradise’, I was just
humming ‘dice, dice.’ And then I’ll find a word that kind of rhymes or matches with the humming that I
recorded. So it became the word ‘paradise’ that I chose to write about.” For Minnie, part of the writing
process is creating music that her fans can relate to as they are a large source of her inspiration. In the
lyrics for the chorus, Minnie says the line, “Every time I look into those angel eyes,” is about the feeling of
inspiration she gets when she looks at her fans. She tells us that for the song “Lucid” she was inspired by
Scooby-Doo as the music had a horror undertone, but in a cute way.
While her songwriting has improved since her debut, Minnie reveals that she still asks her producers for
advice on writing Korean lyrics. “I think I’m more confident writing the melody,” she quips. “I come up with
something catchy and then if it’s good, I’ll just go with it.” As for confidence in her personal life and stage
persona, Minnie says that she is still a work in progress. “I wasn’t a confident girl. But I think I’ve grown
together with my group members. Our members’ auras are very energetic, so they inspire me a lot. When
I’m with them, I’m very comfortable.” Ever the professional, Minnie says that constant practising and honing
her skills is part of gaining that self-assurance when performing.
Proud of her Thai heritage, Minnie is impressed by her Neverlands (the nickname for (G)I-DLE’s fans)
some of whom have even started to learn Thai because of her. Being a polyglot, Minnie shares that she
sometimes thinks in different languages, which can prove challenging if she is doing an interview in English
as she is for Harper’s BAZAAR today. Currently she is thinking in Korean, but if she is in a country like the
US, her English gets better. Coincidentally the band released an English single in July. Future plans for
Minnie include a chance to collaborate with Australian singer Troye Sivan, who she admires greatly, as well
as singer Justin Bieber. But for now she this multilingual and multi-talented star is enjoying the ride.
119 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
120 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Dress; rings; stockings; Miu Miu
OPPOSITE: Dress; earrings;
rings; necklace, Miu Miu.
Headband, stylist’s own
Makeup: Haemin Kim
Hair: Aram Chun
Manicure: Jinsol Kim
Producer: Esther Kim
Production Coordinator:
Crystal Sang
J
U
Leap into the summer in fashion fit for
seaside frolics: think stylish swimwear,
relaxed knits and nautical stripes.
M
P
FOR
J
O
Y
T-shirt; shorts, Prada
Photographed by Josh Shinner.
Styled by Cathy Kasterine
Jumper, Molly Goddard.
Bikini bottom, Vilebrequin
OPPOSITE: Towel, Moncler
124 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Swimsuit, Vilebrequin
OPPOSITE: Top and
matching skirt, Etro
127 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Jumper and matching
knickers, Valentino
OPPOSITE: Jacket, Chloé.
Bikini bottom, Vilebrequin
128 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Jacket; boots, Loro Piana
OPPOSITE: Bikini top, Vilebrequin
131
HARPER’S
BAZAAR
AUGUST
2023
131
HARPER’S
BAZAAR
AUGUST
2023
132 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
Jacket; trousers, Chanel. Hat,
Vilebrequin. Sandals, Moncler
OPPOSITE: Towel, Moncler
Model: Heather Kemesky/Viva
Hair: Yoshitaka Miyazaki
Makeup: Victoria Bond
Production: Big Bison Production
Styling assistant: Crystalle Cox
…Level up at
happy hour?
Match your arm candy to
your cocktails for added zest.
BY JEFFREY YAN. PHOTOGRAPHY: ADAM GOODISON.
STYLING: ROSIE ARKELL-PALMER
Bags, Louis Vuitton
134 HARPER’S BAZAAR AUGUST 2023
PHOTOGRAPHY: COURETSY OF CHANEL
Read the full fall/winter 2023 trend report at
WWW.HARPERSBAZAAR.COM.SG
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