Meet the trendsetters defining fashion’s standard

If you’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada, you’ll be familiar with Miranda Priestly’s “cerulean monologue” in which she chastises too-serious-to-care-about-her-clothes Andy on her indifference towards fashion, when in fact, the fashion industry represents a wealth of experience, history, creativity and “millions of dollars of countless jobs”—hardly something to sneer at.

Every year, we celebrate those who understand Miranda’s perspective well, and not only embrace fashion but redefine it. Here is this year’s Asia’s Most Stylish, our exclusive list of the best-dressed individuals who harness the power of fashion to convey a message or emotion, or who are able to transform an ordinary day into something special with what they wear.

Other newsletter highlights this week:

That’s all ... and happy Friday!

Heidi Yeung
Digital Editor

 

STYLE

What inspires fashion brand Agua by Agua Bendita

Dress from the Delirio Collection by Agua by Agua Bendita (Photo: Instagram / @aguabyaguabendita)

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next travel destination, there is an unlikely source you’ve probably not even thought about: fashion designers.

Tatler talks to Mariana Hinestroza and Catalina Álvarez about the summer holiday in Colombia that started their brand Agua by Agua Bendita, which is loved by Jennifer Lopez, Hailey Bieber, and more.

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MORE FROM STYLE

What are HIFU treatments and how can it reduce the signs of ageing? What you need to know about the science behind this non-invasive beauty procedure.

Was Oppenheimer’s hat in Christopher Nolan’s latest masterpiece accurate? A Hong Kong hat expert breaks down Cillian Murphy’s fedora for us.

Featuring the maison’s signature malletage, Louis Vuitton’s famous GO-14 handbag is a contemporary classic in the making.

 

POWER & PURPOSE

Can Hong Kong films be more representative?

Tatler House Stories at The Upper House on August 23 (Photo: Billy Chan / Tatler Hong Kong)

On August 23, Tatler and The Upper House hosted the latest edition of House Stories, where we spotlight three movie industry leaders in Hong Kong who are working towards greater inclusion in the local film industry.

Moderated by Tatler’s features editor Zabrina Lo, the panel discussed racial diversity and representation of the LGBTQ+ community in Hong Kong films, and where the industry should steer towards next.

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MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE

Long relegated to being a muse or model, women artists are finally being recognised and their works celebrated at art fairs and dedicated museums.

These Asian entrepreneurs are making a pawsitive impact for dogs and celebrating their furriness.

Victoria Tang-Owen tells Tatler about the motto she’s picked up from the British royal family, her favourite spa in Hong Kong and more.

 

LIFESTYLE

An insider’s guide to Seoul

Neon lights in the bustling Jongno district of Seoul, South Korea (Photo: Getty Images)

As the second edition of Frieze Seoul kicks off the art fairs in Seoul this autumn, collectors, gallerists and visitors are descending upon South Korea’s capital.

The fair’s director, Patrick Lee, recommends his favourite places to visit in the city—from a hole-in-a-wall bar to all the cafes and bookstores frequented by the creative crowd when they need a break from the fair. 

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MORE FROM LIFESTYLE

Hong Kong’s first Grammy’s Press Play artist Xtie writes songs about body positivity and turns bathroom sounds into music.

With Jupiter entering its retrograde phase on September 4, Tatler’s astrologer Casey Chan explains what each star sign can expect next week.

The online sales platform Artnet looked at the artists whose works sold best at auction between January 1 and May 30, 2023.

 

DINING

Inside the hidden world of European gastronomic orders

Bernice Liu attends an event with the Order of the Knights of the White Truffle and Wines of Alba in Castello du Grinzane Cavour, Italy (Photo: Handout)

Food and wine often speak a language beyond words—the best meals often become treasured memories, forever linked to important life occasions.

Celebrity and wine entrepreneur Bernice Liu takes us inside the hidden world of European gastronomic orders and shares what it's like to be inducted into the many historic fellowships of which she is a member.

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MORE FROM DINING

Got 48 hours in Phuket? Here are five places to visit for the most scrumptious Southern Thai food.

We talk to four Japanese chefs in Hong Kong about safety concerns and their resulting culinary choices in the wake of Japan's wastewater release.

Philippine-based Kraver's Group is harnessing smart kitchen technology and low-waste processes to set its meal plan delivery services apart.

 

HOMES

An eco-conscious Las Vegas home with stunning views

Natural rock varieties were used in the architecture of Fort 137 (Photo: Daniel Joseph Chenin)

It is not a simple feat to design a stunning, enviable home that can withstand the passage of time. Let alone have an acutely intrinsic understanding of the Las Vegas Valley desert landscape that is “hot, dry, and windy”.

For the American architect Daniel Joseph Chenin, this was a challenge he accepted and rose above with his team from the award-winning eponymous design studio.

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MORE FROM HOMES

See how Justin Long’s design firm Hjgher paired Asian influences with modern minimalist design in this graceful Singapore apartment.

A lifetime in the making, Gen.T honouree Rom Sangkavatana’s family home in Bangkok is a sleek, art-filled haven that celebrates authenticity.

Few elements can enhance a space like the subtlety of exquisite lighting. Here’s how the Spa series by Vibia sheds light on the art of tranquillity.

 

AROUND ASIA

SINGAPORE | Two-time Grammy-nominee Roberta Gambarini is to perform with maestro Jeremy Monteiro at the Jass Benefit Gala 2023.

MALAYSIA | Four Malaysian chefs share why their timepiece of choice is tough enough to take the heat of the kitchen.

PHILIPPINES | International luxury brand Jewelmer celebrates pearls in their latest campaign film,The Divine Feminine.