The fight for Asian representation in Hollywood
Random thought: what if “out of sight, out of mind” was just someone’s attempt to put a positive spin on “if we don’t see it, we can ignore it”? Okay, jokes aside, this week’s newsletter is all about the importance of representation, because we all deserve to have a seat at the table and to have our voices heard. And our cover star, actress Sandra Yi Sencindiver from Foundation on Apple TV+, was right: while Michelle Yeoh winning a Best Actress award at the 2023 Oscars is great, we need to see “more Asians getting recognition ... we can’t keep on celebrating it as an exception”. We didn’t get this far just to get this far.
To continue the theme of representation, earlier this month we hosted an edition of Tatler House Stories that highlights the journeys, challenges and experiences of women working in male-dominated industries. Also, we spoke with non-binary Singapore artist Sam Lo about defying societal expectations and mental strength. And then there is Thailand representing Asia in the world of ... cheese? Okay! Well, representation is a gouda thing—especially if it’s catching the eye of top chefs in Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok.
Other newsletter highlights this week:
- Mulan and Ip Man star Donnie Yen and Cissy Wang celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary at Lake Como
- Curious what’s in store for your star sign next week? Check out our weekly horoscopes reading by Tatler’s astrologer Casey Chan
- 9 of the most beautiful and unique McDonald’s around the world
- Japan’s oldest distillery Yamazaki celebrates 100 years of whisky-making as demand outstrips capacity
Raise a glass to diversity and representation this weekend, Tatler readers, and happy Friday!
Heidi Yeung
Digital Editor
STYLE
Lisa Eldridge on the past, present and future of beauty
Lisa Eldridge is an expert make-up artist based in London (Photo: Instagram / @lisaeldridgemakeup)
London-based make-up artist Lisa Eldridge has worked with A-listers like Kate Winslet, Dua Lipa and Nicole Kidman, created looks for numerous ad campaigns and magazine covers, and was among the first professional make-up artist to establish a strong online presence.
In our “10 Minutes With” Lisa Eldridge, the beauty industry veteran tells us how to nail a summer make-up look, all about her new skincare launch and future beauty trends.
MORE FROM STYLE
Tumi’s Adam Hershman on packing tips, Asian travellers’ sharp eye for trends and how luggage designs have evolved to meet demands.
The world’s biggest luxury group, LVMH has announced a sponsorship deal with the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.
Hermès’s creative director for jewellery Pierre Hardy tells Tatler why he created a high jewellery collection inspired by the darkness of shadows.
POWER & PURPOSE
The journeys of women in male-dominated industries
House Stories on July 19 hosted by Tatler Hong Kong digital editor Salomé Grouard (Photo: Anna Koustas/Tatler Hong Kong)
This edition of Tatler House Stories puts a spotlight on the personal journeys of women in male-dominated industries and brought together Kiri Tse, aka Kiri T, a singer-songwriter and record producer signed to Warner Music Group in Hong Kong; Alice C Wong, creative director of Hong Kong’s first NFT collection Monkey Kingdom; and Betty Ng, founder of the international architectural firm Collective.
Moderated by Tatler’s deputy digital editor Salomé Grouard, the panellists discussed gender bias in their industries and what needs to be done for better balance.
MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE
On Tatler’s latest Crazy Smart Asia podcast episode, Singaporean non-binary artist Sam Lo talks about how they've defied binary societal expectations.
From beauty products made from potato to an app to decode skincare woes, here are 8 emerging beauty entrepreneurs from Asia you should know.
Spend? Save? Sophia co-founder Tanya Rolfe explains how to resist the siren call of consumerism with a balanced and practical approach.
LIFESTYLE
9 cultural events you should catch this season
‘Graffiti Nature—Beating Mountains and Valleys, Red List’ by teamLab (Image: courtesy of teamLab)
From concerts featuring songs from Broadway musicals like Anastasia and West Side Story to art collective teamLab’s debut exhibition in Hong Kong, there’s a lot happening in the world of art and culture this season.
Whether you’re a proud culture vulture or just starting to get into the arts, here are the events taking place in the city you don't want to miss.
MORE FROM LIFESTYLE
As we enter August, the cosmos is calling for us to slow down. Here is what next week has in store for your star sign.
If you love a hot stone body massage, you’ll adore what this Japanese healing soapstone face massage can do for you.
On July 19, Donnie Yen celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary with wife Cissy Wang in a star-studded affair at Lake Como in Italy.
HOMES
The most beautiful McDonald’s in the world
McDonald's Batumi, Georgia (Photo: Instagram/ @maria.drobinskaya)
As one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, the ubiquitous eatery has an expansive collection of restaurants in interesting, noteworthy and downright extraordinary buildings.
From ornate architectural details to expressive structures that celebrate their location’s context, here is our pick of nine of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world.
MORE FROM HOMES
Step inside Shanghai power couple Sandrine Zerbib and Simon Wang’s new Paris home that’s redesigned by Hong Kong-based Daniel Fintzi Design Intervention.
Planning a solo retreat or an indulgent escape with your friends? Here are some hotly anticipated hotels and resorts opening soon in Singapore.
Tatler gets inside access into the “Mushroom House”, which is designed by architect Royal Pineda to celebrate nature and its elements of sun, wind and sea.
DINING
Roganic hosts Sustainable Champions event
Left to right: chefs LG Han of Labyrinth, Simon Rogan of Roganic, Richie Lin of Mume, and Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery
Michelin-starred and Michelin-green-starred Roganic, whose head chef Ashley Salmon was also recognised as Tatler Dining’s Sustainability Champion 2023, is casting a spotlight on sustainability and teaming up with Mume from Taiwan, Labyrinth from Singapore, and Manila’s Toyo Eatery—all laurelled with Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Sustainability Award.
Together, they’ve co-created a twelve-course menu that aims to be more than just a dining experience; it’s a declaration of a greener future whereby fine dining shifts towards more sustainable practices, and empowers local producers and artisans.
MORE FROM DINING
Yamazaki distillery marks its 100th anniversary this year as Japan’s whiskies continue to command eye-watering prices amid growing demand.
Do you know the difference between pad see ew or boat noodles? Beyond pad Thai, here are 8 noodle dishes you need to try in Bangkok.
Blessed are the cheesemakers? How a small community in Thailand is making their own cheese and catching the eye of top chefs in Bangkok.
AROUND ASIA
SINGAPORE | How the Lion City’s best chefs make use of the freshest summer produce in these dishes for the sunny season.
MALAYSIA | Already a household name, influential actor Meerqeen reflects on his journey so far and his aspirations for the local film industry.
PHILIPPINES | Four young local chefs break free from traditional kitchen hierarchy to redefine culinary boundaries at Pilot Kitchen.
