Vogue SG 01.02 2022

InVOGUE Soul

Vogue Viewpoint:

Model BEHAVIOUR
Model-turned-entrepreneur Serena Adsit on grace, kindness and what

T it really means to pave your own way.
he notion of grace is so profound. It speaks of that je how old you are or even if you don’t fit the current trend of what is
ne sais quoi of faith, kindness and a little bit of magic. considered the beauty standard. That’s just it: a trend. I urge the
young people of today to disengage from the draw of social media
Back in the day, when our only glimpses and to focus instead on the true meaning of beauty and kindness.
to the outside world were through mediums such Every person should be their own standard of beauty because
as television and magazines, a little girl got giddy

imagining herself growing up to be a beautiful, everyone has their own uniqueness and value. The term ‘beauty

statuesque model appearing in commercials and gracing standard’ only serves to disillusion us and take away from us, and

magazine covers. to build more separation. It segregates the haves and the have-

On the surface, modelling seems shallow and banal. Yet, nots, and this is something we definitely don’t need any more of.

that route has worked out well for me. With my business, I want to create a safe space in spite of

My first photo shoot, as an entrant to a Covergirl modelling all the negativity associated with this industry; one with mutual

competition, saw my image plastered on the cover of the now- respect, open communication and no ill intentions. The way I see it,

defunct magazine two months later. Little did I know that it would being in business is just a manifestation and extension of you as a

spark the beginning of the most arduous yet product. Having grace in an entrepreneurial

rewarding journey of my life. That I got by in world is giving to others what matters most;
I embodied many of the things that the most cut-throat and to me, that’s integrity.
of industries was
were to be challenged in the past. I’m one of I show my loved ones grace by
the shortest among the well-known models giving them my word. This gives them the
in Singapore. I started with short hair, bad confidence that I will show up for them, I will
teeth and tattoos. These traits might be see things through for them and that they
considered quirky or distinct today, but they can trust me. This will hopefully show my

were discriminated against in the ’90s. both a miracle children how they can build themselves up
That I got by in the most cut-throat with integrity and trustworthiness as well.

of industries was both a miracle and an act On a personal note, having a
cultivated sense of intuition is my way of
and an act of grace.of grace. In simple terms, today I see it as
kindness given where there is none. I look extending grace to myself. I run my days

back and I am so grateful to the agencies based on how I feel intuitively. These

that treated models with care, making us feel like we were people are the questions I ask myself: do I want to focus on work, self-

as opposed to merely a number meant to be exploited. care or exercise? It’s all based on intuition and what I need for

I took the good and bad from my modelling experiences myself at that moment. With that trust, I don’t have to second-

and came up with values that represented my ideals and that of guess my actions.

the business I eventually created—a modelling agency called Mint The easiest way to extend grace to yourself is to be decisive

Management. The most rewarding part of my job was, and still is, in your thoughts and actions. If you choose something, do it. If you

to give someone who has never modelled in their life the chance to don’t like something, don’t do it. Hone your intuition, decide on

do so. We encourage everyone to be themselves, no matter their something and proceed with it. Stop being in misalignment with

age, race, colour, size and height. To us, there are zero moulds yourself. We are the architects of our lives and it’s about time we

they need to fit into and there is value in being exactly as they are. bestow ourselves with grace.

In many small ways, that is the grace I have the power to give to

everyone who walks through our doors. A veteran model and entrepreneur, Serena Adsit is the founder of modelling and
In my view, everyone can cultivate beauty, and I don’t just casting agencies Mint Management and Stellarcast. The mother of two finds
empowerment in her ability to give back and all her businesses seek to do so.
mean in your outward appearance. Your entire outlook has to

encompass the feeling of beauty. From being grateful for waking For her newest venture, bespoke eco-gift shop Adrift Gift, Adsit has tapped on her
up, to appreciating the tree outside your bedroom window, to knowledge of eco-conscious living as head of the sustainability interest group
watching a smile on a child’s face. This inner feeling then translates of the global non-profit entity, Entrepreneurs’ Organization. It celebrates the
to a state of happiness; a glow that will show on your face no matter beauty and resources of marine landscapes while raising awareness of the issues
surrounding its accompanying pollution.

51

InVOGUE Style

OUTof thisWORLD

Louis Vuitton’s cruise 2022 collection, in the hands of Nicolas Ghesquière,
was a statement of jubilance and a preparation for take-off.

Words MAYA MENON
n place of destination shows, artistic director
of women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière
has found a new way to titillate Louis Vuitton
lovers by turning landmarks into runways.
The maison’s cruise 2022 collection Space
Colony, for one, was an electric resurrection
of one of Paris’s most striking—if not, best
hidden—tourist attractions, ‘L’Axe majeur’.

Conceptualised by the prolific Israeli
sculptor Dani Karavan, a 3.2km-long bridge—
only one-twelfth of the entire monument—
was a fitting runway for Ghesquière’s second
audienceless cruise offering of grandeur,
modernity and retro-futurism. It was also a
symbolic coming together of fashion and art. We have all heard
the tireless debate. Is fashion in fact, art? And art, fashion? In the
world of Ghesquière’s Louis Vuitton, it’s a resounding yes, even in
outer space.
From maximalist motifs to structured silhouettes, the
maison’s mirroring of past-meets-present and earth-meets-
extraterrestrial showed up in a few different ways. First, was

52

Nicolas Ghesquière
eradicated the desire
for travel with a space-
inspired cruise 2022
collection in France’s
‘L’Axe majeur’.

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON The maison’s mirroring of
past-meets-present and earth-
meets-extraterrestrial showed
up in a few different ways.

the collection’s generous helping of prints. A continuation from
Ghesquière’s admiration of Piero Fornasetti’s animations for
autumn/winter 2021, Space Colony saw collaged illustrations
lining minidresses and coats, painting a picture of what might be
possible in an alternative realm (or in our closets).

On canvases of cobalt blue dresses and milk-white capes
were planets, lush green foliage and alien-esque beings; some
playing a game of hoop, others in joyful embrace. With a little bit
of imagination, it was as though certain pieces were mimicking
spaceships preparing for take-off: angular, pointed shoulders on
leather jackets; feathered arms on neon sweaters and bell-shaped
sleeves on luxurious capes. Space Odyssey-esque shiny red coats
and jacquard bomber jackets were some of the more ‘everyday’
pieces; and breaking things up were military-inspired elements
such as epaulettes and cargo trousers.

It is Ghesquière’s appetite for detail however, namely in the
form of the collection’s accessories, that took centre stage. The
recently introduced Since 1854 line saw a delicate update in muted
grey and white and made an appearance on the new Loop bag,
Petite Malle and more. The fan-favourite Coussin also saw updates
in colourways such as green, purple, black and white, topped with
a detachable chain. In a nod to the noughties were large hobo
bags; slouchy, relaxed and practical, ready for adventure at a
moment’s notice.

The collection’s shoes were showstoppers too. While
Ghesquière has been fond of structural kicks over the past few
years, this season, pumps, boots and heels were part of the
equation. Helping models traverse down the red-arched runway
were mid-leg boots that were equal parts futuristic and Western,
and every bit statement-making. With every long stride they
seemed to iterate: “So much universe, so little time”.

53

MissVOGUE

SHOWStopper

Known to millions around the world as the straight-shooting Mindy Chen from Emily
in Paris, Korean-American actress Ashley Park talks Broadway, owning her power as an
Asian-American actress and her journey in season two of the Netflix phenomenon.

Photography BJORN IOOSS Styling FABIO IMMEDIATO Words MAYA MENON

54

Alexander McQueen
dress and boots

Alberta Ferretti
turtleneck, skirt
and boots

“After you go through
something where
you might not live,
I spend my life
thinking about how
I’m going to make it
joyful to live.”

MissVOGUE

ou can see numbers on Instagram go up, people responding to who have wholeheartedly brought the essence of themselves to a
posts and lots of press, but the reason I started in entertainment role, without letting race become a defining factor. Over the years,
and always go back to it is that in-person connection. It’s about she has held herself to the same standards.
when somebody comes up to me and tells me they had a hard time
and that the hours they spent watching Emily in Paris helped— “A lot of this industry is so mental. In order for me to be in
and that person being a middle-aged man.” When I ask Ashley a centred place, all of my challenges couldn’t come from my race.
Park how life has changed since her portrayal of zipper heiress I had to put that away. The reason that I am in the position I’m in
Mindy Chen in the Netflix megahit, her answer is the perfect is because I had to not see myself as an Asian-American actor,”
blend of heartfelt and hilarious. As we chat, she is in the middle she reflects. “That’s the only way that I sustained myself in this
of a rigorous Broadway workshop in New York City. Her voice is business. I still look around and think, why don’t I have a bunch of
clipped yet warm, transporting me to the bench near the Louvre peers who are Asian? I had to really internalise that I’m here to be
where we first meet Mindy on our screens. an actor, work hard and be the best that I can be.”

Just like Mindy, Park is a modern-day bon vivant and And the world took notice—specifically superstar writer,
musical buff. At 30 years old, the Korean-American actress, singer director and producer of Sex and the City fame, Darren Star.
and dancer has already racked up a repertoire of epic proportions: Taken by Park’s performance in Mean Girls, he tapped her for the
a 500-show run as Tuptim on Bartlett Sher’s Tony-winning role of Mindy Chen in Emily in Paris. So taken was Star, in fact,
adaptation of The King and I, a stereotype-busting role of Gretchen that the role was eventually fleshed out with Park in mind, from
Wieners on Broadway’s Mean Girls and perhaps a personal pièce interspersed ballads to costuming. “When I got the audition, I felt
de résistance in her role as Emily Cooper’s—played by Park’s real- I knew her because I think she is so good at calling somebody out
life best friend Lily Collins—gutsy ride-or-die in Emily in Paris. and comforting them at the same time. She has this warmth about
And while each of these characters are different, they are bridged her, an empathy. We both also find a way of expressing our souls
by a quality that is unique to Park: the ability to anchor a fictional in singing.”
universe in reality.
Unfiltered, confident and armed with lightning comedic
Her reality growing up, however, was far from a yellow timing, she was cast as the contrarian to a painfully optimistic
brick road to success. Born in Glendale, California, Park’s family American marketing executive who lands on the wrong side of
relocated to the college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, when she France. Park charmed watchers with her portrayal of Mindy’s
was five years old. There, she honed a range of talents, from riches-to-rags story of being disowned by her ‘zipper king’ father
dancing to ice-skating. “Three-year-old me always did the moves in Shanghai. In October 2020, Emily in Paris was the most-watched
at exactly the right time, was very focused, and had this joy and comedy on Netflix, raking in roughly 58 million viewers all over the
passion. She felt like she was meant to be performing,” she shares. world. The series was also lauded for its escapist-meets-everyday
wardrobing, orchestrated by the legendary costume designer and
Park’s love for musical theatre was further sparked by a stylist, Patricia Field.
few unconventional waves. She chuckles as she recounts her love
for Barney the dinosaur, her crush on Disney’s Aladdin and her Park shares that Mindy quickly became the team’s
admiration for Asian veterans such as Lea Salonga and Ming-Na favourite styling project, with her clothes adjacently reflecting
Wen who have both portrayed the character of Mulan. It was a some of her biggest personal growth moments. In a scene where
life-altering experience during her sophomore year of high school, she performs at a drag club after overcoming her fear of public
however, that was perhaps a push to fully go after her dreams. singing in season one, Field fitted her in a custom-made The
Blonds bodysuit that was split in the middle. On one end was a
A leukemia diagnosis at 15 turned Park’s life upside diamante, sheer bodysuit. The other, a men’s tuxedo. “Mindy is not
down, resulting in an eight-month in-patient stay. She would confined to any box. She can be classy and chic and then come in
subsequently go on to attend the famed University of Michigan— with a wild, hand-printed suit. She works from her heart and her
alma mater of Madonna, Iggy Pop and Lucy Liu, to name a few— clothes are a reflection of that.”
and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from its School
of Music, Theater and Dance. “By the time I came out as a junior in So how does Mindy fit into season two amidst Emily’s
high school, I didn’t understand that Broadway was a career. Since ongoing affair with Gabriel (portrayed by French actor Lucas
I didn’t see many people who looked like me on screen, I didn’t Bravo)? “In season two, you get to see her needing help from Emily.
even think it was an option,” she shares. “I knew going into that In season one, we saw her as such a pillar of support, strength,
industry that I would be forging a place for myself and I was okay confidence and brightness while also being all-knowing.”
with that. I didn’t go in to be a star. After you go through something
where you might not live, I spend my life thinking about how I’m As the world laps up season two of Emily in Paris, which
going to make it joyful to live.” premiered on 22 December, they will also have more of Park to
look forward to. She has just wrapped up a film in Vancouver as
Navigating the throes of show business as a young Asian of press time, directed by Crazy Rich Asians co-screenwriter, Adele
actress has not been particularly easy, but Park has found her Lim. She notes this is her first time being a lead, and that her co-
own way to do so. She touches on a sentiment many minorities stars and writers are all Asian females. “It is exactly the space I
inadvertently face in their lives—the longing to simply be less manifested for myself. This movie is about to be the first of its kind
of oneself in hopes of fitting a particular mould. Citing stars like in so many ways. Everything that we did that was sexy, funny or
Daniel Dae Kim and Mindy Kaling who have gone on to build crazy was in service of our own story.”
empires, Park effuses an admiration for Asian-American actors
On stage, in front of the camera or behind the scenes, this
much is clear: in Park’s story, this is just the beginning.

57

MissVOGUE

“A lot of this industry is so mental. In order for
me to be in a centred place, all of my challenges couldn’t

come from my race. I had to put that away.”

Alberta Ferretti
coat; boots and tights,
stylist’s own

MissVOGUE

THIS PAGE
Dolce&Gabbana dress;
Gianvito Rossi shoes
FACING PAGE
Schiaparelli belt
and dress

Hair, DJ Quintero; make-up
Genevieve Herr; manicure,
Aki Hirayama; producers,
Megha Henson and
Arbelis Santana

60



BEAUTY Director’s Cut

Coming up 1.
ROSES 3.
There’s a lesson to be learnt in this exalted flower which
represents grace, beauty, and of course, amour. 4.

Words ALLI SIM

1. Diptyque Eau Rose, $233 for 2.
100ml eau de parfum
This assertive bouquet features firad rose,
an ‘ethical rose’, alongside accents of litchi,
surprising artichoke, gentle chamomile
and fresh rose damascena water. Here,
delicate rose meets its match with fruity
accents and fresh green notes.

2. Byredo Young Rose, $372 for
100ml eau de parfum
Certainly musky with nuances of wood,
this modern rose is an ode to the headiness
of youth. Byredo reworks and reframes
traditional damascena rose into a defiant,
spirited floral perfume with top notes of
Sichuan pepper, ambrette, orris, musk and
Ambroxan.

3. Jo Malone Velvet Rose & Oud,
$210 for 50ml cologne

Perfumer Celine Roux took the darkest
Damask rose and morphed it into a rich,
decadent offering spiked with smoky oud
wood, warm clove and delectable praline
notes. An ambery-rose that’s sure to seduce
all in its wake.

4. Aesop Rōzu, $235 for 50ml eau 5.
de parfum
Created by Aesop’s long-term collaborator
Barnabé Fillion, this icon was inspired
by the life and work of French modernist
architect Charlotte Perriand, and the
Japanese rose that bears her name. Just like
its namesake, Rōzu challenges tradition
with nuanced rose, vibrant shiso accords,
alongside smoky vetiver, patchouli and
myrrh. Warm, powdery and wholly alive.

5. Le Labo Rose 31, $394 for
100ml eau de parfum
When this marvel launched in 2006, a
masculine rose was unheard of. These
days, this gloriously ambiguous centifolia
rose fragrance is enjoyed by all genders
for its warm, woodsy, sometime spicy
personality featuring unexpected cumin,
olbanum, a hint of amber and notes of
cedar and Gaïac woods. A true cult classic
that remains as modern as ever.

62

IMAGES COURTESY OF NIKI, FENTY Muse

2.
1.

3.

4.

10. 8.
7. 6.

5.
9.

NIKI

With over 1.3 billion streams of her music to date, the vibey, critically acclaimed Indonesian
vocalist, songwriter and producer known for her melodic, narrative-driven tracks continues to

blaze her own path while advocating for up-and-coming Asian talent in the music industry.

Words ALLI SIM Art SAMANTHA/THE COLLAGING CHRONICLES

1. Stage essentials “Concealer, because I like a bright face, especially for my under-eyes during performances, and highlighter, because who doesn’t
love a little glitter!” Anastasia Beverly Hills Magic Touch Concealer, $47, and Charlotte Tilbury Glowgasm Beauty Light Wand Highlighter in Pinkgasm, $62.
2. Ride or die beauty product “Lip balm. Period.” Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal, $36. 3. Favourite lipstick “I’m not really a lipstick person,
but my favourite lip gloss is Bobbi Brown Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss in Force of Nature.” $44 4. Beauty icons “Likely everyone else’s answer but Rihanna.
Also Zendaya!” 5. Best body product “Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.” $21.90. 6. Eyeshadow obsession “About-Face Shadowstick in Acidic.” US$21.
7. On repeat “‘All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)’ by Taylor Swift.” 8. Go-to hair product “If you’ve bleached your entire head blonde like I did, be sure
to get Olaplex. Game changer!” Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil, $46. 9. Must-have foundation “Fenty Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick in Amber.” $41.
10. Runway look of spring/summer 2022 Bottega Veneta. “Green is my current favourite colour, and I was really impressed by the various green accents
and pieces. It was enlivening, tastefully current and futuristic all at once.” Health hack “I’ve been trying to get better quality sleep. The nature of my work is
so unpredictable and a proper sleep schedule is often out of the question, depending on the work season I’m in. So, working on trying to sleep longer and more
consistently has truly been a game changer.” Best way to self-care “A hot and scalding bubble bath.”

63

BEAUTY Swatched SpiceMARKET
Make a statement in these down-to-earth neutrals.
1. Photography and styling STUDIO OOOZE Words ALLI SIM

7.
4.

5.

2.

3. 6.

64 From left:
1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet La Comete Lipstick in 278 Brun Cele, $58

2. Nars Soft Matte Tinted Lip Balm in Unrestricted, $40
3. Charlotte Tilbury Nudegasm Face Palette, $130

4. Huda Beauty GloWish Soft Radiance Bronzing Powder, $45
5. Byredo Lip Balm in Rosa, $70, from escentials

6. MAC Cosmetics Glow Play Blush in So Natural, $49
7. Tom Ford Lip Color in West Coast, $76

Soul

Good GRACE
Liz Milani, writer, spiritual mentor and co-creator of The Practice Co App,

lives and shares authentically about living in the grip of grace.

Grace is usually peddled as the stuff of cover-ups; the perfection, but calls to the forefront authenticity, mercy,
added ingredient that takes all your failures and compassion and courage when all you want to do is give up, go
mistakes and the times when you’ve fallen short, home, quit. Grace says, try again. Grace says, rise in your power.
and makes up the difference, hiding them away as Grace says, dare to fail because the measure of your worth is

if they were never there. Grace makes your parts whole. not in success but in your willingness to be here as you are and

In spiritual and non-spiritual communities alike, the to show up in all the wild and holy and imperfect ways that you

idea of unmerited favour is what impermanently fixes your do in the world to live the only life you will ever have: yours.

humanity, only by filling up the gaps your imperfect self There is no measure of your worth, only the fact that

couldn’t provide in the moment. Bosses to employees, lover to you are worthy because you are here. Grace creates the space

lover, parent to child and child to parents, between friends and to figure things out—what works and what doesn’t—to try

partners and family members and teachers and students and different ideas and practices, to bend and flow, evolve and grow.

work colleagues—grace is given to heal all the ways in which Grace is the life-generating energy of the universe that needs you

we let each other down. only to accept its gift, take what you need, and allow yourself to

Grace, grace, undeserved, to us all. But what if I told you be. So yes, it is the substance of integration and union, bringing

ILLUSTRATION: LIZ MILANI that even though an element of all of this is true—grace really it all together, but not as debt relief or a form of compensation

is the stuff of connection in an imperfect world—grace is not for the human condition. It is flow; it is alignment; it is courage;

an agent of disguise that makes up for your failings, that it is it is compassion. Grace is the willingness to experience life and

given to you as a charitable gift from a divine other as some love outside the limits of deserving and worthiness. It is the

kind of pension for being human. kindness to let yourself be. Grace doesn’t make you enough;

Grace is what allows us to glory in our humanity. It grace shows you that who you are, what you have, even here,

doesn’t hide you away but lights you up. It does not demand even in this, is all you need to get you to whatever is next.

65

ROOTED

Delve into the beauty cabinets of the past to discover some of the most prized and potent traditional
medicinal ingredients powering today’s ‘skinnovations’ and modern remedies.

Photography STUDIO OOOZE Words DANA KOH

BIRD’S NEST COURTESY OF NESTBLOOM; ASHWAGANDHA, NEEM AND ALOE VERA Indonesian jamu, Korean hanbang, elasiticity and tautness, this moisturiser BEAUTY Wellness
COURTESY OF OM EVDIC HERITAGE CENTRE; HONEY COURTESY OF BSKIN traditional Chinese medicine is also infused with a ginseng peptide to
and Indian Ayurveda. The most amplify its skin barrier-strengthening and jelly, which soothes stressed skin and
ancient medical systems in the protecting properties. stimulates collagen production; and honey,
world are rooted in healing the an age-old beauty staple that empresses
body, soul and skin through Products of nature used to mix with ground orange seeds for
traditional, fruit-of-the-earth medicine. Touted as the caviar of the East, bird’s a gentle exfoliating scrub. Found in all of
Believed to have originated 5,000 years nest has long been known not just as a BSkin’s skincare offerings, these potent,
ago, they all share similar philosophies luxurious source of nutrition but also bee-based actives have been packed into
to remedy and rejuvenate from the inside as a status symbol when savoured—or its proprietary B2O complex that powers
out, through the art of blending natural gifted—in premium, copious amounts. products such as the Eye Care Multi-
ingredients into tonics and topical Who would’ve known that the humble Tasking Power Serum. Infused with Jeju
treatments, with key differences being the swiftlet’s nest would turn into an imperial spring water, this around-the-eye elixir
diversity of native plants that have been delicacy? According to Eu Yan Sang, which treats dark circles, fine lines, sagginess
passed down the generations. Beyond retails bird’s nest in dried, bottled and even and pigmentation, while also creating
feeding the soul, these superfoods have face mask form, this all-in-one health food a protective layer over skin to soothe,
evolved over the centuries, making their boasts a host of seriously good properties replenishandlockinlong-lastinghydration.
mark in some of history’s first beauty like glycoprotein, collagen and epidermal
products and today, powering cutting-edge growth factor, which help to fortify weak Plant powered
skincare formulas and refined ingestibles immune systems, aid in tissue repair, and One of the most reached-for home
that bridge the gap between time-honoured nutrify the body against chronic illnesses. remedies, aloe vera boasts a wealth of
traditions and elevated wellness rituals. therapeutic compounds, a long history of
“We believe that regular medicinal purposes, and it thrives in some
Going back to our roots consumption of bird’s nest helps the of the harshest climates.
“Ashwagandha, or Indian ginseng, is
one of the most powerful herbs in These superfoods Often compared to hyaluronic acid,
Ayurvedic medicines,” affirms Dr Rupali have evolved over aloe vera ticks more boxes as a natural
Gondhalekar of Om Vedic Heritage Centre. humectant that draws moisture to the
“It has rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and the centuries, skin while supporting skin’s collagen and
antibacterial properties, with the ability to making their mark elastin production, aiding in exfoliation,
boost immunity, calm nerves and enhance and protecting against environmental
physical-mental stamina too.” This unique in some of damage by boosting skin barrier function.
root has risen as a superhero ingredient history’s first This is why aloe vera is harnessed in a
in modern skincare formulas over the last beauty products. myriad skincare formulas, including
few years, taking centre stage in Dr Dennis Chantecaille’s Vital Essence, which is
Gross’s B3 Adaptive Superfoods range, skin maintain its elasticity and therefore chock-full of pure and powerful botanicals
which is powered by hyperpigmemtation- delay the appearance of wrinkles. Many including soybean and cherry leaves
reducing niacinamide, brightening goji take bird’s nests regularly, too, as they extract, and the viscous essence of aloe
berries, and a host of potent adaptogens believe it helps with asthma, dry cough, vera to deliver reparative, plumping and
including cordyceps, macca root and inflammation and bronchial ailments’’, moisture-locking results.
ashwagandha, that together, help to says Cieyou Lim, founder of NestBloom.
revitalise stressed-out skin, reduce fine When this epicurean beauty brand debuted The goji berry is yet another
lines and lock in moisture. in 2017, it took the industry by storm with example of a modest fruit that packs a
flower-shaped sculptures made with 30 punch. Native to China, goji berries have
Similarly used in traditional grams of freeze-dried, double-boiled bird’s transcended the region to become widely
Chinese and Korean medicine to benefit nest, combined with rock sugar, almond cultivated and consumed around the
circulation, treat ailments and promote milk and other ingredients like matcha globe. As a result, these little berries have
vitality, ginseng has seen a resurgence and red ginseng. Each handcrafted bloom been incorporated into tons of classic
in various configurations, from easy- dissolves when hot water is added, melting and new-age formulas, like Sigi Skin’s
to-consume sachets of Eu Yan Sang’s into a naturally sweet and creamy treat. new Bright Skies Gentle Gel Exfoliator.
Premium Korean Red Ginseng Extract Designed to deeply exfoliate skin without
and scalp-stimulating Ryo shampoos, to Another flying species that creates the use of harsh physical abrasives, this
complexion-revitalising elixirs that have by-products prized in the health and is concocted with botanicals like vitamin-
been 60 years in the making. Korean beauty world are bees. These hardworking dense spinach extracts that promote skin
ginseng has powered Sulwhasoo’s beauty insects produce three nutrition-rich active cell regeneration, pumpkin extracts that
science and research for six decades, ingredients: propolis, which has antiseptic are natural sources of alpha-hydroxy
with the fifth-generation Concentrated characteristics to combat acne-causing acid, and of course, goji berries. Founder
Ginseng Renewing Cream EX reigning bacteria and regulate oily skin; royal of Sigi Skin, Xenia Wong, muses: “We’re
supreme thanks to exclusive ingredient, all about fun, effective and sustainable
Ginsenomics—containing an extremely beauty, with intelligent skincare powered
rare Ginseng Saponin where one gram is by superfood and clinically proven actives.
derived from every 1,000 grams of ginseng, One such ingredient is the goji berry. Not
concentrated 6,000 times. Promising only do these hold the power to reduce
to accelerate skin’s self-regeneration, hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone,
these tiny but mighty berries also infuse
skin with a good dose of juicy hydration.
It’s a superfood for the skin and soul.”

67

BEAUTY

REBIRTH in RED

Strength. Confidence. Passion. Everything you expect from yourself is echoed in these vibrant
and unapologetically bold new year beauty looks.

Photography PETER ASH LEE Words ALLI SIM

SHINE ON

Nourish tresses,
tame flyaways and
get glossy locks with
Percy & Reed’s Time
To Shine Mirror
Mirror Shine Serum,
containing shine-
boosting argan and
Kalahari melon
seed oils.

Cha Myung dress

GROWTH
OPPORTUNITY

For hair that’s thicker,
lustrous and more
resilient than ever,
try Tonucia Natural
Filler, René Furterer’s
pro-youth ritual for thin
and weakened hair.
The three-step ritual
revitalises and restores
hair density with plant-
based hyaluronic acid
derived from tamarind
seeds, and antioxidant-
rich lemon balm.

BEAUTY

NO MORE
TEARS

A serum and massage
ritual in one, Dior
Prestige’s Le Micro-
Sérum de Rose Yeux
Advanced contains
the energising powers
of micronutrient-
enriched rose sap to
restore the expression
of youth. The serum
is dispensed via a 10
micro-pearl applicator
tip—roll across eye
contours to depuff,
promote circulation
and revive fatigued
eye zones.

RENDEZVOUS
IN RED

Try Sisley’s new
Phyto-Rouge Shine
in 41 Sheer Red Love
on lips and, for an
auspicious mono-
rouge look, dabbed on
the cheeks and lids.

Marine Serre top
and dress

BEAUTY

CLEAN
AND CLEAR

Bring sexy back and
make body acne a
thing of the past with
Paula’s Choice Clear
Acne Body Spray 2%
BHA (Salicylic Acid).
Mist this chemical
exfoliator to eliminate
blackheads and
blemishes while
achieving smoother,
calmer skin.
Issey Miyake top
and pants

Make-up, Seongseok Oh;
hair, Gabe Sin; stylist,
Yeyoung Kim; model,
Yoonyoung Bae; production,
Jongkeun Seo/OOST.

VITRINE Trends 3.

1.

2.
6.

4.
5.

8.

7.

Life in MONO

Harness the power of one with a chic mono earring. Wear it alongside a simple
diamond stud so the other lobe doesn’t get too lonely.

Edit CELINE YAP

1. Cartier Clash de Cartier single earring large model in white gold with onyx, Tahitian pearls, and diamonds, $37,200 2. Boucheron Flèche du Temps single ear
stud in white gold with pavé diamonds, price on request 3. Solange Azagury-Partridge Lightning Bolts earring in blackened white gold with pavé

diamonds, £10,800 4. Eéra Milano single earring in 18K gold, US$1,215.13, available on Net-a-Porter 5. Repossi Serti Sur Vide ear cuff in black gold with six pear
cut diamonds, €21,000 6. Shaun Leane Hook large single earring in yellow gold vermeil, £190 7. Chanel Comète earring in white gold with diamonds, $8,300
8. Sophie Bille Brahe Fontaine de Diamant single earring in 18K gold and diamonds, €12,500, available on sophiebillebrahe.com

74

Spotlight

American
BEAUTY

The star of Harry Winston’s New York
collection, the breathtaking Cathedral

necklace, pays homage to one of the city’s
most striking architectural marvels.

Words CELINE YAP

There is a picture in the Harry Winston archives of the Five magnificent pear-shaped Colombian emeralds
company’s founder as he sat in the office of his first weighing a total of approximately 65.63 carats fan out from a row
salon on 7 East 51st Street, his head turned away from of diamonds that traces the shape and perfect proportions of the
the camera. The King of Diamonds had been distracted cathedral’s grand entrance. Pear-shaped stones are indeed one
by the view outside his window, and who could blame him? of Harry Winston’s most desirable cuts, while emeralds have a
For it opened right into the mesmerising facade of St Patrick’s long and storied history in this house. Needless to say, to gather
Cathedral. Even as he was constantly surrounded by some of five matching pear-shaped emeralds of similar carat, colour and
the world’s most extraordinary gemstones, that impressive neo- clarity in one jewellery piece is an accomplishment unto itself.
Gothic structure—the largest of its kind in the US—was always a Rightfully, Harry Winston accentuates the stones with flawless
pleasure to behold, and today inspires the Harry Winston design baguette, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds totalling 46.83
team to create a remarkable high jewellery necklace featuring a carats, which sounds like a lot, until you remember that this is
set of extraordinary stones. Harry’s New York.

75

VITRINE Trends 3.

1. 2.

4.

8.

5.

7. 6.

Small WONDER

Petite watches stand tall with emblematic designs elevated by precious and ornamental stones.

Edit CELINE YAP

1. Bulgari Lucea Watch in white gold with blue aventurine and diamonds on blue alligator leather strap, $37,000 2. Hermès Heure H small model in steel with
silvered obsidian and diamonds on Evercolor pearl-grey calf leather strap, $16,070 3. Louis Vuitton Tambour Slim Monogram 28 in stainless steel with diamond

indexes on interchangeable black Epi leather strap, $4,645 4. Cartier Ballon Blanc de Cartier 26mm in steel with diamonds on calfskin leather strap, $9,750
5. Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra Watch in white gold with diamonds and onyx on black alligator leather strap, $22,900 6. Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso One

Precious Flowers in white gold with mother-of-pearl, diamonds, enamel painting, and hand-engraving on blue alligator leather strap, €130,000
7. Tiffany Eternity 28mm in white gold with diamonds on black grosgrain strap, price upon request 8. Harry Winston Avenue C Mini Small Seconds in white gold

with mother-of-pearl and diamonds, price upon request

76

Jewellery

CLASSIC
with aTWIST

From the pulse of New York City to the ties that Crafted in rose and
bind us, Tiffany & Co brings us a collection yellow gold, Tiffany
that symbolises all that we love and hold dear. Knot symbolises the
power of connections,
Words CELINE YAP with rings priced from
$2,700, pendants
After HardWear and the rejuvenated Atlas collections, from $2,850, earrings
the sights and sensations of New York City continue to from $4,450, and
inspire Tiffany & Co. This time though, the American double-row bracelets
jeweller drew creative input from something decidedly from $11,000.
nondescript and yet is completely ubiquitous throughout the city:
the humble chain-link. But instead of replicating the familiar
industrial shape in its raw form, Tiffany & Co took the abstract
route. Honing the jewellery pieces with a clean, modern and
refined aesthetic that has just the right amount of edge, so it is
strength meets elegance in the Tiffany Knot.

Smooth, rounded curves lend a soft, organic quality to
18-carat gold in the Tiffany Knot collection of rings, bracelets,
earrings and a necklace. Even the diamonds sparkle with
an exceptional quality as the gemstones complement the
goldsmithing, which was no cakewalk considering how the pieces
are devoid of flat surfaces. Just as an example, the Tiffany Knot
pavé diamond hinged bracelet took a master craftsman over 22
hours to set with 400 gemstones at precise angles for maximum
brilliance. Meanwhile, the knot motif isn’t merely decorative as
it cleverly functions as the clasp, thereby allowing the rest of the
bracelet to flow continuously around the wrist.

Available in large and small sizes, and crafted in rose and
yellow gold (with the exception of a limited-edition white gold
bracelet set with tsavorites co-created with American artist Daniel
Arsham), the Tiffany Knot collection makes stacking a breeze—
and a pleasure—thanks to its double-row aesthetic. Those looking
for an understated piece may want to consider the single-row ring,
with or without diamonds, although it would be the double-wrap
choker that ultimately has our hearts tangled in a firm grip.

More than 300 diamonds were set by hand on this
magnificent piece, which has been expertly handcrafted to flow
harmoniously with the contours of the body for that perfect
balance between statement and wearability.

VITRINE Celebrity

Diamond STATUS
Before movies and television—before, even, Emily and Paris—Lily Collins

was in love with fashion. Her latest role as the new global ambassador for Cartier’s

F Clash (Un)Limited collection, is a testament to that.
Words HANNAH-ROSE YEE
ashion is Lily Collins’s first love. Before movies is ready to ditch the sweatpants and cosy cashmere socks and get
and television, before acting, before writing— back out there again. “I’m such a social person,” she admits. “I love
she is the author of a bestselling memoir, and getting dressed up and having fun.”
used to pen a monthly column for teen magazine
Elle Girl—before even her husband Charlie For a big red carpet, such as the Met Ball or the Vanity Fair
McDowell, whom she met when he directed Oscar Party, she likes to experiment, especially when it comes to
her in the upcoming film Gilded Rage, she her accessories and jewellery. But in her day-to-day life, she’s more
loved fashion. about layering her “core, delicate pieces” of jewellery, she explains.
“For me, every piece of jewellery that I wear has memories attached

“I have loved fashion ever since I could to it. Jewellery is sentimental. It’s like wearing memories on you.”

remember,” Collins smiles. “My mum would take Collins namechecks a few of her pals with great taste,

me to flea markets and vintage shops when I was younger, and I including her two future sisters-in-law—“they are always

remember going through her wardrobe, picking out fun things to effortlessly chic”, she exclaims. “I’m always looking at what they’re

wear, and dressing up in costumes when I was a kid.” wearing. Let me borrow that!”—and her good friend Jordan, who

Later, as a teenager, Collins used to sketch designs for is French but lives in Los Angeles. “So it’s even more annoying

outfits and create collages from pictures ripped from the pages of because she’s got this California beach-girl vibe, but she’s Parisian

magazines. Now, as one of Cartier’s ambassadors and a Hollywood and always looks chic no matter what, even if she’s only wearing a

star, she has been in the surreal position of having designers, tank top and jeans. I’m like, teach me your ways, please.”

including the late Karl Lagerfeld, sketch looks just for her. She And yes, Paris is one of Collins’s favourite cities in the

wore custom Chanel to the 2007 Crillon debutante ball when she world. She’s attended fashion shows there, worked with French

was 18, and whirled through 54 Patricia Field-approved outfit brands such as Cartier and Lancôme, and has just wrapped up

changes in Emily in Paris. “I’ve always loved experimenting with filming the second season of Emily in Paris. “I obviously love Paris,”

clothes,” Collins admits, reflecting back on her youth. “Sometimes she says, but working on the Netflix series also enabled her “to

I looked ridiculous because, of course, I picked my own clothes, create a whole new relationship with the city”. She had “the most

but that expression of self and that extension of your personality fun” making season one, forging lifelong friendships with the cast

through your clothes is something that I’ve always loved.” and crew.

Her new role as ambassador of Cartier’s Clash [Un]Limited The core cast are all returning for season two, including

collection is testament to her lifelong passion. Her first exposure Ashley Park, Camille Razat and Lucas Bravo, Emily’s staggeringly

to the brand was as a child, rifling through her mother’s jewellery gorgeous chef neighbour Gabriel. Joining them this time around PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZOE GHERTNER ©️ CARTIER. EDITED BY CELINE YAP.

box. “She had really chunky, cool men’s watches,” Collins recalls. are the Tony-nominated playwright Jeremy O Harris and English

Later, on her 18th birthday, her mother gifted her an elegant gold actor Lucien Laviscount. (It is clearly a prerequisite of appearing

Cartier Panthère watch. Her Cartier collection now includes in Emily in Paris that you be in possession of a very good name.)

earrings, a ring and a Love bracelet that is “so much a part of Entire dissertations could be written dissecting the

me—it’s a second skin”, she enthuses. For Collins, this everyday success of Emily in Paris. But, as Collins reflects, the simple fact is

sophistication is the beauty of the 174-year-old brand, which she that the series was released at a time when we needed a laugh, and

describes as “so effortlessly chic and timeless, but still pushing Emily really made us laugh. “That was a gift for me as an actor, to

boundaries and edgy and fresh”. be a part of something that allows people to heal and to be a part

That includes Cartier’s Clash [Un]Limited collection, the of something where I got to have so much fun.” Emily, she adds, “is

jeweller’s directional yet classic offering which Collins describes someone who looks at the bright side of things. She pivots, she’s

as both “masculine and feminine”. Of note is the futuristic glove- optimistic, she’s driven, she’s resourceful. She’s all the things that I

watch hybrid, 3D-printed from rose gold mesh and studded with found myself needing to be more of during quarantine. Emily really

diamonds. “The glove is pretty darn special,” she gushes. “That taught me about finding yourself in adulthood, in womanhood,

deserves a night out!” and finding your voice and confidence.”

Those have been pretty thin on the ground for the past Collins is excited to return to this character who taught her

year—although Collins’s hope is that things are finally returning so much. “I can’t wait to get back and play her again,” she says,

to normal in her beloved worlds of film and fashion. After a year “and find all the new experiences that she’ll be going through. God

of at-home press junkets, premieres and even awards season, she knows, there’ll be a lot more laughing!”

78

“Jewellery is
sentimental. It’s
like wearing
memories on you.”

Cartier Clash [Un]limited
ring in white gold
and diamonds, and
Clash [Un]limited
bracelet in white gold
with onyx, amethysts
and diamonds

79

VITRINE Style

TreasureSEEKING
Photography EDDIE WREY Styling POPPY KAIN

Look closely because there is much joy to be found in the textural details of
this season’s jewellery, says Rachel Garrahan.

THIS PAGE For true sophistication, combine a late 19th-century Fontenay masterpiece with a 21st-century ear cuff by Chanel.
Chanel Fine Jewellery bi-colour gold and diamond ear cuff; M/G Tasaki gold, pearl and diamond earring; Marie Lichtenberg gold coffee bean necklace;

Annoushka gold and seed pearl necklace; Wartski antique Eugène Fontenay gold fringe necklace; Fendi satin top
FACING PAGE Satiate the senses with De Beers’ mix of rough and polished diamonds.

Chanel Fine Jewellery white gold and diamond ear cuff; De Beers gold and diamond drop earrings, and gold and multicoloured-diamond talisman pendant;
Delfina Delettrez gold and diamond necklace; Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello brocade jacket and lurex roll-neck

80





VITRINE Style

THIS PAGE The soft, smooth lustre of pearls contrasts with the textured, diamond-dotted curves of Andrew Grima’s statement necklace.
Goossens quartz, pearl and gold-vermeil clover earrings; Robinson Pelham gold and diamond hoop earrings, and gold, pearl and

diamond chain charms; Sophie Bille Brahe pearl necklace; Jacqueline Cullen gold-vermeil, amethyst and sapphire ring (on necklace); Grima gold
and diamond necklace; Alexander McQueen embellished slip dress

FACING PAGE Christopher Thompson Royds’ exquisitely crafted gold daisy chain is as ethereal as the real thing.
Estyn Hulbert at Mouki Mou gold and pearl earring; Christopher Thompson Royds at Louisa Guinness Gallery gold necklace;

Miu Miu crochet and satin dress

83

VITRINE Style

THIS PAGE Gold and silver should never be seen? We say mix your metals to your heart’s desire.
Lenka Kerlicka gold and diamond earring; Nada Ghazal gold and diamond duo choker; Brooke Gregson gold and pearl ring; Symbolic & Chase vintage

Pierre Sterlé yellow and white gold ring; Castro Smith silver and gold-plated disc ring; Giambattista Valli embellished minidress
FACING PAGE Fistfuls of rings give weight to Boucheron’s feather necklace.

Lenka Kerlicka gold and diamond earrings, gold and diamond ring (on model’s left hand), and gold and diamond bracelets; Carolina Bucci gold, diamond,
mother-of-pearl and opal cuff; Boucheron gold and diamond necklace; Duffy at Dover Street Market gold and diamond signet ring; Grima gold,

diamond and green-moonstone ring; Completedworks gold-vermeil squiggle ring; Griegst gold and pearl ring; Nadia Shelbaya at Dover Street Market gold,
diamond and lilac-sapphire ring, and gold and Paraiba tourmaline ring; Dior jacquard dress

Hair, Shiori Takahashi; make-up, Lynsey Alexander; manicure, Chisato Yamamoto; model, Tianna St Louis; production, Black Milk;
digital artwork, Art Post; set design, Derek Hardie Martin; flowers, Simone Gooch.

84



LIFE Dining

The new
CURRY HOUSE
As an increasing number of modern Indian restaurants pop up across the island, three of
Singapore’s best chefs reveal what it means to update a cuisine that has been around for centuries.

CWords CHANDREYEE RAY perhaps because we are well-acquainted with other versions of
urry’ is not an Indian word. If that seems the dish—you have your rich, coconut-y Thai curries; thicker and
surprising, so will this: no language in India (and sweeter Japanese iterations; and of course, closer to home: the
there are at least 22) uses the term ‘curry’. fragrant, belacan-infused Nonya kari ayam.
The origins of the word are complicated,
going far back—even beyond India’s colonial When it comes to Indian cuisine, ‘curry’ could seemingly
history, a period of nearly 200 years during refer to any sauce-based dish served with rice or a type of flatbread
which the vast country was occupied by its British colonisers. It (naan, chapathi, tandoori roti and the list goes on). It includes
is conjectured amongst etymologists that ‘curry’ first emerged in everything from South Indian sambar—a delicious lentil and
the 17th century as an anglicised version of the Tamil term kari. vegetable stew cooked with tamarind—to the ubiquitous yogurt-
Kari may sound like curry, but unlike the broader catch-all term, based tikka masala.
the former refers to a specific sort of sauce that uses the leaves of
the curry tree as an ingredient. These are dishes that have been known and loved for
centuries, both in their native cities and around the world.
‘Curry’, on the other hand, has served English speakers In Singapore, the appetite for Indian food took root when
well. In some parts of the world, the term has become a linguistic the first Indian immigrants arrived on the island. Today, our
shorthand for Indian cuisine at large. In Asia, and more specifically nation’s fondness for the cuisine is broadcasted via the number
in Singapore, our understanding of curry is more nuanced, of establishments that serve it, from authentic family-run
eateries along Race Course Road to gourmet restaurants in the
finest hotels.

Among these myriad restaurants are three that have made
a name for themselves as kitchens that do not just prepare Indian
food, but also attempt to modernise it. Two of them were launched
last year: the vibrant Firangi Superstar on Craig Road and grill-
house Revolver in Tanjong Pagar. Modern Indian stalwart Thevar,
which has been around since 2018, just clinched its first Michelin
star, making it the first Indian restaurant in Singapore to do so.

These are three vastly disparate restaurants with three
completely different chefs, whose menus look nothing alike. And
yet, their missions ring similar: to transform conceptions of Indian
food beyond what they are commonly understood to be.

At Firangi Superstar, Malaysian-born chef Thiru
Gunasakaran says as much. “I’d like for guests at Firangi to say,
‘Wow, I didn't know someone can do that with Indian food’.” His
food certainly achieves this effect. At the heavily decorated
restaurant (inspired by the aesthetic of colonial India, Firangi
Superstar features four dining rooms, each one equally theatrical
and fun to look at), Gunasakaran’s inventive dishes still manage to
remain the stars.

One of his well-loved creations is Prata Waffle, a take on the
classic American dish chicken and waffles, which sees Madras-
style chicken fried with curry leaves and garlic set on a waffle-
pressed prata and served with a butter chicken sauce and jaggery
syrup. Just the name of this dish could, for some Indian food
purists, immediately raise hackles. But Gunasakaran’s whimsical
execution means that the dish not only looks interesting, but also
tastes delicious—and familiar enough.

Herein lies the key to modernising Indian cuisine without
losing its essence: a cook must preserve, to a large extent, the
flavour profiles that have endured the test of time and changing
tastes. Chef Saurabh Udinia of Revolver echoes this sentiment:

86

THIS PAGE, FROM
LEFT: Cocktail No. 9,
Indian-inspired decor
and Holi Cow, all at
Firangi Superstar.

FACING PAGE, FROM
TOP: The open kitchen
at Revolver displays
its woodfired grill and
beautiful hand-built
tandoor; Thevar’s
Hokkaido Corn Chaat.

“For me, modern Indian is not about making fusion food. I don’t the delicate ingredients while maintaining the textures that render
play around with the authentic flavours of Indian food; I prefer to them delicacies.
keep the full integrity of the dishes.”
While Firangi Superstar and Revolver have had just a mere
At Revolver, invention comes in the form of strategically few months to find their respective identities, Michelin-starred
utilised ingredients—ones that are not always associated with Thevar has amassed a strong reputation in the three years since
Indian cuisine. Goat meat, which is a fairly popular protein in it has been open. The restaurant is known best for seamlessly
India, never really caught on in Singapore. So, on Revolver’s menu, combining Indian flavours with European technique, resulting in
Udinia replaced it with lamb. “I decided to bring in beautiful Magra gastronomical wonders like head chef Manogren Thevar’s take
lamb chops from Australia, but still use the same traditional three- on pani puri—a futuristic-looking technicoloured sphere that
day marinade to cook and grill it over a woodfire, like I would encapsulates the explosive flavours of the chaat dish in a single
with goat.” bite. As Thevar reveals: “I juice an heirloom purple carrot and then
dehydrate what remains and mould it into a sphere. Then, I add a
“I want diners at Revolver to go home with a better fermented buttermilk filling to open up the palate.” It’s a notable
understanding of Indian cuisine that’s not limited to curry, naan, effort—and the wow factor it delivers comes hand in hand with
prata, biryani and thosai,” Udinia shares. unforgettable taste.

To that end, he works with scallops (grilling them directly Innovative spirits aside, one thing that the three chefs
over a flame instead of using common methods like pan-searing) clearly share is a great emotional attachment to Indian cuisine.
and courgette flowers (often seen in Italian cooking, but never Each chef feels a deep sentimentality towards the food he makes,
made the way Udinia does them—stuffed with spiced potato mash largely because their repertories have been shaped by past
and flavoured with curry leaves), introducing Indian flavours to experiences and childhood memories. Gunasakaran, in particular,
has brought his family’s culinary traditions within the walls of his
A cook must preserve, restaurant. At Firangi, guests are invited to end the meal with a
to a large extent, the shot of lobster rasam, Gunasakaran’s take on the mainstay South
flavour profiles that have Indian soup. It may seem like an unconventional choice, but it
endured the test of time and comes from a habit he picked up from his mother, grandmother
changing tastes. and aunts. “Growing up, we’d always have a pot of rasam to end the
meal with, no matter what we were eating. It’s good for digestion
and it just feels like home,” he shares. Compared to the more
ambitious dishes on his menu, this final sip of seafood-infused
rasam may not seem the most modern—but more importantly, it
feels distinctly, unmissably, Indian.

87

LIFE Work

Vogue Viewpoint:

Emotional INCLUSION

Mental health has become the hot button topic of late. Should companies invest beyond the
physical well-being of their employees? For Mollie Jean De Dieu, the answer is

simple: the protection of emotional health and mental well-being should be part of every

Worganisation’s DNA. Here, she shares with Vogue Singapore about her platform, Emotional
Inclusion, and how we can all play a part in building a more empathetic world.
e talk a lot about mental health we need to examine this through a medical lens. Studies have
as the second pandemic after shown that there exists a tangible link between mental health and
COVID-19, but it’s equally physical wellness. Be it clinical or subclinical depression or any
important for us to understand other form of mental affliction, such matters impact your cognitive
that the issues surrounding skills and physical functioning. And in the workplace, this means
emotional wellness have been that you cannot show up to work and accomplish what you need to
around for years. What the get done. In the long run, it is at the company’s disadvantage if it
coronavirus pandemic has done doesn’t wake up today and acknowledge that mental health needs

is to simply exacerbate the need to be taken seriously.

for connection and authenticity, In this campaign for greater emotional inclusivity, the

and now more than ever, that there is a need for greater advocacy onus is on everyone to play their part to foster a healthier and

surrounding emotional inclusion and the wellness of our more nurturing workplace environment. As workplace leaders,

employees in the workplace. the lion’s share of the responsibility falls on us, but I believe that

We live in the 21st century, but our business landscape everyone can and should be a champion of emotional inclusion.

remains archaic. Showing emotions in We tend to be so engrossed with

the workplace continues to be seen as a “We all have our work and results that we forget about the
sign of weakness or unprofessionalism, humanistic angle of our actions. In this

and there is a deep stigma here that needs parts to play in rat race, we often overlook the fact that
to be unveiled. Against the backdrop of true work productivity is a team effort—

COVID-19, it is more apparent than ever destigmatising mental sharing of inputs and strategies regarding
that these outdated business management health and creating next steps and workplace decisions.
paradigms simply do not work anymore.
If we can engage in constructive
A study conducted by Oracle found group discussions regarding work,
that 78 percent of employees, managers, why shouldn’t such dialogue extend to

human resource leaders and C-Suite a safe working emotional inclusivity as well? The best
executives across 11 countries felt that more way to spearhead emotional inclusion is

should be done by companies to protect the environment.” to not be afraid to speak up. This can be
mental health of their employees. Whether as simple as reassuring your team that

or not we choose to take action now, it is speaking up about something difficult is

evident that this issue is greater than all of us. not a sign of weakness and unprofessionalism.

Emotional inclusion is all about the practice of putting I believe that it is the social responsibility of everyone to

emotional intelligence into action. We emphasise a lot on stand up and advocate for a more humane and gracious workplace

understanding and navigating one’s emotions, taking it one step environment. We know that mental health and physical wellness

further by focusing on the doing and the way we act in accordance go hand in hand, and it is a disservice, not only to ourselves, but

with our emotions. Beyond that, it is also a call to all companies to also to the companies we work for if we don’t voice what we feel.

invest in a trained therapist in their organisations to support the The sooner we embrace this, the sooner our corporate landscape

well-being of their employees in a sustainable way. can evolve into a more humanistic one.

I chose to start Emotional Inclusion a year and a half ago Emotional inclusion is all about building a kinder and more AS TOLD TO ISABELLA LOK

because timely action was imperative, especially given how things compassionate workplace—creating an environment where you

have exploded over the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have our don’t feel completely drained once the workday is over. Everyone

parts to play in destigmatising mental health and creating a safe deserves a life well lived and it starts with us, as advocates and

working environment for our employees, and my contribution is to champions of mental health. Emotional wellness is not a fluke.

spearhead this movement with my platform. It is something that requires sustained and conscious effort in

I have nothing against mental health coaches, but if we building, and we all have our part to play in building a better world

are going to take the mental health of our employees seriously, for ourselves and those who come after us.

88

A NEW Metaverse
World
Krista Kim’s ‘Mars
Contemporary artist Krista Kim is the House’ was sold for
global ambassador of digital marketplace over US$500,000
SuperWorld, #Louis200 visionary and one of (about $682,000) in
the most influential figures in the metaverse. March 2021.
Here, she interprets the concept of grace in the BELOW, FROM LEFT:
digital world and why she recommends Luna ‘Continuum’, a sound
and light public art
TIkuta’s ethereal NFT work for Vogue readers. installation by Kim;
he metaverse should be a place of grace with ‘Dahlia’, an installation
intention. As artists, we are involved at the by Luna Ikuta.
forefront of this creation and it is important
AS TOLD TO ISABELLA LOK. PHOTOGRAPHY ANDREW WILLIAMSON that we develop it into one that is humane
and inspirational, as opposed to being a giant
mall of hyper consumerism. Here, we are not
bound by the limitations of the physical world,
and this is an opportunity to create a new
civilisation that is positive and transcendent.

At present, our actions in real life inform the way we make
decisions in the metaverse. Soon, the reverse may be true. The
digital and physical worlds will be connected and we may even see
online products being fully integrated in real-life commerce. The
metaverse is centred around community and being here, we must
be open to co-creation and collaboration. It is a human-centred
paradigm shift and that, to me, is grace.

I see the same sensibilities in Luna Ikuta’s works. I was first
entranced by the ghostly white glow of her ikebana arrangement.
There was something mysterious about it that drew me in to take
a closer look and I became an immediate fan. The message behind
her work is ‘beauty and immortalisation in the NFT’ and it is as
important as her technique and art. Her work encapsulates the
themes surrounding immortalisation—the preservation of beauty
through eternity with the use of NFTs in the metaverse. Our
relationship with nature has evolved into a hybrid of science, art,
digital technology and spirituality. To me, this is grace.

Scan to read about
Krista Kim’s journey in
the metaverse and how
one can venture into
this space.

89

LIFE Profile

Perfect PROTÉGÉ

Spirited and talented, British actress Taj Atwal is all about living a complete life.

I Photography LESLEY EDITH Styling BEN JAMES ADAMS Words SANDHYA MAHADEVAN
t’s 10am in York, England, on a “bizarrely” Born in Norwich in a British-Punjabi family, Atwal and
sunny day as Taj Atwal describes it. “It is pretty her two siblings moved to York with their mother at a young age.
disconcerting for November. We need it to be The move from a rather non-descript town (at that time) to a big
freezing cold here for it not to be global warming,” town fuelled her need to push the limits—at drama school in York
she laughs, heartily and easily. Dressed in a crisp college and then racing cars.
white T-shirt and jeans, her wavy hair framing her
“Me and the girls I used to hang out with would go down

face, Atwal is the exact opposite of where her city country lanes and teach others how to pull handbrake stops. We

needs to be to not raise any alarms. were about 17 or 18 then. I think it was the adrenaline rush of it all,”

Although she has good reason to be—Atwal has just she explains.

finished shooting for Hollywood director Martin Campbell’s Even when it came to acting, “it just felt like the right thing”,

upcoming action thriller film Memory, due to release this year—I she adds. So much so that her family did not question her choice of

begin to realise very soon that ‘upbeat’ is who she is. career either.

The 34-year-old actress started her career at the age of 25 in “Indians are naturally quite vivacious,” she explains. “I grew

hit British teleseries Stella and went on to act in other hits including up watching colourful Indian movies and was always dressing up,

In the Club, Van der Valk and Line of Duty. She also played a small dancing and performing.”

role in Martin Campbell’s Protégé alongside Maggie Q, Michael But cultivating the right career in terms of the roles

Keaton and Samuel L Jackson. “It was a tiny little part, but he put she would play—chiefly to steer clear of being typecast—was

me through the wringer during the audition,” she says. “Whether important. “I was traditionally Indian in terms of upbringing, but

it was for one line or 10, he made me work for it. He would clap his I made a choice quite early to choose some roles that went against

hands and say ‘do it again, do it again’.” what people perceived to be our type—to look at things from a

That drill got her foot in the door to big-time Hollywood more abundant perspective as a step in the right direction.”

movies. And she obviously kept pace with Campbell’s demands To that end, her characters have run the gamut, from that of

because Atwal was his first (and perhaps, only) choice for the role twins who are polar opposites in Van der Valk to a fiery FBI officer

of Linda Amistead, a veteran FBI officer in Memory. As evidence in Memory to her latest one of a sexually empowered police officer

that she had already proved her mettle, Campbell signed her on in Hullraisers.

without his signature audition. “Now that I am a bit older, I feel like I can play these roles,

“It was so amazing that he remembered me from our last as I am more comfortable with who I am as a woman,” she adds.

working relationship. He just had my back, I really can’t describe it Atwal has also signed up with Faber Pictures and is

in any other way,” says Atwal, out of genuine gratitude and not for writing her first movie script, which is a definite call towards

a lack of ways to articulate her feelings. better cultural representation. She feels fortunate to have had

Playing a lead role on par with someone such as Guy Pearce strong creatives such as Campbell and Ruth Jones (who wrote

meant that they all kept the tally on their perfectionism scores. Stella) that have been able to do that for her. But she strongly feels

Adding to that was Campbell urging them to give it another go to that it starts with the seed of it all: who is writing the story, who is

see how much further they could take the scene. writing the parts, producing the film, and who can see the bigger

“He is hands down my favourite director because he really picture. “There are a lot more of us writing now, which is great.”

pushes you to get the best out of your performance,” Atwal says Inside that sunny disposition, there clearly is a well-

with conviction. Putting her trust in the hands of a good director balanced woman. Atwal claims that she feels a lot more emotionally

aside, she relies on her personal confidence—“to say that I think regulated than she used to be. “I don’t get attached to an outcome

I can do better”. any longer and I have realised that when I do that, the right things

There’s a sense of obvious free-spiritedness about Atwal. happen to me.”

“Growing up, I always had loads of energy and am also A good part of that introspection came from the pandemic,

a very creative person. I wanted to be a singer but realised very when she started meditating regularly, when she started asking

quickly that I couldn’t sing. So, acting seemed like a release, but herself what she could do “to find an inner sense of stability and

I was probably a bit of a handful,” she says, all in one breath. Her peace”. She has arrived at a state where she is 100 percent who she

signature humour and laugh punctuate her statements as does the is all the time and is okay with it. “To me, that’s the definition of

word ‘freedom’. grace.” That’s like reaching a perfect handbrake moment in life.

90

“There’s a sense of obvious free-spiritedness about Atwal.”

Just Cavalli leather
bustier; David
Koma trousers; shoes,
Philipp Plein;
Sif Jakobs earrings;
bangles, stylist’s own

Make-up, Justine
Jenkins using Seeds of
Colour; hair, Josh Knight/
Caren Agency using
Sam McKnight; stylist’s
assistant, Gregory Russill.

91

LIFE Design

TIME Frank Chou’s furniture
Capsule pieces for Louis
Vuitton’s Objets
In keeping with the travel-inspired theme, Nomades is a reflection
award-winning designer Frank Chou’s of the Beijing-born
design for Louis Vuitton’s Objets Nomades designer’s penchant
encapsulates the idea of time and its for the experimental.

Wexistence in various states. IMAGES: COURTESY OF LOUIS VUITTON
Words SANDHYA MAHADEVAN

“ hat attracts me is the perfect
balance between taste and life,
history and dream, craft and
modernity,” says Frank Chou
of his motivation to design for
Louis Vuitton’s travel-inspired
Objets Nomades. This also fits
in well with the Beijing-born
artist’s design ethos that melds
tradition and modernity while

weaving in inspirations from his home country and his acquired
taste in European design. For this collection, his signature sofa
and armchair reference the undulating rice terraces that cover
the hills of Yunnan province with lush greenery. Harking back
to a tradition that has its roots in 3500 BC, Chou ties the design
to natural formations such as in Antelope Canyon, Arizona, US.
These floating structures are clothed in Louis Vuitton leather,
with a special Dots fabric from Paola Lenti lending it a three-
dimensional quality. An outdoor model—one of the first Objet
Nomade to be specifically designed so—is upholstered in Louis
Vuitton’s signature waterproof canvas material and an innovative
and vibrant Paola Lenti fabric called Brio. The final product is, in
Chou’s words, “a sculpture that enables a conversation with time”.

92

Travel

VOGUEGuides

Experience nuanced luxury in Paris and Swiss hospitality in Geneva, marvel at Bauhaus
design in Tel Aviv and feel the heartbeat of Los Angeles. Vogue Singapore journeys far and

wide to spotlight the newest and most trending hotels in four unique global cities.

Words BEATRICE BOWERS, ROZA SINAYSKY, JAMIE NONIS

Los Angeles

Contemporary styling WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY
meets beachside vibe
in the design and Malibu Country Mart
decor of Santa Monica Nestled against the majestic mountains in
Proper Hotel, which the heart of Malibu Civic Center and just a
also boasts the only stone’s throw from the beach lies Malibu
poolside deck on Country Mart, California’s premier seaside
the Westside. destination for shopping, dining and
relaxing. Take the day to walk around and
Santa Monica Proper Hotel enjoy local shopping with spectacular
sea views.
700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 3835 Cross Creek Road, Malibu, CA 90265
When Kelly Wearstler designed the Santa Monica Proper Hotel,
she had an eye on reviving the neighbourhood. The visionary Cha Cha Matcha
designer has designed over 200 mood-boosting vintage-inspired A photogenic tropical oasis (above) serving
rooms, suites, public spaces, a spa, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar, colourful healthy matcha drinks, this is a
a pool deck and bistro—all of which optimise the city’s sights and great place for people watching. Try the
sounds—and ocean breeze. The deep yet muted tones and the purple drink, it is super sweet, but you’ll be a
attention to detail lend the design an Art-deco feel and boho-vibe sucker for the green lavender after one sip.
all at once. 510 N Robertson Boulevard, West Hollywood,
CA 90048
While exciting things await at its doorstep, you can spend
a fun and fruitful day without leaving this pacific oasis and have Members
enough to flood your Instagram feed with. Start your day with a This Morocco-inspired bar, club and
meal at rooftop restaurant and bar Calabra that serves vibrant restaurant will transport you to Marrakech
Mediterranean and Californian cuisine as well as signature with its vibrant decor, vibe, upbeat music and
cocktails. Stop for coffee at Olea Garden, a lush terrace garden, fabulous food.
or head to Palma lobby lounge in the evening for an impressive 1510 N Stanley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046
collection of tequilas, mezcals and local natural wines. Relax
at Surya Spa, which taps into 10,000 years of Indian wellness Academy Museum of
principles and techniques. If detox is part of your vacation agenda, Motion Pictures
we recommend scheduling a custom-designed treatment here. Relive the glamour of Hollywood at this
seven-storey museum dedicated to the
history of the Academy Awards. In this
impressive round glass building you will find
highlights from Hollywood’s history from the
’20s to the present day.
6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles,
CA 90036

Attic Koncept
A newly opened concept store just off Sunset
Plaza, Attic Koncept houses an exclusive
range by Eastern European and Middle
Eastern high-end designers. Carefully
curated by fashion insiders Maria Golomb
and Max Gor, this is a must-stop for any
fashion lover.
8750 Holloway Drive, West Hollywood,
CA 90069

94

LIFE Travel

WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY Paris

Musée du quai Branly — Le Bristol Paris
Jacques Chirac
If you’ve already checked the Louvre and 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
Museé d’Orsay off your list, make this your
next stop. Its striking vertical garden facade
makes way to over 300,000 works by
indigenous creators throughout history, from
Africa to Polynesia.
37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris

Kiliwatch
Immerse yourself in emerging designers
and a trove of vintage finds at one of the
city’s pioneering independent concept
stores that continues to inspire the likes of
Jean-Paul Gaultier and Isabel Marant with its
curated collection.
64 Rue Tiquetonne, 75002 Paris

Little Red Door
A nod on the World’s 50 Best Bars list is a
reason to visit this Marais gem, but you stay
for its clever approach to cocktails—where
local producers are celebrated with the same
creative energy the district is known for.
60 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris

Cinematheque Française
The beating heart of French film rests
in this Frank Gehry cinematheque with
its retrospective exhibitions, a world of
international films, and an archival library
drawing culture buffs in droves.
51 Rue de Bercy, 75012 Paris

Frenchie Pigalle
Grégory Marchand, the genius behind
Michelin-starred Frenchie, has branched out
into bistro fare with Frenchie Pigalle. Dubbed
a free spirit with sexy-trash cuisine by the
team, expect a cross-cultural menu and
natural wines here.
29 Rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris

From left: If the 8th arrondissement is where Parisian grandeur comes
The Musée du quai to play, then Le Bristol Paris wrote the playbook. This Oetker
Branly - Jacques Chirac Collection giant is also one of the largest ‘palace hotels’ in the city.
is a premier cultural The hotel’s allure lies in its design, staff’s attention to minutiae
institution; shopping at and the clandestine magic of its amenities. The large courtyard set
Kiliwatch; Le Bristol, against the hotel’s concrete flanks was recently redone with nods
the first hotel in Paris to a Japanese garden, blooms of which are pollinated by resident
to be granted Palace bees. There’s also L’Epicerie, the Le Bristol reinvention of a corner
status, straddles shop, selling handmade bread prepared from flour milled on-site,
traditional glamour and chocolates by the in-house chocolatiers. Look out for Socrate,
with modern elegance. the pedigree kitten which is the hotel mascot.

Across its 190 rooms are a handful of signature suites. The
most iconic among them, Suite 1925, an ode to Josephine Baker,
offers unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower—even while you
lounge on the bed.

Indoor pools with outdoor terraces are a rarity in Paris,
so Le Bristol’s is worth an afternoon. Designed like the inside of
a ship, the pool shares the floor with three hotel spas. Slot in a
treatment at all-natural skincare label Tata Harper’s for an extra
dose of pampering.

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Geneva

From left: Restaurant
Le Jardinier by
Alain Verzeroli
serves refined,
vegetable-driven fare;
Suite Royale; The
Woodward retains
its post-Haussmann
history; luxe Guerlain
Spa; Lake Geneva;
picturesque Old Town.

The Woodward WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY

700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Quartier des Bains
Its art galleries galore in this vibrant and
As borders begin to reopen around the world, The Woodward multicultural district that’s abuzz with trendy
heralds a fabulous return to the art of travel. bistros and bars and, more importantly, home
to the internationally renowned Musée d’art
Geneva’s first all-suite hotel sits on the shores of Lake moderne et contemporain.
Geneva and, on a clear day, you can see the peak of the majestic Rue des Bains, 1205 Genève
Mont Blanc across the water.
International Red Cross and
Built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, the hotel Red Crescent Museum
has been gloriously transformed by world-renowned architect Discover how the International Red Cross
Pierre-Yves Rochon and now exudes an inviting sense of elegance came to be and delve deeper into its
that’s far more evocative of a prestigious residence rather than a humanitarian mission through a series of
boutique hotel. exhibitions, art installations, symposiums
and masterclasses. This is one cultural
Its main lounge is an occasion unto itself with velvet Pierre- institution you can’t miss.
Yves Rochon sofas, armchairs by Ralph Lauren and a bronze table 17 Avenue de la Paix, 1202 Genève
by Hervé Van der Straeten taking centre stage. The hotel is also
home to a Guerlain Spa as well as Michelin-starred restaurants Du Rhône Chocolatier
such as Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli and L’Atelier Robuchon Play Willy Wonka for a day and make your
by Joël Robuchon (his first in Switzerland), where every dish is a own chocolate bars in a gourmet workshop
masterpiece garnished with a little bit of theatre. with Du Rhône Chocolatier in the second
chocolate capital of the world.
In the suites, of which there are just 26, attention to the 118 Rue du Rhône, 1204 Genève
finer details, such as Lalique bathroom door handles and Baccarat
crystal chandeliers, speak of sophistication at every turn. Patek Philippe Museum
and Initium
96 As the birthplace of watchmaking, activities
abound for watch lovers in Geneva. Trace
the history of the first Swiss wristwatch at
the Patek Philippe Museum or assemble your
own Swiss timepiece at Initium.
Patek Philippe Museum, 7 Rue des Vieux-
Grenadiers, 1205 Genève. Initium, 17 Grand-
Rue, 1204 Genève

LIFE Travel

Tel Aviv

WHAT TO DO IN THE CITY The Norman

Hotel Montefiore 23-25 Nachmani Street, Tel Aviv, 6579441
Founded by Ruti Bruodo, one of the city’s
most visionary entrepreneurs, Hotel Converted from two historic buildings in the heart of White City,
Montefiore serves French cuisine with a the 50-room property celebrates Bauhaus style with a lavish
Vietnamese twist. Pop in for a taste of collection of suites that blend antique charm with boutique
Israel’s fine range of homegrown produce glamour. Tying in with The Norman’s multifaceted character is an
and products. array of art installations and sculptures by local artists that can be
36 Montefiore Street, Tel Aviv, 66883 seen throughout its public areas, guest rooms and suites.

Alon Shabo Start your day at this urban oasis with breakfast on the
If you are into the new-wave foodie patio, take a stroll in the citrus garden at the back, and soak in the
scene, then a visit to pastry chef Alon warmth of the Mediterranean sun on the roof deck or take a dip in
Shabo’s patisserie is a must. His bold, the infinity pool.
colourful, geometrically precise cakes
and pastries are as delicious as they are You won’t have to go very far for exquisite local flavour as in-
aesthetically delightful. house restaurant Alena offers a new dining concept that enhances
22 Chelnov Street, Tel Aviv European-inspired favourites with a Mediterranean flourish. A
collaboration between friends, chefs Omer Shadmi Muller and
Saga Daniel Zur, Alena’s menu exemplifies a lively, yet balanced fusion
Situated in the artsy and eclectic Old of contrasting cooking techniques and local foodie traditions—
Jaffa district, this art gallery showcases complemented by an impressive selection of local wine. Cap it
established and upcoming local designers with midnight tipple at The Library Bar across the hall before its
and artists across disciplines, from lights off for the day.
ceramic and glass design, to carpentry and
multidisciplinary art, to home decor and 97
modern Judaica.
4 Rabbi Pinhas Street, Tel Aviv

BellBoy
Eclectic and quirky, this vintage-style bar sits
tucked away behind a heavy black curtain
deep inside Berdichevsky Hotel. Sip award-
winning cocktails by Ariel Leizgold and
enjoy an enchanting night of jazz.
14 Berdichevsky Street, Tel Aviv, 64258

From bottom: Saga
for eclectic finds;
the city’s largest
shuk, Carmel street;
cocktail bar BellBoy;
Mediterranean
delights abound at
Alena; ’20s grandeur
meets contemporary
elegance in The
Norman, which is at
the heart of the city’s
heritage centre.

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Exclusively distributed by
W. Atelier Pte Ltd

Vitra Store
Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road #14-08
Singapore 169074, T 65 6270 8828

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