The co-founder, CEO and CIO of MTC Asset Management, Devan Linus Rajadurai, isn’t all numbers. With a penchant for design, this Generation T honouree shifts his gaze to the new Marc Newson Hennessy X.O bottle through observations on his own passions in architecture.
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler

Great Design Transcends Aesthetical Beauty

For as long as he remembers, Devan Linus Rajadurai has found himself drawn to things that please the eye. He attributes this to his upbringing, noting that having well organised parents contributed to his love of aesthetical beauty. However, this comes with a caveat.
 
“Most people desire rich experiences in their life, beyond fulfilling their family needs, relationship goals and things of that nature. One element of any good experience is beauty, which can be delivered by a product or object with great design that goes beyond its utilitarian aspect,” says Devan.
 
According to him, great design shouldn’t only be limited to the external beauty of an object, it should also extend to its functionality, capability and everything else it is intended to do or perform. It should resonate through the entire object.
 
“A successful design should be unique and be able to be appreciated by the masses, as ultimately, influence does play a part in determining if a design will have impact in society”.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler

Iconic Landmarks

An avid traveller, Devan has visited many countries and admired numerous noteworthy landmarks around the world. Yet, his favourite spots around the world are five distinctive buildings – the Roman Coliseum, Trump Tower in New York City, the Petronas Twin Towers, the Sydney Opera House and the Marina Bay Gardens.
 
“The Coliseum and Trump Tower stand out to me because of the history behind it. They not only look powerful and imposing but also serve as a congregation of the masses, heightening their status beyond just being a building,” he says.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler

Another important reason these buildings made the cut? According to Devan, they all have timeless designs.
 
“I’ve travelled around the world and seen many landmark buildings but I find some of them to be just flashy. If you look at the Petronas Twin Towers, the Sydney Opera House or the Marina Bay Gardens, all you need is one glance to know that they’re unique just by their presence and unique aesthetics, going beyond just functional purposes. They may require some maintenance with time but even in 100 years from now these will still be iconic”.
 
Not just pleasing to look at, Devan argues that well designed objects and buildings can enhance one’s perception and mood, elevating any activity and inspiring an individual on a conscious and sub-conscious level.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler

Refreshing An Icon

Taking an icon and refreshing its appearance is no easy task. It’s undoubtedly a challenge to create an entirely new design and have it stand the test of time. However, it can be an even bigger challenge to take a successful design and give it a new look without jeopardising the elements that made it iconic in the first place.
 
“Awesome” is the word used by Devan to describe renowned designer Marc Newson’s take on the recognisable Hennessy X.O bottle. “At first glance, the curvy shape of the bottle gives it a warmer, friendlier appearance as opposed to traditional tall rectangular bottles. Because of the horizontal curves introduced by Marc Newson, it looks slender despite its rounded body, all while maintaining an inviting façade that struck me with its femininity,” he says.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Khairul Imran/Malaysia Tatler

Put the classic Hennessy X.O bottle and Marc Newson’s version side by side and it’s noticeable that the new bottle is a modern update on an iconic design, according to Devan.
 
“I find that the classic Hennessy X.O bottle’s design reflects the French era of excess, in that it feels larger than life, in comparison to Marc Newson’s contemporary take that looks cleaner but still retains that iconic shape”.
 
The message is clear. Design influences everything we do in life.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Hennessy

The new Hennessy X.O by Marc Newson 2018 limited edition is now available at selected Aeon outlets around the country. For more information, email info@mhdm.com.my.

The photos of buildings used in this article are stock images.

Above Video: Courtesy of Hennessy