Hello,

The Barbie fever is high! From Ana Cruz Kayne’s patriotic nod to terno on the pink carpet to Ken-inspired watches for men, we cannot seem to get enough of the world’s most famous doll. We even asked members of the Tatler community which iteration of Barbie is their favourite, and they did not disappoint with their answers.

But Mattel’s magnum opus is more than just a toy. It has become an embodiment of our collective fantasy, a reminder to always strive for success. Pretty much like these Filipinos rising stars, carving their own path on Broadway or these social changemakers reshaping the narrative around women’s issues. Speaking of inspiring people, there’s Erwan Heusaff who recently won a James Beard Award. He shared an inspiring story of turning his passion into a sustainable business.

This week’s newsletter highlights:

• Tatler picks the best Barbie-inspired jewellery
• Meet a Phoenix of Tomorrow, the mythical firebird with a social purpose
• Reese Fernandez-Ruiz shares why weaving joyful stories through everyday pieces matters
• Take a look inside this contemporary-style office inside a historic shophouse with a secret garden concept

Cheers,
Jio Baldesimo
Social Media Editor & Style Lead

Fictional characters like High School Musical’s Sharpay Evans or Mean Girls’ Regina George have one thing in common: they love pink (or maybe just on Wednesdays for Regina, at least). And, of course, who would forget the very well-known and loved Barbie—the personification of the said colour?

Maybe it’s the strength and boldness of their characters that allow everyone to look at them twice—but honestly, a mighty factor could be how they dress up most of the time, especially in bright shades of pink. The same could be said about the pieces of jewellery lined up in stores and pop-ups. Like magpies, everyone looks at the shinier ones first.

Discover the reasons why with the perfect hue and type of pink, everything falls into place flawlessly!

Tatler Asia’s Most Influential 2022 lister Reese Fernandez-Ruiz knew that running a social enterprise is no easy task. But the fulfilment she finds in this endeavour has always kept her driven to do more. Rags2Riches (R2R), the fashion and design house she co-founded with friends who share the same passion for uplifting the lives of common Filipinos, has grown into a reputable partner of renowned companies. Amidst challenges, R2R has remained steadfast in its mission and innovative with its products to keep up with the growing demands of its market.

Know why weaving joyful stories through everyday pieces matter.

To many designers, the chance to work on a shophouse project is certainly an opportunity to be relished or even a dream come true. Known for their distinctive facade, airy internal courtyard and light-filled spaces, these historical buildings offer many creative possibilities to the adventurous designer, even as they come with all the technical and regulatory complexities innate to any conservation project.

Discover how Cube Associate Design crafts a beautifully green and inspiring workspace within a shophouse.

Each industry is constantly evolving, and theatre is no exception. New talents emerge regularly and consistently make us proud. It’s exciting to see fresh faces from the Filipino community reaching greater heights, making their mark on Broadway.

Of course, household names like Lea Salonga or Eva Noblezada have already strengthened their status and reputation in the field. Talented individuals, however, are on their way towards bringing home the bacon.

Eventually, these talented Filipino and half-Filipino actors will bag a Tony, and it won’t be a surprise.

Discover these talents who are slowly but surely making a name for themselves in the international theatre scene.