What an incredible year
I think I am not only speaking for myself when I say that 2023 passed by both slower and faster than I’d anticipated. Some days and weeks felt like it dragged with the weight of what’s happening in the world—that, while too emotionally taxing to stay engaged with all the time, we should not ignore—but at the same time, months flashed by in the blink of an eye.
Fortunately, through it all we at Tatler Hong Kong have all been part of a team that worked together and worked hard to bring you amazing stories to add entertainment, levity or perspective to your day. From speaking with David Beckham in October ahead of the release of his Netflix documentary and revisiting the beauty of Hong Kong through Tina Leung’s eyes, to our candid conversation with Kimono Mom about depression and women’s empowerment—it has been a full and fulfilling year indeed.
Other newsletter highlights this week:
- From Carina Lau to Feiping Chang, how the Tatler community celebrated Christmas this year
- Style never gets old: 5 celebs over 50 who rocked luxury campaigns in 2023
- Here is your weekly horoscope for the coming week, but don’t sleep on the 2024 forecast for all star signs!
- 5 takeaways from the Expats trailer, the Hong Kong-based TV series starring Nicole Kidman
I hope you enjoy the final Best of Tatler Hong Kong newsletter of 2023, and allow me to wish you all a very Happy New Year. Here’s to a 2024 in which we all continue to grow in wisdom, wellbeing and happiness. Until next time, happy Friday!
Heidi Yeung
Digital Editor
POWER & PURPOSE
You loved ... Kimono Mom and her ability to inspire
Sutan and Moe laughing after cooking together (Photo: Courtesy of Kimono Mom)
Before she was Kimono Mom, Moe was a secondary school dropout. During her Hong Kong visit in March 2023, she talked to Tatler about her journey to becoming a geisha, her struggles through divorce and depression, and using traditional culture to empower other women.
MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE
5 Bollywood actresses who are challenging norms and breaking boundaries by playing powerful female characters.
Allan Zeman sheds light on the challenges of the city’s nightlife industry and why its evolution is the key to staying ahead.
Down syndrome in Hong Kong: How those with the condition navigate prejudice, lack of adequate support and an uncertain future.
LIFESTYLE
You loved ... Karpe, the Norwegian duo who nailed fusion music
Magdi Ytreeide Omar Abdelmaguid and Chirag Rashmikant Patel of Karpe shot exclusively for Tatler in Oslo (Photo: courtesy of Ida Fiskaa)
In part one of our feature on Karpe, the most famous musical act in Norway, the duo talk to Tatler about what it means to be beacons of light for generations of immigrants and their descendants.
And in part two, the duo who inspired viral dance crew Quick Style shares how their music channels resistance in the face of racism.
MORE FROM LIFESTYLE
We talk to Pharrell, the artist who has created everything from chart-topping music hits to head-turning jewellery pieces.
From live streams to tattoo reveals, here are five time BTS’s Jungkook broke the internet this year.
Celebrating its 20th year, the Macao Open is one of Asia’s leading golf tournaments—and another reason to visit the stunning city of Macau.
STYLE
You loved ... Keung To of Mirror and his brand To Zero
Mirror’s Keung To talks to Tatler about starting his own fashion brand and what makes him happy (Photo: Tim Ku / Tatler Hong Kong)
Away from the craziness of the entertainment industry, Keung To of Hong Kong boyband Mirror is all about the simple life, a concept he embraced when establishing his own clothing brand, To Zero, which represents “returning to simplicity”.
MORE FROM STYLE
From Louis Vuitton to Christian Louboutin, luxury petwear is on the rise ... with no paws in sight.
From vintage Chanel to a dress covered in spikes, here are Lynn Ban’s coolest style moments on Bling Empire: New York.
Emma Laird and Louis Vuitton capture the allure of fantasy fashion and travel.
DINING
You loved ... our favourite pizza spots in Hong Kong
A colourful table at Alvy's, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong (Photo: Instagram / @alvyshk)
Nothing beats a fresh-out-of-the-oven pizza, and there are some days where the perfect slice is all you want. Whether it’s thick crust, thin and crispy or deep-dish, with whimsical or classic toppings, here are Tatler Hong Kong’s favourite pizza spots to visit.
MORE FROM DINING
Five Hong Kong chefs reveal their favourite places to go for this steaming bowl of wonton noodles in Hong Kong.
Our favourite Hong Kong and Macau's fine dining restaurants that offer dedicated and delicious vegan and vegetarian tasting menus.
From hole-in-the-wall hidden gems to luxurious restaurants, here are our favourite phở spots in Hong Kong.
HOMES
You loved ... Nelson Chow’s beautiful oceanfront apartment
Nelson Chow at home with his dog Yoda
When Nelson Chow saw this Repulse Bay apartment for the first time, he was taken by its beautiful view. Tatler pays a visit to his home—a feng shui master-approved sanctuary featuring shades of blue that celebrate the spectacular ocean views.
MORE FROM HOMES
These cafes in Tokyo serve up excellent coffee with a side of seriously stunning interiors.
Check out these luxury hotels that offer plenty of inspiration for the design lover, and ideas worth replicating in our very own spaces.
Discover ten inspiring designer home brands reimagining stylish eco-conscious solutions for your abode—from furnishings to decor.
AROUND ASIA
SINGAPORE | How Curious Creatures founder Larissa Tan turned her side hustle into a full-time business.
PHILIPPINES | Enliven your senses through this visual journey across the islands of Siargao and El Nido in the Philippines.
MALAYSIA | From thought-provoking dramas and heartwarming comedies to gripping thrillers, here are seven iconic Malaysian movies to watch.
