Affairs of the Art

Art week is nearly here, which means the city is buzzing with art exhibitions. One of the highlights, of course, is celebrated photographer Wolfgang Tillmans’ solo exhibition at David Zwirner Hong Kong. Ahead of the opening, the German artist sat down with Tatler to share why nothing beats seeing art in real life. Tillmans delved deep into his creative process, which extends beyond the exact moment that his camera’s shutter clicks.

Also launching ahead of art week is cultural entrepreneur Ivan Pun’s gin brand Weizza, which pays homage to his home country Myanmar. Elsewhere in the arts world, Australian singer Belinda Chapple revealed in her memoir the pressures of being part of girl band Bardot. Closer home, Hong Kong singer Moon Tang talked about the rewards and challenges of donning the hats of director, producer and editor for her new single.

Other newsletter highlights this week:

  • From geisha to YouTuber to entrepreneur: Kimono Mom talks about the challenges of being a female business owner in Japan.
  • The first eclipse season of the year is arriving. Tatler’s astrologer Casey Chan tells us what it means for each star sign.
  • Everything you need to know about Karena Lam’s ambassadorships with French May and Hong Kong International Film Festival.
  • For World Water Day, support these five local initiatives that are keeping Hong Kong’s waterways clean.

Dear Tatler readers, have an amazing Friday, and a joyful weekend!

Salomé Grouard
Deputy Digital Editor

 

LIFESTYLE

Karena Lam wants more opportunities for actresses over 40

Karena Lam is the ambassador of French May and the Hong Kong International Film Festival (Photo: courtesy of M+)

To say Taiwanese Canadian actress Karena Lam has a packed calendar is an understatement. Among her other roles, she is serving as the ambassadors for French May and Hong Kong International Film Festival.

But she managed to find time to sit down with Tatler to share her thoughts on these responsibilities, the lack of gender equality in the local film industry, and more. 

READ HERE

MORE FROM LIFESTYLE

Is mercury retrograde bad for you? Here are the answers to six frequently asked questions in astrology.

Meet Audrey Lin, the youngest-ever Golden Horse Best Actress winner, who Ang Lee calls “a genius”.

Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road has lots to offer: here is what to do, shop and see on Asia’s coolest street.

 

FRONT & FEMALE

Don’t call Kimono Mom a ‘traditional wife’

Kimono Mom (Moe) and her daughter Sutan (Photo: courtesy of Kimono Mom)

A year after her first interview with Tatler, geisha-turned-YouTuber Kimono Mom sat down with us again for a catch-up.

Kimono Mom, who became famous for sharing messages of female empowerment in her Japanese cooking videos, is now an entrepreneur. She opened up about the challenges of being a woman business leader in Japan. 

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MORE FROM FRONT & FEMALE

Tatler speaks to the women, who are the driving forces behind five global brands, about their journeys to the top.

Singer Moon Tang talks about looking up to FKA Twigs, and how gender inequality in the music industry won’t stop her from doing what she loves.

Bardot’s Belinda Chapple on the pressures of fame, being contractually obligated to stay thin, and yearning to take back control. 

 

STYLE

Horology meets humour

Gabriel Lau turns cardboard into the watches he admires (Photo: courtesy of Gabriel Lau)

Watch enthusiasts are widely seen as stern and serious. But there’s more than one way to appreciate exceptional timepieces.

A Swatch x Willy Wonka collab? A Richard Mille made of cardboard? Yes, these are actual quirky watch art pieces which are bringing horology into the meme era and giving it a viral twist.

READ HERE

MORE FROM STYLE

As Aries season just begun, here’s how to enhance one’s personal style according to common traits associated with the fiery sign. 

This Van Cleef & Arpels’ special exhibition in Seoul showcases the maison’s influential role in shaping contemporary jewellery design.

From the Dune: Part Two premiere in 2024 to Dior’s cruise 2022 collection show, discover some of Anya Taylor-Joy’s standout outfits.

 

DINING

Ivan Pun raises a toast to Myanmar

Ivan Pun is the co-founder of Weizza gin (Photo: courtesy of Ivan Pun)

Being at the forefront of Myanmar’s cultural revitalisation, Ivan Pun draws from the country’s unique botanicals to create Weizza gin.

Ahead of the brand’s launch party, we speak to the Burmese entrepreneur about the genesis of this gin, which pays homage to his home country.

READ HERE

MORE FROM DINING

Where to eat and drink on Hong Kong’s Hollywood Road, from Tate Dining Room to Chachawan.

Seung Hun Park, the new head chef of the acclaimed Korean restaurant Hansik Goo, shares what drives him in cooking and life.

Gaggan Anand opens up about his new restaurant in Bangkok, in partnership with Louis Vuitton.

 

POWER & PURPOSE

5 Hong Kong initiatives to support for World Water Day

World Water Day is an opportunity to think about our consumption habits and help keep our beaches clean (Photo: Getty Images)

With March 22 being World Water Day, we highlight some of the city’s initiatives focusing on keeping our waterways clean.

Whether that’s beach clean-up drives or educational programmes on plastic-free oceans, here are five local initiatives you can support in multiple ways.

READ HERE

MORE FROM POWER & PURPOSE

Here’s how to develop sustainable and eco-friendly eating habits according to Tatler Asia’s Most Influential and Gen.T honourees.

Here’s your one-stop destination to find out what the members of the Tatler community are up to.

Meet the innovative figures behind Asia’s best museums, galleries and shows.

 

AROUND ASIA

SINGAPORE | What’s a maître fromager? Meet this 25-year-old wine and cheese expert from Restaurant Jag.

PHILIPPINES | Lea Salonga looks back at her iconic roles and shares why self-care matters.

MALAYSIA | Here is where to find the best chicken rice in Malaysia, according to local chefs.