In Asia, a new wave of tattoo artists is turning to paramedical and areola tattooing to help breast cancer survivors heal

A new wave of artistry is emerging in the realm of body ink, one that transcends personal style and aesthetics to embrace a profound purpose: paramedical tattooing. In areas of the world where cultural taboos and legal restrictions are slowing the development of this field, tattoo artists are finding it more important than ever to expand their repertoire to include paramedical tattooing. Their goal is to help—mostly, but not exclusively—people undergoing mastectomy, such as breast cancer survivors and individuals undergoing gender-affirming surgeries.  

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which lasts throughout October, Tatler talked to tattoo artists Jayers Ko, Jonny Dougall and Sumithra Debi, who are leading the way in Hong Kong and Singapore with their expertise, compassion and dedication to this transformative form of art.

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Tucked away in the foothills of Lung Fu Shan Country Park and hidden behind the University of Hong Kong campus in Pok Fu Lam is a grey-washed, rectangular structure, the Western Salt Water Service Reservoirs. The reservoir is very seldom open to anyone other than engineers; once, in 2012, its minimalistic aesthetic and dark corridors and staircases lent an underground bleakness to Aaron Kwok’s crime thriller Cold War (2012), but most of the time, it remains closed, storing saltwater for the city’s flushing system.

But three artists—percussionist Louis Siu and new media artist Keith Lam from Hong Kong, and Singaporean composer Jia Yi Lee—believed the space had greater potential and would be exactly the right kind of venue for their performing arts show After the Rain, an immersive, multimedia percussion concert. 

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Given K-pop’s undeniable influence on the world beyond music, ambassadorships with the genre’s stars have become crucial for luxury brands. In February, Versace added Ningning, a Chinese member of SM Entertainment girl band Aespa, to their line-up of global ambassadors. “Ningning is not only a brilliantly talented star, she is also a wonderful person,” Donatella Versace, the creative director of the Italian house, said at the time. “She has a strong, confident vision, incredible energy and talent and she looks amazing wearing our clothes.” 

Tatler speaks exclusively to the K-pop sensation about personal style, being on tour, and what Versace means to her

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Few recent internet moments have ignited as much discussion about cultural appropriation as Simu Liu’s comments on bubble tea during an episode of Canada’s Dragons’ Den.

Amidst the controversy—touching on issues of cultural appropriation and lingering racist stereotypes surrounding Asian cuisine—Tatler spoke to journalist and award-winning cookbook author Clarissa Wei, along with Po Chen, founder of Hong Kong’s plant-based bubble tea chain Mother Pearl, to explore the deeper implications.

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In this 3,229 sq ft villa, tucked away on a quiet beachside lane in Discovery Bay, a warm, neutral palette dominates—juxtaposed by vibrant colours in its custom-made furnishings and artwork. The work is thanks to Iman El Zeky of the Hong Kong- and Paris-based Iman El Zeky Studio, who took on the transformation of the living room, lounge, family room and one of the bedrooms—spaces that span 1,615 sq ft—during a six-month process, with three months dedicated to the design phase. 

The villa is home to a family of four with French and Hong Kong roots. The client wanted a soft, serene and natural space that aligned with feng shui principles, with artistic touches that reflect her personality.

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Curating an exciting cocktail menu takes more than meets the eye—it is about crafting an experience that tells a story, engages the senses, and reflects the drive behind a bar. From balancing classic flavours to considering seasonality of ingredients, a well-designed cocktail menu elevates any bar experience. 

We speak to Nick Choo, the founder of Kuala Lumpur-based Reka, No. 41 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, Yana Keller, beverage director of Singapore-based Atlas Bar, No. 49 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, and Niko Tiutan, co-founder and beverage director of Ito Space in the Philippines. The three address how they incorporate local produce into their drinks programme, and ensure the menu caters to both connoisseurs and beginners.

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