Ling Tan’s enduring legacy in the evolving world of fashion

Fashion, a realm brimming with visionary pioneers and luminaries, is imbued with a symphony of compelling tales of triumph and transformation. Our February digital cover star Ling Tan’s story stands out as one of the many, a story that began in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur and culminated on the global runways of the 1990s. During this journey, she left an enduring legacy that transcends the confines of runways, emerging as one of the first Asian supermodels to grace the international fashion sphere.

We speak to her about her modest upbringing, which instilled in her the understanding that hard work was not a choice but a way of life. To break barriers and challenge the orthodox, Tan believes one must pursue their aspirations with unwavering resilience and diligence.

Also in this week’s newsletter:

• Lessons on love with Cheryl Samad and Ng Ping Ho
• Everything you need to know about Pat McGrath’s porcelain doll look for Maison Margiela
• A home tour of Datuk Ramli Ibrahim’s iconic Balinese-inspired haven
• Dating through the ages: 3 ladies share their love stories this Valentine's Day

Cheers,
Sim Wie Boon
Digital Editor

Actress Cheryl Samad and director Ng Ping Ho’s love story began in 2002 during an audition, blossoming into a solid friendship before they officially started dating in 2008. Their relationship is built on mutual kindness and understanding, valuing words of affirmation and physical touch.

For a Valentine’s Day special, they sit down with us to share some wisdom on love, such as prioritising quality time together, avoiding yelling during disagreements and emphasising open communication.

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One for the fashion history books, Maison Margiela’s spring 2024 couture by John Galliano, was undeniably one of the most extraordinary shows that the fashion world has seen in a long while. The fantastical opulence and theatrical storytelling that defined Galliano’s time at Dior throughout the late ‘90s and early ‘00s has been resurrected, but not without the incredible artistry of the designer’s long-time beauty sidekick and the mother of makeup, Pat McGrath.

We delve into the full details of how McGrath turned the models into porcelain dolls with their cheeks flushed in pastel hues, eyes washed in various jewel tones, eyebrows drawn into thin lines, and their skin coated in a hyper-reflective glaze, making them glisten like smooth, polished glass.

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In the heart of Section 16, Petaling Jaya, those in the know will find an unassuming 1960s bungalow that has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Now known as KamaRia House, we take a tour of this 10,000 sq ft abode that has been reimagined into a sanctuary of art, inspiration, and tranquillity by its owner, Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, a luminary in the world of performing arts.

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Love it or hate it—Valentine’s Day is that time of the year when we see big displays of affection, romantic couples’ photos, and even lively Galentine’s Day posts to keep things lighthearted and merry around what is, in reality, a very weighty topic that many find hard to talk about openly. 

Honestly speaking, navigating the complex waltz of modern dating proves to be an art mastered only by the most resilient. This Valentine’s Day, we delve into the romantic chronicles of three women—each with riveting lessons to share about their love lives and their biggest dating takeaways, ranging from the whimsical twenties to the thirties and the seasoned forties.

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