Cover Marc Lamuniere (second from right) set a precedent in publishing for his grandson, Michel, who took over the family business as Tatler Asia’s chairman and CEO (Photo: Tatler Archives)

For 45 years, Tatler in Asia has been synonymous with power, influence and style, reflecting the evolving tastes and culture of the region’s elite. Take a trip down memory lane for key moments in our storied history

The year is 1977. Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her silver jubilee. Elvis Presley has died at the age of 42. Star Wars: A New Hope opens in cinemas to rave reviews. Apple II computers go on sale and Hong Kong Tatler releases its inaugural print issue.

The year was momentous for Tatler, paving the way for a four and-a-half decade journey from a print publication into a leading multimedia brand. Tatler’s rich history dates back to 1937, when Jacques Lamunière became co-owner of a local newspaper in Romandy, a French-speaking part of western Switzerland. In 1950, Jacques’s son Marc took over the family business and acquired a number of publications, making their company the largest media firm in Romandy. In 1982, the company renamed itself Edipresse, and Marc’s son Pierre led the charge internationally, deepening the brand’s presence in Asia, where Tatler had already established itself in Hong Kong Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and China.

In 2006, Edipresse bought Tatler Asia, and Pierre’s son Michel later took over as chairman and CEO, spearheading the company’s growth across the continent. Today, Tatler has expanded its print title further, into Taiwan, gaining a foothold within food, fashion, interior design, travel and innovation.

Tatler today is more than a magazine: it is a community of Asia’s most powerful, influential and stylish people who, together, share an aspiration for excellence. Thanks to pillars like Tatler Dining, Gen.T Asia and Front & Female, and flagship events like the Tatler Ball, the brand stands at the forefront of the region’s luxury media as one of its most innovative players. Tatler is looking ahead and aiming to make the next 45 years even more successful. Now making strides in the Web3 space with Tatler TV: Meta Versed and the acquisition of land in Mega City 2 of The Sandbox, Tatler is continuing to redefine what luxury looks like in the digital era. In honour of our 45th birthday, we look at how far we’ve come, and speak to our longest-serving staff members.

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Photo 1 of 20 1977: Where it all began. Hong Kong Tatler releases its very first print issue
Photo 2 of 20 1982: Tatler enters the Singaporean market with the launch of Singapore Tatler
Photo 3 of 20 1984: Hong Kong Tatler makes waves in the dining scene with its first Best Restaurant Guide, known today as the Tatler Dining Guide
Photo 4 of 20 1987: The ten-year anniversary of the Hong Kong print magazine and the first time Tatler features a person on the cover
Photo 5 of 20 1991: The brand moves ahead with its Asia expansion with the launch of Malaysian Tatler
Photo 6 of 20 1995: The first of many Tatler Balls in Hong Kong. Five hundred guests are invited to the Conrad hotel for a mega bash
Photo 7 of 20 2000: Indonesia Tatler launches
Photo 8 of 20 2001: Philippine Tatler launches
Photo 9 of 20 2002: Shangliu Tatler launches
Photo 10 of 20 2006: Helmed by Pierre Lamunière, Swiss media company Edipresse buys Tatler Asia and establishes its regional headquarters in Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Photo 11 of 20 2008: Tatler spreads its wings and launches in Taiwan, while Indonesia Tatler Homes begins operations
Photo 12 of 20 2010: Hong Kong Tatler wins the Society of Publishers in Asia (Sopa) award for excellence in feature photography
Photo 13 of 20 2011: More reason to celebrate as the brand launches the first edition of Hong Kong Tatler Homes
Photo 14 of 20 2013: Hong Kong Tatler announces the winners of its inaugural Tatler Dining Awards
Photo 15 of 20 2016: Gen.T launches its Leaders of Tomorrow list, naming 40 people shaping Asia’s future
Photo 16 of 20 2018: A milestone year, as the brand celebrates the 500th issue of Hong Kong Tatler
Photo 17 of 20 2019: Off Menu, a three-day festival of food, drink and entertainment, is held for the first time at The Peak Galleria in Hong Kong; Tatler expands its headquarters with a designer office in Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong
Photo 18 of 20 2020: A new era for Tatler Asia begins with the print magazine relaunch; Asia’s Most Influential, the definitive list of people shaping Asia, launches alongside Asia’s Most Stylish; Tatler launches Front & Female, a platform dedicated to female empowerment
Photo 19 of 20 2021: Events take place on Tatler’s 24-metre catamaran, or “TatCat”, in Hong Kong; TatlerAsia.com relaunches with Traditional Chinese content; the Tatler Ball takes place outside a traditional ballroom space, at M+ museum; Tatler Dining Kitchen opens at Haus in Central in Hong Kong
Photo 20 of 20 2022: Tatler enters the Web3 space with Meta Versed and acquires land in The Sandbox; artist Zhang Huan creates an exclusive NFT artwork for Tatler Hong Kong; Tatler Dining launches its inaugural Bar Awards in Hong Kong
Best 100 dinning awardHi ResPh affa chan
Best 100 dinning awardHi ResPh affa chan

We look at how far we’ve come, and speak to our longest-serving staff members:

Tatler Asia
Above Then: Anne Mok, Regional general manager, Publishing Services
Tatler Asia
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan
Above Now: Anne Mok, Regional general manager, Publishing Services
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan

“I joined the company as a graphic designer at 22. The company’s support and recognition of my work over the years have been a blessing. Tatler has an extraordinary personality. It is far more than just a magazine; it is a brand of energy and passion, and it has grown and changed with the times.”—Anne Mok

Tatler Asia
Above Then: Sean Fitzpatrick, Regional managing director, Dining & Events and GM, Commercial, Hong Kong
Tatler Asia
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan
Above Now: Sean Fitzpatrick, Regional managing director, Dining & Events and GM, Commercial, Hong Kong
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan

“I joined the company in 2003 when I was 30 years old as a freelance advertorial writer. My favourite memory is when we won the top prize at the Sopa 2010 awards for best feature photography, beating out lots of more ‘serious’ news titles. That was Tatler’s first major award for content. No one thought a lifestyle title like us could ever win against big players, but we did. Tatler is special because of its long history. We have built relationships with families over generations— and continue to do so.” — Sean Fitzpatrick

Tatler Asia
Above Then: Haymond Yip, Senior art director, Hong Kong
Tatler Asia
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan
Above Now: Haymond Yip, Senior art director, Hong Kong
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan

“I was 32 when I joined Tatler as a senior designer. Some of my best memories are from here, working with the most experienced and talented team members. I’ve learnt so much. Tatler’s work goes far beyond publishing. It gets better year after year.”

Tatler Asia
Above Then: June Chung, Accounts receivable manager, Hong Kong
Tatler Asia
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan
Above Now: June Chung, Accounts receivable manager, Hong Kong
Low Res Do Not PrintTime Travel 45 anniAugust 2022Ph Affa Chan

“I joined as a secretary to the accounts department in 2003. We work hard together and the team interactions are always so respectful and enjoyable. That’s my favourite thing about working here.”

Credits

Photography: Affa Chan/Tatler Hong Kong

Topics

Tara Sobti
Content Director & Head of VIP, Tatler Hong Kong
Tatler Asia

As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision across social, digital and print. She also drives the planning and execution of Tatler's flagship IPs. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and leaders across business, style and the arts — curates star-studded events, and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.