Tatler Weekend Philippines: How iconic rattan designs became Southeast Asia's everyday furniture
Editor’s note
This week we spotlight three dynamic personalities who are energizing their fields with distinctive flair.
Orry, Bollywood's captivating social butterfly and internet sensation, has transformed being “famous for being famous” into an art form. Find out how his strategic brilliance and magnetic personality has made him an irresistible presence in India's high society.
Badminton stars Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan bring fresh spirit to Malaysian sports. As best friends first and Olympic competitors second, their genuine bond and determination are inspiring a new generation while making history with every match.
Liah Yoo is refreshing the beauty industry through KraveBeauty's mindful approach. By insisting that “skin should never be trendy”, this YouTube pioneer has created a thoughtful counterpoint to industry excess.
Wishing you an inspiring week.
Enjoy Tatler Weekend!
Alex Fenby
Alex Fenby
Regional Head, Digital
Exclusive: Who is Orry and how did he become Bollywood’s best friend and India’s most recognisable internet personality?
From attending Bollywood parties to lending his earrings to Rihanna, everything Orry does becomes viral. In this exclusive interview with Tatler, India’s most famous internet sensation reveals the method behind what many perceive as madness
On a sunny afternoon in Mumbai, Tatler sat down with Indian internet sensation Orhan Awatramani—better known as Orry—at his family home for an exclusive interview. His rise to social media stardom has been meteoric, solidifying his status as Bollywood’s most captivating social butterfly, both online and offline.
In a time where influence is often manufactured, Orry represents something unique—an authentic persona that has shaped up from a carefully curated performance. He describes himself as “working on myself”, but has mastered the art of being famous for being famous, turning it into both an art form and a successful career. In this candid conversation, he reveals the method behind what many perceive as madness and how his international upbringing shaped his approach to fame and friendship in Bollywood’s inner circle.
In case you missed it: These cultural leaders and nightlife pioneers are behind some of the biggest festivals in Asia
How Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan are changing the face of women’s badminton
Igniting hope for Malaysian women’s badminton, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan share their views on their journey of facing challenges with a positive mindset
In the traditionally male-dominated world of Malaysian badminton, where the halls of fame have long been lined with men’s achievements, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan are carving out a legacy of their own. The dynamic duo made history as the first Malaysian semi-finalists in the women’s doubles event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, competing for bronze against Japan’s world No. 4 team, Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama. Now ranked sixth globally, Tan and Muralitharan are more than elite athletes—they are redefining the narrative around women in sports and hoping to inspire the next generation of champions.
Read more: Courting Greatness: a retrospective look at Malaysian badminton achievements
Tan and Muralitharan met at Bukit Jalil Sports School in 2013 before being paired to compete in 2019. Beyond being teammates, they’re best friends whose connection transcends the court. “Not many people get to do that,” Muralitharan says, grateful for every opportunity that allows them to compete and travel the world together.
“I’m happy to have Thinaah by my side because she’s a good listener, a great partner and also my best friend. She transforms pressure into motivation,” Tan says. This foundation of friendship and shared goals has proven crucial in navigating the intense pressures of the sport.
Mid-Century Danish Rattan: How iconic designs became Southeast Asia’s everyday furniture
Discover how designer rattan chairs by Arne Jacobsen and Nana Ditzel have thrived mostly unrecognised across Southeast Asia.
Throughout Southeast Asia, from Jakarta to Bangkok, rattan chairs curve gracefully in cafés, hotels, and homes. These furnishings have become so thoroughly integrated into the region’s visual landscape that they’re widely regarded as indigenous designs. Yet most Southeast Asians remain unaware that many of these familiar pieces originated from the drafting tables of European and American architects during the mid-20th century.
Designers like Arne Jacobsen and Nanna Ditzel created these now-ubiquitous forms with modernist principles that translated perfectly to tropical climates. As production shifted to countries like Indonesia and the Philippines during the 1960s, local craftspeople not only mastered these designs but subtly transformed them, creating regional variations that further obscured their Western origins. Today, these pieces represent a fascinating case of cultural synthesis—celebrated as museum pieces in the West while serving as everyday furniture across Southeast Asia.
Why slowing down is the future of beauty, according to KraveBeauty founder and YouTuber Liah Yoo
From a refillable lip oil made with upcycled plum oil to investing in sustainable agroforestry, Liah Yoo, founder of KraveBeauty, is changing the beauty industry one intentional product at a time
In an industry driven by continuous product launches and ever-changing trends, KraveBeauty has carved out a niche with its stripped-back, mindful approach to skincare.
“Skin should never be trendy. It’s an organ you are born with, not a fashion item,” says Liah Yoo, the beauty YouTuber-turned-entrepreneur behind the skincare brand.
Rather than urging consumers to indulge in quick fixes, ten-step routines or touting Instagram-worthy skin, KraveBeauty encourages its followers to reset their relationship with skincare and break free from product overload.
The company was founded in 2017 by Yoo and has since only launched nine products—intentionally. Seven of these are available in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand through Sephora. The products are categorised simply into two: a Core series with products designed for daily maintenance and Supplement, with formulas to target specific problems.
Read more: KraveBeauty’s Liah Yoo on why she wants to slow down the concept of skincare
