Charles Wong
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These lifestyle leaders fulfil the shopping wants and wishes of Asia

These leaders of the retail industry are on Asia’s Most Influential 2022 for bringing the best of the world to our doorsteps. Through the shopping ecosystems they have cultivated—whether it be a network of boutiques, an upscale shopping hub or a fashion label with a global footprint—they fulfil the wants and wishes of Asian consumers. What’s more, they've enriched the world of retail by perfecting services and experiences that amplify the best of shopping. If you’re still on the hunt for last-minute gifts for the holidays, head to the shopping hubs created by these retail visionaries. 

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Ashvin Valiram, Mukesh Valiram and Sharan Valiram, Malaysia

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Photo 1 of 3 Ashvin Valiram
Photo 2 of 3 Mukesh Valiram
Photo 3 of 3 Sharan Valiram

The Valiram brothers—Ashvin, Mukesh, Sharan—have grown the Valiram Group into one of the leading retail companies in Southeast Asia, boasting more than 400 stores in nine territories. What started as a textile trading company now carries a diverse portfolio of over 200 brands, including fashion (Salvatore Ferragamo, Coach, Tory Burch), watches (Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Rolex), beauty and more. It has been a banner year for the Valirams with their timepiece company, Swiss Watch Gallery, celebrating two decades with the Art of Time exhibition, and Salvatore Ferragamo opening its first location in Indonesia. 

Read the full profiles for Ashvin Valiram, Mukesh Valiram and Sharan Valiram on Asia’s Most Influential

Charles Wong, Singapore

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Charles Wong
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Charles & Keith shows no signs of slowing down in the final stretch of 2022. Adding to its network of 700 locations, the Singapore footwear and accessories brand, co-founded by Charles Wong, opens its first shop in Mexico City—and expands its reach to North America—in November. The youthful brand also launched a capsule collection with K-pop girl group Itzy (thick-soled penny and mini hobo bags loafers), as well as a collaboration with the Paris shoemaker Both (Chelsea boots, platform loafers, baby bucket bags) in October. And because Wong is always on the pulse of culture, the Both collab also features “Imaginary You”, an NFT project featuring pieces from the collection worn by digital model Zoe

Read Charles Wong’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

 

 

Anita Liang, Taiwan

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Anita Liang
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Lovers of luxury know to head to Bellavita, the upscale shopping centre overseen by general manager Anita Liang, for the best leisure experiences. The European-inspired retail hub, with six floors and two basement levels, covers a variety of luxury needs: fashion from Hermès, jewellery from Graff, furniture by Jiang Qionger’s Shang Xia, intimate apparel from La Perla and even luxury beddings from Frette. And when shopping is done, there is L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon where guests can indulge in creations such as snow crabs topped by oscietra caviar. To make the holidays more magical, Bellavita has just opened a winter snow carnival with a Ferris wheel, carousel and ice-skating rink. 

Read Anita Liang’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Zenaida ‘Nedy’ Rustia Tantoco, Philippines

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Zenaida ‘Nedy’ Tantoco
Above Zenaida ‘Nedy’ Rustia Tantoco

“Our goal is to create an experiential shopping environment for all our customers,” says Zenaida Rustia Tantoco, widely known as Nedy, who is the chairman and CEO of Rustan’s Commercial Corporation. Rustan’s started in the living room of her parents, Bienvenido Tantoco Sr and Gliceria “Glecy” Rustia-Tantoco, and has now grown into a network of luxury retail hubs all over the Philippines. As the department store celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2022, Tantoco has big things in motion: a revamp of its flagship location in Makati, which features The Beauty Hall, an upcoming Men’s World with “young and vibrant labels like Faherty, Tailor Vintage and Knickerbocker”, the introduction of co-gender boutiques and the reopening of its art gallery Galerie Bleue. Above all, Tantoco promises to continue what Rustan’s is most known for: “a shopping experience like no other with the best service to match”.

Read Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Kevin Poon, Hong Kong

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Kevin Poon
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Co-founded by serial entrepreneur Kevin Poon, Juice offers the choicest streetwear drops in locations in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and the US. Apart from carrying brands such as A-Cold-Wall, Fear of God and Engineered Garments, it also features Clot, the fashion label (also co-founded by Poon) known for bridging east and west through collaborations with giants like Nike, Visvim and Sacai—how about an all-black sake set? Outside of retail, the lifestyle entrepreneur is involved in, among others, the gallery WoAW, PR firm Social Capital and restaurants including Elephant Grounds and WagyuMafia. What guides him? “I always try to bring positive energy to everything and anything that I do. Whether it’s bringing awareness to certain things that I believe in, like vegan food or dog-friendly cafes, or creating awareness about my cultural heritage,” he said to Tatler.

Read Kevin Poon’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential


Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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