“When I was 15, I got my first modelling job without telling my parents. They only found out when they saw me in the newspaper,” laughs Joanne Yew. There, she developed an indefatigable work ethic and strong-willed approach to her career, during which she pivoted into acting and later, entrepreneurship. She is behind one of the city's favourite restaurants, Yakiniku Great. 

Yew is drawn to the mystery of Gris Dior and its silent challenge to explore new horizons and claim whatever you wish for: “Nothing is absolute in life. That is why you need to live with no regrets and listen to your heart; it may be on your left but it is always right.” 

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“I'm obsessed with Gris Dior because there is something so compelling around the brightness of bergamot contrasted against the seductive floral accords and more grounded, earthy notes. It feels very much like me—a balance of feminine and masculine, soft and edgy, nice and naughty,” says Natalie Prabha. 

The model and sustainability advocate embraces the harmony in contradiction and dares to live in the unknown: “When I feel uncertain about making a choice, I observe the situation from an external lens and weigh out the pros and cons. But I always allow myself to trust my intuition and to believe that everything will work out for my own good and I am exactly where I need to be. Even if it’s the wrong decision, I can trust myself to pick myself back up, matter what.”

In 2022, Prabha packed her bags and moved to Bali, embarking on a journey into the unknown to find peace amidst her busy, jet-setting schedule. “If not now, then when?” she says.  

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It took courage for Kua to pursue a career as a professional violinist after graduating with a degree in law and commerce. “I have no regrets because I’ve had so many experiences I’d have never imagined prior,” he says. 

His latest single, All A Game, takes its name from his personal mantra, which allows him to discard all his fears and forge ahead, while having fun at the same time: “When I remind myself that it’s just a game, I am able to let go of my inhibitions and perfectionism, and instead, embrace this ambiguous but thrilling journey.” 

He muses that it may be the reason why he finds safety and comfort in the colour grey, a transitional shade between black and white.

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Daring is the only way to describe Ridduan Ismail. Throughout his career, he has always dared to push boundaries. “In my early days, I directed an outdoor shoot of 20 models, all of whom I scouted online and styled myself on the day,” he shares. Since then, he has developed a distinct and edgy photography style, through which he often provides platforms to uplift young Malaysian talents. 

He has also become known for his unique personal style. In 2022, he was celebrated on Tatler’s annual Asia’s Most Stylish list. It gave him the confidence to launch his own lifestyle brand, Tact. 

For Ridduan, Gris Dior captures the strength of the colour grey as a deterrent to any anxiety and doubts. It is an olfactory message to “snap out of it because the show must go on, whether you like it or not.”

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“The most daring thing I have done is starting anew in five different countries, through different stages of my life,” says Loui Lim, an avid traveller who has integrated his passion for exploring new destinations around the world into his lifestyle and profession, as the Senior Vice President of Hospitality and Leisure at Genting Group Malaysia. 

“Life is short, and everyone is just one decision away to experience something new, to chase their goals, and to live the life of their dreams but fear can sometimes hold us back, whether it is our families or society."

To combat this, he emphasises the importance of fostering a positive relationship with oneself. “You’re never spending time by yourself, but with yourself. If you find yourself putting off making a decision for a while, trust your initial instincts,” he says.

For him, self-reflection begins with the colour grey. “It has an incredibly calm and confident character. In fact, I painted my whole house grey.”

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“Gris Dior embodies versatility. It allows me to explore and step into a different version of myself—in the best way possible,” says the corporate powerhouse when she experiences the fragrance for the first time.

Yeoh herself is a multifaceted individual, whose endeavours outside of her family’s company include founding several social enterprises, including Recyclothes, a boutique that curates donated secondhand clothes and sells them at affordable prices, as well as Nimble Fingers Cambodia, which helps underprivileged  Cambodian children break out of the cycle of poverty.

She is inspired by people who take big risks and forge ahead, even more so by those who have failed and got back up again. “That in itself takes strength. There is so much more value in lessons learnt. It is the definition of taking a bold step.”

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“I appreciate the calmness that the colour grey brings,” shares the stylish mother and fashion enthusiast. It can be daunting to try new things but when faced with difficulties and challenges, she remembers her father, executive chairman and managing director of OEM Autoseats Malaysia and philanthropist, Dato' Sri Jeffrey Raymond, and all he has achieved in his life and his advice to never give up and keep going.

Gris Dior's unique scent gives Raymond the same strength to remain grounded in her self-worth while daring to push boundaries without fear of what people may think or say—setting a bold example for her 5-year-old daughter, Skylar Raymond-Foo.

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