Cover Linda Soo‑Tan in an April 2013 fashion spread for Tatler Singapore
Linda Soo‑Tan in an April 2013 fashion spread for Tatler Singapore
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From flower showcases to charity fundraisers, Linda Soo‑Tan goes about her society engagements with fashionable aplomb. Tatler Singapore looks back on these special moments
In celebration of Tatler Singapore’s 40th anniversary this year, we ask our closest friends to share their first—and favourite—memories of us for My Tatler First. Here, Linda Soo-Tan speaks to us about some of those special moments.
Community and conviviality are important pillars of Tatler Singapore, and we are happy to support—and spotlight—the endeavours of our Tatler friends, be it their pursuits of passion or acts of giving back. One of them is Linda Soo‑Tan. The long‑time member of Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135, a non‑profit cultural organisation dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of the Japanese art of flower arrangement, was most recently its president. Her two‑year tenure took place during the pandemic for the most part and under her leadership, the organisation with a “friendship through flowers” motto managed to be more active under an entirely different set of norms, pivoting to online workshops as well as mounting exhibitions at venues such as Japan Creative Centre and Gardens by the Bay when restrictions were lifted. When her term ended this July, membership stood at 150, up from 98 at the start of the pandemic. She remains on the board as adviser.
Soo‑Tan is also a known society fundraiser who is on the board of Food from the Heart, a charity that has been steadfast in its efforts to feed the needy in Singapore even through the pandemic. She is part of the organising committee for the British Theatre Playhouse’s Art for Charity gala event in October as well, held in support of arts and culture charity The Rice Company Limited. Here, she reflects on what she is passionate about as well as the time spent with Tatler, surrounded by like‑minded friends and daughter Zeena Tan.
Read more: My Tatler First: Serene Tan on Her Favourite Fashion Moments With Tatler
Above (Left) Soo‑Tan on the cover of the April 2013 issue of Tatler Singapore, with fellow Fashion Hall of Fame inductees Sabrina Ault (pictured left) and Dimple Aswani; Linda Soo‑Tan at the Bal Masque in 2014
(Left) Soo‑Tan on the cover of the April 2013 issue of Tatler Singapore, with fellow Fashion Hall of Fame inductees Sabrina Ault (pictured left) and Dimple Aswani; Linda Soo‑Tan at the Bal Masque in 2014
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What are some of your first memories of Tatler?
Linda Soo-Tan (LST): I remember attending events in posh settings, with roomfuls of beautiful people all elegantly dressed and with champagne glasses in their hands. Guests were exceptionally friendly and welcoming, while the Tatler staff were always around to introduce newcomers to the scene. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, this is my kind of crowd.”
Which is your favourite Tatler shoot?
LST: The one for the cover of Tatler Singapore’s April 2013 issue, featuring [the year’s] three inductees to the Fashion Hall of Fame: myself, Dimple Aswani and Sabrina Ault. The photo shoot took place at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove and we had fun wearing the clothes from Dolce & Gabbana, teamed with Breguet watches and accessories. Dimple and Sabrina were very professional, and I enjoyed their company very much. Dolce & Gabbana became an essential part of my wardrobe from then on.
In case you missed it: My Tatler First: Adrian Ng Reveals the Tatler Photoshoot That Felt Like a Honeymoon
What about your most memorable Tatler Ball?
LST: It’s hard to single out a favourite Ball because the themes change every year, and each one has its own fun and fantasy factor. But since I have to pick one, I’d choose the 32nd Anniversary Bal Masque held at The St Regis Singapore in October 2014. The theme was Masquerade and it brought out the creative juices of the Tatler crowd. So many different kinds of masks were on parade. The ladies looked absolutely stunning with matching masks. Some of the gentlemen were game enough to carry handheld masks. The ballroom was transformed into a magical wonderland of elegant centrepieces, and the photo walls beckoned.
Is there a notable fashion moment?
LST: It has to be the time when I was announced as one of the three inductees for the Fashion Hall of Fame in April 2013. We took turns thanking Tatler for the honour and shared our fashion inspirations.
What is the best part of a night out with Tatler?
LST: A night out with Tatler means catching up with friends and enjoying the canapés or sometimes sit‑down dinners. It’s also an opportunity to dress up according to the dress code.
What’s a Tatler tradition you love?
LST: There are many notable traditions that Tatler has initiated over the years. One of the most significant would be the acknowledgement of individuals who embody the spirit of giving back through the Community Service Awards. I was one of the three award recipients in August 2012, alongside Betty Chen, the then‑president of Chinese Women’s Association, and Trina Liang‑Lin, the then‑president of the organisation formerly known as the Singapore Committee for UN Women. I was acknowledged for championing the causes of Food from the Heart and for my pivotal roles in Ikebana International Singapore Chapter 135.
If you could host a dinner party with five friends you met through Tatler, who would be there?
LST: If I were to host a dinner party of five, I’d invite Celeste Basapa, Cecilia Leong‑Faulkner, Nana Au‑Chua, Chin Bottinelli and Dolly Cheong. What would I cook? Some Italian dishes such as spicy pasta puttanesca, or pasta with pesto paste. The commonality would be, firstly, foodies with adventurous palates, and good, jovial company.
What is your wish for Tatler as we celebrate our 40th anniversary?
LST: May Tatler Singapore continue to prosper, maintain traditions to the highest standard it is renowned for, and continue to receive accolades for its achievements, especially for its social impact on society as a whole.
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As Senior Editor of Tatler Singapore, Hashirin champions and refines the storytelling across platforms—curating and crafting compelling profiles, cover stories and features that spotlight visionaries shaping culture, business and impact. Driven by curiosity, she draws inspiration from the artists, changemakers and trailblazers she encounters through her work. Beyond the pages of Tatler, she is an avid supporter of local theatre and delights in seeking out art in every city she visits.
