Cover Ruth Chao (Photo: @ruth.chao/Instagram)

Creative director Ruth Chao reveals what she’s splurging on this week—from Leica cameras to classic raincoats

Ruth Chao has a very specific aesthetic. It’s what her clients love most about her, too. It’s this instinct that has made her a go-to for brands looking for artistic excellence. In 2018, Chao founded Ruth Chao Studio, an award-winning brand and design agency, and since then, has worked on design and visual related projects for Swire Properties, Art Basel, Audemars Piguet and Estée Lauder to name a few. She counts Academy Award-nominated art director William Chang Suk-ping as a mentor, and has found her calling creating visual stories that leave a lasting impact.

She tells Tatler about how she channels that creativity into her wardrobe too. Steal her style in this week’s edition of what’s in their shopping cart:

Sofa, Menu

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Menuspace)

“All these days spent at home during Covid-19 has had me thinking about this Menu couch. I first saw it at The Audo hotel in Copenhagen, and also fell in love with [the rooms’ pouffes upholstered in a] beautiful forest print by Dedar Milano. Thankfully, Studio Wool in Hong Kong now stocks this amazing brand of couch.”

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Leather jacket, Autopilot

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Autopilot)

“I love this vegan leather jacket by Autopilot. The whole collection is so chic and effortless, and perfectly transforms between work and down-time.”

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Camera, Leica

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Leica)

“The latest Leica M series now has a powerful video function and (finally) an autofocus for fast snaps too. I’ve been getting back into photography in my free time and this is the best piece I’ve found so far.”

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Flowers, Blooms & Blossoms

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Blooms & Blossoms)

“Blooms add a fresh touch when I have to work from home. These bloom buckets we designed for our client Blooms & Blossoms don’t need any repotting so you can keep it at home as a vase—as fuss-free as it should be.”

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Cashmere sweater, Painter’s Wife

Tatler Asia
Above (Photo: Painter's Wife)

“Painter’s Wife makes beautiful raincoats to keep your pooches warm during outdoor adventures, and this is hands-down the best doggy set for sweater weather.”

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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 and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she 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.