OCCASIONS
RaiseYour Glass
To the weddings,
celebrations and seasonal
holidays to comeIn Partnership with YTL Hotels
M A L AYSI A / NOV EMBER 2021

OCCASIONS

24

48

Last Word

How scent has the power
to evoke memories andcreate new ones

4 Two Become One
Three romantic couples
narrate their journey oflove, life and marriage

36 Cake Cognoscenti
Four cake creators you
ought to know and theirsignature products

24 Good for Grazing
Want to keep your guests
happy and well-fed?
Here are three enticing
examples of finger foodthat you can easily whipup at home

40 Party Perfect
Shen-Tel Lee, Tunku Elana
and Neal Estavillo share
their game-changing party
tips and tricks

46 C’mon Let’s Celebrate!
Mark your special occasions
with wine and champagne,
with some inspiration fromthe masters
48 The Memory Maker
Match each celebration tocome with an extraordinary
fragrance

Tatler
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1

OCCASIONSManaging Director GERALDINE BEH
EDITORIAL
mytedit@tatlerasia.com
Editor ELIZABETH SOONG

Contributors EMMILYN YEOH, TIEN CHEW, SAMANTHA SOWERBY, ZOE YAP
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
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Creative Director MIGUEL MARIArt Director LIEW CHIAW CHING
Photographer KHAIRUL IMRANADVERTISING
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Head of Commercial SURAYA RAHMAT
Account Director NICOLE ANDRES ABDULLAH
Senior Account Executive CHERYLL LIM
FINANCEmyfinance@tatlerasia.com
Finance Director SURIA PERABA
Accounting Manager FELICIA LEONG
EVENTS AND CIRCULATION
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hq@tatlerasia.com
Chairman and CEO MICHEL LAMUNIÈRE
Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Generation T TAMARA LAMUNIÈRE
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Two Become One

DIANNA LEE AND ROBIN ANG

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From top left: Robin andDianna on their weddingday; the toast marking
the union of two families;
the loving couple, presentday, surrounded by theirdaughters

Sixteen years ago, on their firstdate, little did Dianna Lee andRobin Ang know that the bowl ofcurry mee shared between themwas going to be one of the mostmeaningful moments of their lives.
“He brought me to his mother’srestaurant, and it was the best curry
mee I would ever have—this fact
is still true up till today! It would
be correct to say I loved his Mom
first,” Dianna recounts cheekily.
From 16 years of dating, 10 yearsof marriage, to four kids later,
the dynamic between Dianna

and Robin hasn’t changed. “I
think Robin must have had many
girlfriends in the past, that’s why
we have so many daughters!”
Dianna laughs, giving a glimpseof the fun banter between the
couple. They still fondly refer toeach other as “my dream cometrue”, which got us feeling all warmand fuzzy. “I’m thankful to havea partner who just lets me be me.
It could probably be just reverse
psychology, but because of that, I
let him just be him too,” she says.
Citing common traditional

PHOTOGRAPHY KHAIRUL IMRAN LOCATION THE MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
WEDDING IMAGES COURTESY OF DIANNA LEE

Three romantic couples on their journey throughlove, life and marriage By Emmylin Yeoh“Robin doesn’t makeme feel like a motherof four at all” —DIANNA LEE
values and good understanding ofeach other as the key to building
a solid foundation of theirrelationship, Dianna and Robinbelieve that it’s very important
to help each other grow as acouple. “We do not shy away fromcorrecting each other (in private).
As a couple, you have to agree on
the same parenting method andbeing consistent when fronting thekids as a team. It’s always Robinand I versus the world,” she says.
A loving relationship is built
on trust and being there for eachother every step of the way, and thisis especially true for this couple.
“Years ago I wanted to go see thesea turtles, so I took the kayak out
to the choppy open water with two
kids in the front and back, while
being three months pregnant.
Rob gave me a ‘you are insane’
look, but then he quietly followed
us in another kayak just to makesure we were safe!” she says.
Even as adults, Dianna andRobin still share the same childlike
giddiness, excitement and laughter
from their early dating days. “Robdoesn’t make me feel like a motherof four at all,” Dianna muses.
As individuals from different
backgrounds and collectively asa couple, they are still learning
about one another, and pushingeach other to be the best version ofthemselves. “To be a good partnerand great parent, we have to firstbe a balanced, independent andhappy individual. And to havesomeone like Rob who gives me
the luxury of love and time to growinto the person/wife/mom I’m
striving to be is truly the best gift.”

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DAHLIA NADIRAH AND
KHAIRIL RIDZWAN

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IMAGES COURTESY OF DAHLIA NADIRAH

A collage of Dahlia andKhairil’s life together, madecomplete with the arrival of
their children, with a fourth
one on the way

Dahlia Nadirah and Khairil
Ridzwan’s romance started on
MySpace (big #throwback momenthere) back in 2005 when Khairil
messaged Dahlia after seeing her
photo on a friend’s feed. Soon after,
fate intervened and Khairil set off
to Berklee College of Music, before
returning 15 months later for aproper first date. What started off
as a cyber relationship eventually
blossomed into something more.
“The pictures he sent were thoseof him when he first arrived in theStates. When he came back for abreak, that was the first time I met
him. But the guy who showed up
was three times the size of LoQue[Khairil’s nickname] and with along beard... I almost thought thisis not the guy I talked to online
and on the phone!” she jokes.
Sharing the same values for
tradition, language, food, artsand culture, Dahlia and Khairil’s
unbreakable bond is built on
supporting creative artistic activity
and the celebration of cultural
heritage. Over long road trips in
the United States, between ticking

“I think the most wonderful gift I havereceived from Khairil would be the song
he wrote about me called Perempuan
Kalis Peluru. It’s still hands down myfavourite song”—DAHLIA NADIRAH
art exhibitions off their checklist,
strolling through history-rich streets
and discovering antique markets,
Dahlia and Khairil think that thebest thing about marriage is always
having someone to share everything
with. It is a tradition that they
have kept as a couple until today.
While some girls would gushover material gifts from theirsignificant other, Dahlia shies
away from that. She prefers
emotionally evocative gifts thatare a testament to her marriage
and relationship. “I think the mostwonderful gift I have received
from Khairil would be the song hewrote about me called Perempuan
Kalis Peluru. It’s still hands down
my favourite song,” she spills.
Besides making good music
alongside his muse, Khairil iscreative when it comes to grandromantic gestures, even when theodds have proven otherwise. “Onour anniversary a few years ago,
I was in confinement. He hired
two chefs to cook Korean food, aviolinist as dinner entertainment,
and decorated the house withhundreds of candles, balloons andflowers. We obviously couldn’t
go out to celebrate so he brought
everything to the house so that
we can celebrate it at home!”
she says happily. Measuring the
big and small moments, Dahlia
insists that there’s nothing better
than going through your daywith your partner at the end of

the night. “These are my mostfavourite moments: kids asleep, just
us chilling with each other, andtalking about our day,” she shares.
While many would speak fondlyof their wedding night, Dahlia
and Khairil both experienced
loss in their respective families,
which brought them closer andshaped the resilience of theirrelationship. “When life throws
you a curveball, you don’t giveup on your partner. It’s easier tohate, to give up, to walk away andto leave a situation. But talking
and sorting things out is the best
way forward. Always respect eachother, in front of each other andespecially behind each other’s back!”

From left: Elizabeth andJannio, present day; thecouple married when they
were only 21 years old; now
it’s a happy family of four

ELIZABETH THEA AND JANNIO SHUN

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Occasions8

Elizabeth Thea and Jannio
Shun’s love language is food—asevident from the fact that they
are co-owners of the famous Thaisteamboat restaurant, Coca, a placethat holds plenty of fond memoriesof their early dating days. “Wealways went to Coca at least onceor twice a week for dates when wewere in college, so we thought,
why not bring it back? It was anatural choice for us,” Jannio says.
The chemistry between the
couple was palpable as soon as theywalked on set, just like how theylaid eyes on each other when they
were paired together for a college
assignment. “It was such a fatefulday. We have to thank our college
professor, Mr Shim, for bringing
us together,” Elizabeth laughs.
When asked about each other’s
best traits and qualities, thecouple doesn’t hold back. “I love
her character. On top of beinga giving and kind-hearted soul,
Elizabeth is someone that is verystraightforward and doesn’t try
to hide what she feels. She knows
how to cheer me up and shows

me the positive side of things.
She’s my anchor and my compass.
I get emotional and frustrated
easily but she’s always been such arock to me,” Jannio says fondly.
“Jannio has always given me
his 100% support from the start—
throughout my career and ourmarriage. There’s always so muchopenness between us, and we cantalk about everything under thesun with no boundaries. Yes, heis the more emotional one but I
also think that because of that,he’s very expressive. I catch myself

“I catch myself watching
him smile, and there’s justsomething in his eyes thatmakes me melt inside”
PHOTOGRAPHY KHAIRUL IMRAN LOCATION THE RITZ-CARLTON, KUALA LUMPUR
WEDDING AND FAMILY IMAGES COURTESY OF ELIZABETH THEA

—ELIZABETH THEA
watching him smile, and there’s justsomething in his eyes that makes
me melt inside,” Elizabeth shares.
Some say that time will change
and test even the strongest of
relationships. However, for
Elizabeth and Jannio, it has only
made them realise how they
complement each other better,even after 13 years of marriage.
“When you’ve found the one
person who you truly want tospend the rest of your life with, itmakes you look forward to living
life, building a family and sharing

the best parts of it with each other.
That’s the most beautiful thing of
this journey,” the couple laughs.
Jannio is more of a fast doer andrisk taker, while Elizabeth, on theother hand, is more of a meticulous
perfectionist, and prefers to takeher intuition into account before
making an informed decision.
“When it comes to bigger things
like property investment, I want
to feel good about something
before doing it. That’s how I
sometimes judge things. You
yourself will always know whatfeels right,” Elizabeth advises.
While some couples argue
that the secret to a long-lasting
relationship is giving one anotherspace and privacy, Elizabethand Jannio do not tire of beingaround each other. He particularly
loves dropping little messages
throughout the day. “I don’t want
to seem needy but I miss her evenafter a few hours at work. Our
relationship is like best friends (withbenefits)!” Jannio laughs. “As cliché
as it sounds, nothing beats feelingright,” Elizabeth chimes in.

Tatler
Occasions9Presents

For the first time ever, 12 culinary
trailblazers will be paired off tocraft exclusive dishes at a two-day
gourmet food festival.

Scan here or visit bit.ly/offmenumy
for more information

13-14 NOVEMBER 2021
FEATURING
Azli Ahmad, OPENHOUSE
Chai Chun Boon, COPPERDavid Dahlhaus, AMBARA, ONE&ONLY DESARU
Diego Reali, NATALINA
Jeff Ramsey, JAPAS BY JEFF RAMSEYJohnny Au Yong, EBISU, ALTITUDE AT BANYAN TREE KL
Junious Dickerson, CURATE, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL
Jun Wong , KIKUBARI
Kenny Lee, JADE PAVILION, PAVILION HOTEL KL
Mandy Goh, KAYUPUTI, ST REGIS LANGKAWI
Otto Tay, WORLD PASTRY CHAMPION
Raymond Tham, BETA KL AND SKILLET AT 163

The Right

Place for the

Right TimeYour proclamation of everlasting
love can be an intimate or spirited
affair, and the location will make thatmoment become truly unforgettable.
Discover Treasured Places and create
Treasured Moments, from private
beachside hideaways to luxuriously
appointed ballrooms in the heart ofthe city. YTL Hotels’ collection ofluxury hotels and resorts will help
you realise the wedding journey ofyour dreams.

City Weddings

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Bright lights, city nights. Kuala Lumpur is perfect for grandweddings, especially when the dress code calls for white tie andthe celebration is set to become the talk of the town. No request
is too extravagant with a city venue wedding, as the central
setting ensures access to luxury hotels, services, and suppliers.
Pillarless, crystal chandelier-adorned ballrooms, a dedicatedwedding butler service, a curated gourmet banquet, impeccabledecorations and palatial bridal suites are a few standout
advantages when considering taking your wedding arrangements
downtown. An additional benefit of selecting a city venue is its
accessibility, making it easy for loved ones to attend and out-oftowners to seamlessly go from celebration to relaxation.

THE RITZ-CARLTON,KUALA LUMPUR

From top: The
Banquet Hall;
Li Yen Chinese
wedding banquet

Unmatched luxury is what thecity’s most enviable address hasdelivered to numerous weddings
throughout the years. Although
situated in the beating heart of KL,
the hotel’s location lends it an airof intimacy. The resident weddings
team is renowned for its full suite
service, giving couples convenient
access to a team of experts—
from wedding butler, pâtissier,sommelier and florist—to fulfil
the ritzy wedding of their dreams.
The Li Yen Chinese wedding
banquet is the preferred choice
when it comes to having atruly memorable wedding at
The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.
The all-inclusive celebration includes
a traditional tea ceremony, which
can be held at The Private Room, alive Chinese barbecue station during
the reception, and a masterfully
curated eight-course dinner in
The Banquet Hall, a stylishly
elegant space made for significant
occasions. There’s even the option
to have a specially crafted menu by
Chef Wai at The Library, the hotel’s
acclaimed fine-dining restaurant,
should a more contemporary
banquet be favourable.
WhatsApp or Dial: +60 11 7538 3906
Email: ritzkl@ritzcarlton.com.my
Browse: ritzcarlton.com/kualalumpur

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JW MARRIOTT KUALA LUMPUR

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Affectionately known as
The Happening Hotel due toits proximity to Bukit Bintang,JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur’squiet luxury, intuitive service,
and central location has madeit a favoured events destinationfor over two decades. Numerous
locations throughout the hotel
are perfect for sophisticated city
weddings. The pillar-free andample-spaced Mayang Sari Grand
Ballroom is one of the city’s mostlavish spaces, complete with abuilt-in stage, crystal chandeliers
and numerous personalisation
options. On the other hand,the cosier Bayu Ballroom offersa more private space ideal forsmaller bespoke weddings,
with the possibility of hosting
a poolside cocktail reception.
No matter your culinary
preferences, the hotel boasts
unparalleled expertise—from ateam of chefs that specialises in
traditional Malay delicacies to a

Chinese banquet team with over
50 years of experience across Asia.
A resident pâtissier is available
to create the stunning wedding
cake of your dreams, as well as
an in-house florist to ensure thatyour wedding florals match yourchosen colour palette. These
services and more are available
to couples on top of the range
of wedding packages available.
One popular option is the Glam
Wedding Banquet, which inaddition to a banquet dinnerprovides a dedicated function
room for an akad nikah ceremony
for up to 50 guests, a one-night
stay for the newlyweds in thebridal suite, and a wealth of otherfeatures. And once the big bash
quiets down, retreat to the stylish
JW Firehouse bar for continued
festivities with an après-party.
WhatsApp or Dial: +60 11 7538 3906
Email: reservation@jwmarriottkl.com
Browse: jwmarriottkualalumpur.com

From top:
Mayang Sari
Grand Ballroom;
the hotel lobby

The Bayu Ballroom
is ideal for smaller,
bespoke weddings

Tatler
16

Clockwise, from top
left: The Majestic
Ballroom; The Orchid
Conservatory;
The Canopy

THE MAJESTIC HOTEL KUALA LUMPUR
Heritage and history are weaved
into the walls of The Majestic Hotel
Kuala Lumpur, which has served
as the de facto destination for theelite to meet and exchange vows
since 1932. Thanks to its timelessart deco style, it’s effortless to finda spot for that once-in-a-lifetime
photo shoot at the hotel. Theirgorgeous Orchid Conservatory
continues to be a much sought-aftervenue, setting the stage for manysuccessful proposals, bridal showers
and engagement parties. If you’remore inclined to an open-aired
setting, The Roof Garden provides
a picturesque backdrop set against
the city skyline for a sequesteredwedding ceremony. Couples canseamlessly carry the celebrationfrom outdoors to indoors via The
Canopy, an elegant art deco-inspired
space featuring fluted glass andcream tones, that overlooks KL city’s

historical spots situated nearby.
The hotel’s dazzling, pillarless
Majestic Ballroom takes the
spotlight should a grandwedding be in the cards. Radianthand-cut crystal chandeliers
and a high ceiling create aluxurious atmosphere, providing
the perfect scenario for thatglamorous reception. Flexible
and ample seating configurations
ensure that no party size is too
big for your big day, and thehotel’s legendary service takes
care of everything down to
the last detail for that peace ofmind. For truly exceptional
and unforgettable weddings,
it has to be the Majestic Way.
WhatsApp or Dial:+60 11 2163 7451
Email: enquiry@majestickl.com
Browse: majestickl.com

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Destination Weddings

Is there anything more romantic than a destination wedding?
A picturesque location with the right atmosphere is the secretto creating a lifetime’s worth of treasured memories. Islands arealways popular for those inclined to shimmering emerald waters
and sea-salt breezes. Malaysia’s highlands are great for thoselooking for cool weather and natural splendour. A historic city
is also an excellent choice for an out-of-town experience without
sacrificing urban reliability. Couples can also opt to celebrate theirmarriage in two parts—formal wedding celebrations in the cityfollowed by a more casual gathering at a holiday destination—to
enjoy the best of both worlds.
Expect secluded
grandeur at
Pangkor Laut Resort

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Honeymoon
Bliss

These hotels—Pangkor Laut Resort,
Cameron Highlands Resort and
The Majestic Malacca—are
currently offering a complimentary
two-night honeymoon stay at
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
along with their wedding packages.
Experience authentic Bali at theresort’s uniquely peaceful andtranquil beachfront spa set against
a lush landscape of mysticalpeaks and the vivid blue sea.
The Sea Villa

PANGKOR LAUT RESORTThis tropical resort which earned
the accolade of Number 1 in theWorld by Condé Nast Traveller, offersa gorgeous private island paradise
set against the Straits of Malacca.
The resort has played host to thegreat tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who
performed a private concert on theisland itself. In his own words, hedescribed the Pangkor Laut Resort
as “This place is enchanting, it isparadise here.” Guests can choose
between beautifully appointed
villas nestled within hillsidegardens or suspended on stilts above
calm tropical waters, each withits distinctive charm. Circle theisland on a chartered luxury yacht
cruise to take in the sights of an

untouched two-million-year-old
rainforest or look your radiantbest on your big day with a preceremony couple’s experienceat the resort’s Spa Village. The
hotel’s “One Island, One Resort”
ethos means there’s a wide arrayof activities available that willmore than entertain your guests.
Idyllic spots perfect for
weddings are bountiful,
beginning with a sunset seaside
reception at the resort’s secluded
and pristine Emerald Bay.
Imagine the sound of gently
lapping waves on a luscious
beach, an elegantly styled
wedding arch, gorgeous sunset
views—it’s everything you need

to usher you well into the next
big phase of your life with yoursignificant other. Or perhaps awedding at The Estates, the resort’s
private sanctuaries located on theisland’s northern tip, is more toyour liking. Couples can enlist
the help of a personal butler andchef on call during their stay at
the two-bedroom Hilltop Estate,
which will play an integralrole during a private wedding
reception as they enjoy a fivecourse curated dinner set in the
comfort of their Estate garden.
WhatsApp or Dial: +60 12 311 2871
Email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my
Browse: pangkorlautresort.com

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CAMERON HIGHLANDS RESORTLush rolling hills and old-world
English charm are all within reachat Cameron Highlands Resort.
This is a perfect highland
getaway filled with trails, tales
and traditions. The property’s
access to scenic views, a coolclimate, and the rustic charmof a bygone era make it ideal
for a small-sized wedding. The
surrounding tea plantations andstrawberry fields are also enjoyable
detours, along with a hike in the
mysteriously named Mossy Forest.
Couples can book out the entire
resort for greater privacy andcontrol over their reception should
they so desire. Exchange vows

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surrounded by elegant florals,
marking the beginning of your life
as newlyweds over a fireside toast,or cut cake on stage in the hotel’s
80-seat ballroom—it’s entirely
up to you. The hotel’s wedding
packages are specifically designedwith intimacy in mind, including
essentials such as a petal-strewn
aisle, an arch decorated withhighland blooms, a five-course
classic colonial dinner, a twotier wedding cake and more.
WhatsApp or Dial: +60 12 311 2871
Email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my
Browse: cameronhighlandsresort.com

Browse through this curated collection of
YTL Hotels luxury wedding venues and moreby visiting www.ytlhotels.com/my/weddings

The Library

THE MAJESTIC MALACCA
Amidst centuries of culture
and commerce, you will find
The Majestic Malacca, a charming
hotel situated on the river bankof this Unesco World Heritage
city, harkening back to a bygone
era where it was once a vital river
trade route selling spices. The hotelfeatures a gorgeously restored
1920s Straits Settlement mansion
at the front, complete with its
original porcelain tile flooring andteakwood fittings. An extended
guesthouse at the rear houses
the rooms, suites, and the awardwinning Spa Village that melds
Peranakan healing traditions
with contemporary luxuries.
The Majestic Malacca’s cosy
atmosphere makes it excellent forsmall-scale wedding celebrations,as couples can reserve exclusive useof the entire hotel if they so desire.
The lovebirds can also embark on
the next step of their lives with ajoyous Kristang-style wedding,with festivities, cuisine and live
performances commemorating
generations of tradition andculture which are sure to promisea unique reception like no other.
WhatsApp or Dial: +60 12 311 2871
Email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my
Browse: majesticmalacca.com

Higashiyama Niseko Village,
a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,
offers unmatched skiing
luxury in Hokkaido

Come Away
With MeThe declaration, celebration, andsensational moments may beover, but it only signals the next
phase of your marriage journey—
the honeymoon. If you are
lured by the romance of tropicalisland retreats, alpine adventuresand cultural sojourns, here are
five fantastic global holiday
destinations featuring YTL Hotels
to consider when planning that
all-important first trip as husband
and wife.

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NISEKO, JAPANNiseko in Hokkaido,
Japan is often hailed as
one of the nation’s premierskiing destinations. The
champagne powder snow,
slopes ranging frombeginner-friendly to backcountry, and the allure of
Hokkaido’s internationallyrenowned produce arejust a few reasons to enjoy
a winter trip with yourpartner. Cosy up with your
beloved in the evenings
and watch the glorious
sunset as it looms over themajestic Mount Yōtei or
rejuvenate the body andmind at the hot springs.
Experience all this andmore at Niseko Village,
YTL’s curated collection offive luxury hotels that havedirect access to 2,191 acresof skiable terrain.
Stay at Higashiyama
Niseko Village,
a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,awarded by Timemagazine as one of theWorld’s Greatest Places,
to experience timelessJapanese luxury. Here,become fully immersed in
the resort’s Kachou Fuugetsu
philosophy—discovering
oneself through nature—through its collectionof authentic and highly
curated experiences.
Email: reservation.
higashiyama@ritzcarlton.com
Browse: ritzcarlton.com/
higashiyamanisekovillage

BALI, INDONESIA

While Bali may be closer
to home, it ranks high on
many must-visit holiday
lists for good reason. Don’t
get caught up in the island’scontemporary gleam andinstead opt to discoverauthentic Bali for a romantic
retreat unlike any other. Takein the mesmerising paddy
field terraces around theisland, visit ancient temples
that are believed to be theisland’s spiritual pillars,or take a hike up Mount
Agung, the island’s highest
mountain. When it comesto accommodation, stay atSpa Village Resort Tembok,
Bali for luxurious serenity.
Email: travelcentre@
ytlhotels.com.my
Browse: spavillageresort.com

KOH SAMUI,THAILANDNot all islands are createdequal, and Koh Samui’s
version of island paradise
is wonderfully Thai. The
island is just the rightsize to balance exploration
and relaxation, has beaches
and waters that feel straightout of a scenic painting,and is home to the
Ang Thong National
Marine Park for thosepartial to the aquatic.
Koh Samui is also easily
accessible via air travel
and is great to visit all
year round. Stay at
The Ritz-Carlton,
Koh Samui, situatedalong Thailand’ssouthern coastline,
for an unforgettable
honeymoon and embrace
The Samui Way of Life.
Email: reservations@ritzcarlton-kohsamui.com
Browse: ritzcarlton.
com/kohsamui

SAINT-TROPEZ,FRANCESaint-Tropez is that dreamy
town for you to experiencelife’s finest luxuries. This
charming coastal town on
the French Riviera has beena staple holiday destination
for the rich and famous for
decades due to its beautiful
beaches, exciting bon vivant
lifestyle, gastronomic
delights, and dedication to
the arts. Go horse riding in
the morning, luxury yacht
cruising in the afternoon
and get pampered at
a reputable spa in theevening. Book one of
15 unique suites at
MUSE Saint-Tropez andexperience an elegant hotelthat reflects architectural
simplicity nestled in
the heart of an awardwinning ecological andself-sustainable garden.

From top: The dreamy
Monkey Island Estate
invites travellers toa private island on
the River Thames;
experience the high life
in MUSE Saint-Tropez

Email: reservation@muse-hotels.com
Browse: muse-hotels.com

UNITED KINGDOM

Why restrict yourhoneymoon to one country
when you can tour theUnited Kingdom andexperience a multitude
of cultural splendours?
Perhaps you might start
off your tour in London,
with a stay at The Academy
Hotel in Bloomsbury.
Radiating a bookishcharm, this hotel features acollection of five Georgian
townhouses combined
into one luxury hotel
dedicated to the lives andloves of the Bloomsbury
Set of the early 20th
century. Experience British
countryside refinements

at Monkey Island Estatein Bray, a luxury hotel
set on a private islandon the River Thames.
Immerse yourself inthe heritage of Scottish
whisky during your stayat The Glasshouse in
Edinburgh, the city’s
premier five-star hotelwith strong ties to local
whisky legends. Before
you return home, staya relaxing night at
The Gainsborough BathSpa to undo deep-seatedmuscular tension in
the healing waters of its
natural thermal baths.

From left: Spa Village Resort
Tembok, Bali is the perfectsecluded getaway that
newlyweds desire; enjoy
legendary Thai hospitality
at its best in luxury resort
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui

Email: resv@
theacademyhotel.co.uk
Browse: theacademyhotel.co.uk
Email: reservations@monkeyislandestate.co.uk
Browse: monkeyislandestate.
co.uk
Email: reservations@
theglasshousehotel.co.uk
Browse: theglasshousehotel.co.uk
Email: reservations@
thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
Browse:thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

Good for Grazing

In the famous words of American poet andmemoirist Maya Angelou, “People will forget what
you said, people will forget what you did, butpeople will never forget how you made them feel.”
What it means for any good party host or hostessis this: keep them well-fed and well-watered but
not overly stuffed, hence these enticing examples offinger food for nibbling mid-conversation
By Samantha Sowerby

AUBERGINE BALLS WITH YOGHURT-MINT DIP
By Christian Bauer, IG @troikaskydining

FUN FACT: Aubergines are to France as eggplants are
to America, which explains why Christian Bauer applies
the former moniker—the executive chef of Cantaloupeat Troika Sky Dining is as European as they get.
“Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, thesemeat-free appetisers are my new favourite,” gushes Baueras he shows us how to ball up the bite-sized appetisers.
“They can be pre-shaped days ahead of the party, so on
the day itself, just drop them into hot oil. They don’t evenneed to be served hot, so you can prepare and plate themearly enough to answer the door with a Martini in hand.”

INGREDIENTSIMAGES BY RESPECTIVE RECIPE CREATORS(Makes approximately 50 balls)
For the dough• 5 medium-sized aubergines (600g
roasted weight, 450g pressed)• 1 tbsp tahini• 75g ground almond or almond flour• 75g freshly grated Parmesan• Coarse ground black pepper• 2 eggs• 75g breadcrumbs• Oil for deep frying
For the pesto• 2 garlic cloves, rough chop
• 10g salt
• 1 tsp oregano (dried or fresh)• 6 large basil leaves, rough chop
• 1 tbsp olive oil• 1 tbsp ground almond or almond flour
For the dip• 2 small tubs of unflavoured yoghurt• 1 large garlic clove, fine mince• 1 big handful of mint leaves, chopped• Salt and black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Grill or roast the aubergines until blackened.
2. Leave them to cool before scooping out
and coarsely chopping the flesh.
3. Make your pesto: Using a pestle and mortar, poundthe garlic and salt to a paste. Add the oregano, basil
and olive oil and pound some more. Add the groundalmonds and give the mixture a final pounding.
4. Combine your pesto with the dough ingredients inthis order: Tahini, ground almond, Parmesan andpepper first, eggs next. Lastly, stir in the breadcrumbs
and make sure everything is well-mixed.
5. Cool in the chiller overnight or for at least 3 hours.
6. Shape into 15g balls, roll in breadcrumbs (ordon’t) and fry in oil at 170°C until gold in hue.
7. Make your dip: By simply mixing all the ingredients
together, you’ll get a perfectly serviceable dip. However,the second method is much better: Start by pouring
the yoghurt into a strainer lined with a wet cheeseclothor towel and leave to drain for 3 hours. Add theremaining ingredients to the strained yoghurt.
Remember—it’s the drip that makes the dip!

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25

CREAMY KIMCHI DIP PARTY PLATTER
Theri Burhan, IG @theriburhan

Spice up your party by a notch with this Kimchi Dip!
“The combination was accidentally discovered when I had
leftover kimchi and cream cheese in the fridge,” says Theri.
“Not too sure what to do with them, I thought why not justcombine the two? The combination worked surprisingly
well—spicy, creamy and highly addictive, especially withcucumbers. Go ahead and dip happily away! The dip
will make a good fried chicken burger sauce as well.”

INGREDIENTS(Serves 4-6)

Tatler
Occasions26• 150g kimchi• 120g cream cheese, room temperature• 80g Greek yoghurt, room temperature• 1 tbsp Gochujang (optional, for an extra kick)• 2 tbsp lemon juice• Salt and pepper, to taste• ½ tsp Gochugaru (Korean chilli powder) for garnish

METHOD

1. Prepare the kimchi by squeezing out
as much liquid as possible. With a knife,
cut the kimchi into smaller pieces.
2. Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces, if needed.
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yoghurt andkimchi together. If you prefer the dip to be spicier,add in 1 tablespoon of Gochujang. Alternatively, you
may also mix all the ingredients in a food processor.
3. Mix in lemon juice, salt and pepper. To finish,sprinkle the Gochugaru on top. Serve with crackers,
nuts, raw vegetables, chips of your choice!

KITCHEN NOTES

1. If you do not have Gochujang, Sriracha
can be used as a substitute.
2. The cream cheese must be at room temperature to
avoid large chunks of cheese during the mixing process.

SPICY UMAMI POPCORN
By Yi Jun Loh, IG @jun.and.tonic“Popcorn is often either sweet, salty or sweet-and-salty,”
points out recipe creator Yi Jun Loh. “This begs thequestion: why isn’t there a spicy popcorn or umami
popcorn? Or better yet, how about a spicy umami
popcorn?” One Asia’s Most Influential: Tastemakers of2021, Loh set out to fill the gap in the market for himself
with this recipe, which was originally published on
junandtonic.com and reprinted with his permission.

INGREDIENTS(Serves 2 to 4 guests)• 3 tbsp canola oil or any other neutral oil• 1/3 cup unpopped popcorn kernels• 1 tbsp light soy sauce• 2 tsp fish sauce• 1 tbsp Sriracha or 1 tsp Gochujang• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup nori (dried seaweed), roughly chopped• ½ cup bonito flakes• ½ tsp smoked paprika• 1 cup granulated or caster sugar
TATLER TIP: An advocate for mise en place, Lohadvises weighing and prepping all your ingredients
before getting to work on the caramel, whichburns easily and requires your full attention.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the popcorn: First, pour the oil into a deep pot or
wok. Add 3-5 popcorn kernels. Cover the pot with a lid andplace it over high heat. When all the kernels have popped,
take the pan off the heat, and add the rest of the kernels.

Give the kernels a quick stir to coat them evenly with
hot oil and then leave the pot covered for 30 seconds.
With the lid still on, turn the heat on high and let all
the popcorn pop. When the pops subside (to a rate ofless than 1 pop per second), take the pot off the heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce,
hot sauce and baking soda together. In a separate
bowl, combine the chopped nori, bonito flakes andsmoked paprika. Preheat your oven to 110°C and line
a baking tray with baking paper or a silicon mat.
3. Make the popcorn caramel: Sprinkle ¼ of the sugar
evenly into a pan (non-stick advisable) and turn theheat to medium. When some of the sugar starts
to melt, sprinkle a little more sugar on the melted
parts. Do this until you’ve added all the sugar. Keepcooking the sugar until it turns into a caramel andswirl the pan occasionally. When the sugar hasturned a deep amber, add the sauce mixture andwhisk vigorously. The caramel will start frothing
and might seem split, but keep whisking it for 30-60
seconds until it comes together into a smooth lava.
4. Pour the caramel onto your popped corn,
add the dry ingredients and use a spatula to mix
everything together. The caramel will harden withtime, becoming tricky to mix, so work fast!
5. Spread all the popcorn onto a baking tray in aneven layer and bake at 110°C for 60 minutes, giving
the popcorn a rough stir every 15 minutes.
6. Remove popcorn from oven and let cool for 15
minutes before eating. The spicy umami popcorn
keeps well in an airtight container for up to 3days, although it’ll lose its crunch over time.

Tatler
Occasions27All in theDetails
It’s time to break out thesilverware—or in this case,
Bonia’s first-ever fine china
tableware By Koyyi Chin.

Styling by Trisha Toh. Photography by Khairul ImranFESTIVE FUNWith a cheery palette that is as versatile as it is an all-time favourite forthe festive season, the red-and-gold patterns that decorate the Marini series
is the perfect addition for any party that needs an edge of sophistication.

Tatler30

Opposite page, from top
left: Caption copy Atius ut
corestibusam et apicipsa
pa sinti assequunt utem
dundis dolupta venienda
cus eos pro Chanel dolo res
porerepti struptatur? Quia
verovit, vent

TATLER’S EASYGUIDE TOENTERTAINING

Colour-coordinate your tableware!
It is a known fact that reds are anappetising colour, so a feast for theeyes is what whets the appetite.
So take note of your chosen
theme, your party’s environment,
as well as your menu. If it’s aChristmas party you’re hosting,consider the location—is it rustic?
Contemporary? It also helps toimagine how your food will lookserved on your chosen tableware.

Tatler31

TATLER’S EASYGUIDE TOENTERTAINING

Use what you have at hand for thatextra dash of detail and don’t beafraid to upcycle your previous
decorations. Whether it’s origami
napkins, a little handwritten card
atop your guests’ dinnerware
or even a sprig of green tied tosilverware, the possibilities areendless! Take this Mediterraenean
medley for example: No time
to find the perfect centrepiece?
Construct a fruit bowl.

Tatler32

POSH CHARM

Painting a Sicilian dream with a Malaysian twist, the classic white-blue
Merlion tableware represents the evergreen nature of the tropics and isadorned with designs inspired by the local wildlife, including avian motifs likepeacocks and cranes, which are symbols of beauty, longevity and prosperity.

Tatler33

HOMETOWN GLORY

While the Peninsula set provides an elegant timelessness for any
occasion, the inspiration behind its green-gold motif comes froma place full of heart and home, paying ode to not only the vibrantcultures of Melaka but the rich palette of Peranakan art as well.

Tatler34

TATLER’S EASYGUIDE TOENTERTAINING

Set the mood with lighting andmusic. Based on the timing of yourparty and its theme, consider theatmosphere you want by curating aplaylist so you don’t have to worry
about awkward silences or lulls in
conversations. For added depth,
mix up your candle sizes andcandlestick heights, and use scented
candles to amplify the mood.

Discover Bonia’s tableware collection at bonia.com
or visit their boutiques in Mid Valley Megamall,
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur or Sunway Pyramid.
Prices range from RM299-RM1,100.

Tatler35

Cake
Cognoscenti
The Klang Valley’s
fabulous baker boys—andgirls—and their signature
products By Samantha Sowerby

OPHELIA BAKES

Speciality: Vintage cakes withdark or floral aesthetics
Instagram: @opheliabakes_my

TATLER TIP: Some standout
creations by Ophelia Bakes resemble
music boxes, flower vases and PreRaphaelite paintings—edible works
of art worth commemorating.

IMAGE OPHELIA BAKES

Ophelia, the beautiful but
tragic noblewoman in William
Shakespeare’s Hamlet, plays muse to
Nabila Asyiqin and Aiman Asyraf ofOphelia Bakes. “It is such a beautiful
name that represents our feminine,romantic cakes,” say the spouses.
“Our whole aesthetic evokes the
Elizabethan and Victorian eras,
hence we love experimenting withvintage elements from old paintingsand ornaments; even the simplest
everyday objects were craftedwith a different level of intricacy
then.” Romantics at heart, Nabila
and Aiman particularly enjoy
taking engagement and wedding
cake requests. “It is a sentimental
feeling, knowing you are a part ofsomeone’s special day, and that ourcreations will be preserved in theirphotographs and memories for years
to come—it is such an honour.”DELECTABLE BY SU

Speciality: Delectable Paradise
Cheesecake, Bunny Praline
Cheesecake Tart, and 7 Sins of
Chocolate, among others
Instagram: @delectablebysu
In a city overrun with pastry chefs,
both professional and self-taught,
most only enjoy a short stint, andyet Delectable by Su is 12 years
and counting. “There really is nosecret to our success other thanplain hard work and perseverance,”
shrugs founder Su-Yin Huen. “Ofcourse, a delicious product works
wonders too!” One of Delectable
by Su’s strong suits is offering adiverse menu consisting of cakes,
cupcakes, cookies, candies, loaves,tarts, and even bridal and party
boxes—a godsend for harried hosts
and hostesses. The head baker andher team also excel at child-friendly
treats portraying cute charactersand realistic desserts that willcause you to do a double take.

IMAGES DELECTABLE BY SU

TATLER TIP: A new menu itemsince mid-2021, the Delectable
Paradise Cheesecake (pictured
bottom left) is already one of the
bakery’s bestsellers. Aware of howholiday-deprived everyone feels,
herself included, Huen decided
to create a beach-themed dessert
to combat the Covid blues.

Tatler
Occasions37

LINL
INLIN CAKE SHOP

Tatler
Occasions38

A huge fan of Harajuku style eversince she was a little girl, homebaker Charmaine Wong dresses her
cakes—and herself—in such a waythat pays homage to the Japanese
subculture. Think sweet and sassy
cakes complete with expert piping
skills. Not a one-woman operation
as most imagine, LinLin Cake Shop
is a small family business; Wong’s
parents and a part-time designer
have her back. By offering bothcustom and ready-made cakes,
Wong is constantly challenged tostep outside of her comfort zone
while also sharpening her existingskill set. LinLin Cake Shop, whichrocketed to fame during lockdown,celebrates its first-year anniversary
in November 2021, and the future
is ever so bright. Fans will be overthe moon to learn that Wong
wishes to open a physical store in
2022 while also moving towards
merchandising. “My vision is tomake LinLin an experience—one
that will always be talked about,”shares the cake artist.

IMAGES LINLIN CAKE SHOP

Speciality: Character (especially frogs)
and retro-vintage cakes Instagram:@linlin_cake

C FOR CAKESSpeciality: 24 Karrot andDrunken Forest
Instagram: @c.for.cakes

IMAGES C FOR CAKES

Back-to-back lockdowns were
exceptionally jarring for Cyrus
Chin, director of Bravo Eventsand Entertainment. “From being
super busy, my schedule suddenly
came to a complete standstill,”he shivers. “It’s tough for me to
not be on my toes, so I decided
to reignite my love of baking.” Ifanything, Chin’s experience inevents management has given
him a keen understanding of whatcustomers crave. “Just like withrunning events, there is a need to beinnovative and to present exciting
ideas,” says the former pastry chef,
whose bestsellers are classic cakeswith contemporary twists: thinkcarrot cake but crowned with apunnet’s worth of fruits and Black
Forest with liberal splashes of stout,
Grand Marnier, rum and whisky.
Speaking of spirits, keep an eye out
for Chin’s boozy fruit cake, whichmakes a star appearance once a
year during Christmastime.

Tatler
Occasions39Party Perfect

What’s the secret to sprucing up your get-togethers?
Three Tatler friends share their game-changing tips
for every novice By Emmylin Yeoh

Tatler
Occasions40

but every party extraordinaire has also had their fairshare of challenges, herself included. “The seating planis one of the most crucial parts of planning,” she says.
“You need to take into account the shape of the table
and who your guest will engage with naturally. It cantake me hours to get it right, it’s quite like a social jigsaw
puzzle. Lifelong friendships often can be formed at aparty where the seating plan was executed perfectly.”
For someone who has learned the art of it
all, what would possibly be her go-to party
formula? “50% amazing food, 20% jaw-droppingtable setting, 20% impeccable planning, 5%
kickass music and 5% accidental madness.”

SHEN-TEL LEE

Co-founder of Bowerhaus and Sereni & Shentel
If the ability to throw exceptional parties were a gene,then Shen-Tel Lee has inherited plenty of them from theultimate hostess—her mother, Dame Betty Lee. “Makelists of everything! From the table arrangements, cutlery,crockery, glassware, to the food menu, beverages,
party favours, it’s important to know your guests andknow what would make them feel at home,” she says.
A lover of all things retro, vintage, kitschy andthrifty, Shen-Tel has a natural knack for turning
the old and impossible into something new andinteresting. She insists that her aesthetic is, in fact,
not having an aesthetic. “I am known for throwing
very colourful, elegant yet tacky parties. It’s my look.
I love novelty plates and placemats that you would
pass if you saw it in the shops. I see beauty in thewhack,” Shen-Tel says with inspiring enthusiasm.
Her favourite part of putting together a party is
to always inject unexpected details and an elementof surprise. “It’s hard to actually nail what it is,” sheadmits, but her most memorable party moments
include a drag queen who got the whole room dancing,synchronised swimmers with fireworks set off in thesky, and a dinner set on a black sand beach, to name afew. Shen-Tel has a few tips and tricks up her sleeves,

TUNKU ELANA KHYRA

Group chief marketing officer of MAA Group Berhad

Tatler
Occasions42

Circus-themed parties, fine art themed soirées,masquerade birthday bashes à la The Phantom of
The Opera … Tunku Elana Khyra has truly done itall. One glance at her Instagram feed and you can
immediately get the feeling that this young royal isfull of vigour, and excitement for life and laughter.
“Setting the theme is the first step to a fantastic party.
Make it absurd, but with lots of flair,” Tunku Elanashares. “I’m a self-prescribed maximalist. I go all out
with my outfits and make-up. I love getting personal bymaking my own costume, like my Frida Kahlo flower
crown! I once threw a party where I printed money bills
with my face on it. You know what they say, do it rightor don’t do it at all,” Tunku Elana fondly recounts.
Even though she advises that it’s best to planahead and allow ample notice for a party, there
were also times when she had to improvise. “Myfriends and I once had an impromptu party in abathroom that was surrounded by mirrors. Take every
opportunity and make it uniquely yours,” she says.
While others talk about setting the tone, planningthe food menu and being strategic about the space,
Tunku Elana feels very strongly about having thecorrect music, as it gives the guests a feel of the
moment. “I always consult my incredibly talented
friends who DJ to put together a bangin’ playlist,
and they always show up with their decks, smoke
machines, light and lasers, massive speakers, danceworthy tunes and funky dance moves,” she says.
“I love a funky, groovy sound,” she admits. “Loveme a bit of Purple Disco Machine. My friends Lissa
Zombie, Rimka Sandhu, and Jonny Vicious arealso a powerhouse medley that knows how to get acrowd going. Disclosure afro beats, Later Bitches,
Love Tonight by Shouse is our anthem. Opus by
Eric Prydz is my hype song,” she concludes.

New Beginnings
The first coloured gemstone range
fit for a royal, the Le Lumiere Royal
Collection is made for glamorous
moments in life
ONE OF A KIND

A Le Lumiere is an heirloom
cherished for generations. Placingemphasis on a diamond’s ideal
proportion and perfect symmetry,its signature 8 hearts and 8
arrows diamond is a masterpiececharacterised by an extreme
level of cutting precision.

TREASURE OF ITS OWN

The first coloured gemstone
range, the Royal Blue Sapphire
Collection, is an evolution of theclassic Le Lumiere. Among theworld’s coveted gems, the royal blue
sapphire was a natural choice for
its rarity and striking blue hue thatpleases the eye and captivates theheart. The sapphire stone is also an
elegant gemstone associated withroyalty and its strong connection
to romance. In the hands of themasterful artisans at Le Lumiere,
two contemporary designs wereborn. Showcasing a half circleof round brilliant Le Lumierediamonds interlaced with royal blue

sapphires, both meticulously handset in 18k white gold, both rings areindividualistic in their own way.

LUXURY IN EVERY DETAILIs the Le Lumiere Royal Blue
Sapphire Collection only anoccasion piece? Not quite. Designedwith luxurious practicality andversatility in mind, these rings
are understated yet glamorous
as an everyday piece, whether it’son its own or paired with othergems in your jewellery closet.

Tatler43

NEAL ESTAVILLO

Head of branding and marketing at BonusLink
Having been in the creative industry for more than
25 years, Neal has translated his well-trained eye forad visuals into magical party throwing. A believerthat having a clear intention for a party from the getgo will make your gathering less one-size-fits-all or
bland, Neal filters it down to the question of “Whatcan I do to make my guests have a good time?” Hesays, “Throwing a good party requires empathy!”
Taking two main elements—chemistry andimagination—into play, Neal explains that every
great party is built on this. He decides on a theme
and makes sure every sensorial contact adds to it.
This runs the gamut from the look and feel of thedinner table, food menu, scents in the air, dress codeand the guests invited. “Look at your guest list andimagining how they’ll get along can lead to a very
multidimensional night. Two people may have similarstyles and aesthetics, though one expresses it in interior
design and the other, in travel experiences, which
can trigger a potentially rich conversation,” he says.
When it comes to choosing an aesthetic, Neal prefers
to keep his palette clean, leaving all the rich colours to
the food and allowing it to take centre stage. “I have abias towards a monochromatic aesthetic for the tablesettings, leaning towards charcoal and white. Warmlighting always enhances the mood. A touch of colour—
usually aligned with the occasion (red for Chinese New
Year, for example)—completes the look,” he says.
Having said that, planning the table setting down

Tatler
Occasions44

to a tee is also key to throwing a fabulous party. Do
all elements complement each other? Does the setup
allow for easy movement to reach across the table?
Does the seating arrangement allow for rich exchanges?
“Everything ultimately revolves around the table,
and thus must be the focus of attention,” Neal says.
The essence in every party is boiled down to the foodand company, but Neal argues that one can always takeit up a notch by making it a full sensorial experience. “Ifyou intrigue with elements of sight, scent, sound, touchand taste, you’re bound to leave an impression.”

Circle ofForever

In a world where all happy endings
start with love, Le Lumiere’s
sophisticated designs are an eternal
reminder of happiness
DIAMONDS OF LIGHT

Minimalistic design, maximum
brilliance. The perfect wedding
starts with the Le Lumiere Luscious
collection, a timeless work of art
where all facets of the diamond are
perfectly aligned at 180 degrees forthe ultimate Hearts and Arrows cut.
An elegant design featuring a roundsolitaire diamond as the centerpiece,
followed by a twinkling trail ofsparkles set into the ring’s band, thisis a testament to the wildly popularsaying “Diamonds are a girl’s bestfriend”. As a complement to yourbetter half, the Conquisti Men’sring—a bold masterpiece madefor forever—is an exquisite choice
to signify your happy ever after.

INFINITY AND BEYOND

Wedding bands represent the startof marriage lasting through an
eternity. Discover the definitionof true love and capture yourspecial day with the elegant Infiniti
wedding band, where the classic
symbol meets modern style.

Marrying creative designs andlightweight functionality, this is
the collection for the discerning
couple who wants it all.

JAZZ IT UP

Dazzle in creations that push
the boundaries of high-end
jewellery. The sophisticated Le
Lumiere Luxé collection is allabout showstopping pieces thatwill steal you a second glance. The
Le Lumiere Luxé ring makes it
easy to shine among the crowd,
with a 0.60-carat centre ring thathas a perfect pattern of eightsymmetrical arrows in its crownand eight symmetrical hearts,
surrounded by 68 melee diamonds
totalling up to 0.58 carats.

ONE FOR ALL

With less than 1% of the world’s
diamonds cut with the exact hearts
and arrows optical symmetry
precision, Le Lumiere is truly thebest of the best, making it wellvalued and desired by many.

From top: Le Lumiere
Luxé ring; Le Lumiere
Luscious collection;
Infiniti wedding bands;
Conquisti men’s ringC’mon Let’s
Celebrate!

Mark your special occasions
with wine and champagne,
with some inspiration fromthe masters By Sarah Heller MW
LIGHT BODY,
CLEAN FLAVOURS

Ruinart: Constantin Brancusi
Ruinart wines are heavily
built on chardonnay, someof them 100 per cent, andstrike the palate like beamsof pure light, their taut,soaring energy beautifully
epitomised by Brancusi’s
bronze Bird in Space
sculptures. Like those spaceage plumes, the wines leave
the impression that they will
outlive us all.
Perrier-Jouët: Georgia O’Keeffe
The swooning art nouveau
anemones gracing PerrierJouët’s Belle Epoque leadvirtually everyone to pickup white flowers in theirwines, so perhaps picking
O’Keeffe is a bit on thenose. However, these wines
share the focus and formal
discipline of the New
Mexico painter’s close-upsof white roses, calla lilies
and irises. A fine balanceof fanciful and pure, thewines, like the paintings, arequietly luminous.
Cristal: Sandro Botticelli
Cristal, the superlative
cuvée born in 1876 of Tsar

Alexander II’s paranoia—it
is rumoured he requested
a clear bottle so he could
detect poisons—boasts
the peerless longevity thateluded the royal himself.
There’s an austerity at its
core, the product of chalky
soils or retained malic
acid, that is temperedby an elaborate exteriorof abundant lees andcreaminess. Likewise, thefloral crowns and brocadesof Botticelli’s figurescontrast with their serene,contemplative expressions
and a detached, linear stylethat, at more than 500 years
old, feels similarly timeless.
Agrapart et Fils:
Alberto Giacometti
The coveted wines of Côte
des Blancs superstar grower
Pascal Agrapart are almost
exclusively angular, lithe
and racy, much like theslender, craggy figuresof mid-20th-century
Swiss sculptor Alberto
Giacometti. Intensely
hand-wrought in feel, thewines exhibit a dynamic
immediacy shared by
Giacometti’s confidently
striding forms.

LIGHT BODY,
BOLD FLAVOURS:Moët & Chandon:
Andy Warhol
Much as the nameMoët is almost
synonymous withchampagne, theway the wines
taste and feel
is similarly
quintessential:
buoyant,
bracing
and toasty,
beyond eventhe epitomeof how we
imaginechampagne.

This “essentialism plus” isembodied in the work of
20th-century seer Warhol,
who, with his technicolour
silk screens of Prince, Marilyn
Monroe or the Queen ofEngland, transfigured humansubjects into iconic images.
Charles Heidsieck: Mark Rothko
Perhaps because of its
Champagne Charlie vibe,
few people take Heidsieck
as seriously as
it deserves. The
immediate impact
of its Brut Réserveon first sniff isunrivalled among NV
champagnes, witha luxuriant, smoky
richness that masks asurprisingly elegant
frame. Similarly,
the walloping
colour of
Rothko’s
paintings
reveals subtle
nuances
upon longer
contemplation.
Pushingand pulling
modulations of flavour andtexture create dimension
and depth not immediately
appreciable.
Salon: Elizabeth Peyton
Another lodestar of thechampagne firmament,
this is a wine of seductive
richness but apparent
effortlessness, recalling theportraits Elizabeth Peyton
builds out of concise,jewel-toned strokes.
Having started as theprivate project of a wealthy
furrier, Eugène-Aimé Salon,
Salon—there is only one
wine—retains a handcrafted
singularity that feels
commensurate with
Peyton’s lovingly brushed,intimate oils andwatercolours.

Vineyards in Le Mesnilsur-Oger, where Salon
champagne is made

Pierre Péters:
Katsushika Hokusai
Grower Rodolphe Péters
is a chardonnay specialist
making some of themost cogent but complex
estate-bottled wines in theregion. His wines reflect thecomposition, economy ofform and exquisite detailingof ukiyo-e woodblock
prints. Hokusai’s 36 Views
of Mount Fuji, with theirhighly controlled senseof drama (and occasional
eruptions), feel like spiritualsiblings to Péters’ wines.

orderly wine of richsurfaces, profound scopeand perfect proportions.
With their masterfulmodelling and tightly
controlled neoclassicalstructures, the monumental
canvases of Jacques-LouisDavid, official court painterof Emperor Napoleon I, feellike an apt match.

IMAGES LEIF CARLSSON (VINEYARD); MICHAËL BOUDOT (PHILIPPONNAT)

FULL BODY,SUBTLE FLAVOURS:

Veuve Clicquot: Jean-Auguste
Dominique Ingres
Though undeniablyclassical in style (citrussy
fruit, creamy mousse, richthough not exuberant toast)wines in the Veuve stable
have a pulsating, winking
allure. Their corseted, pinotpowered sensuality recalls
Ingres’ portraits of wealthy
19th-century society
hostesses, their dark, glossy
locks pulled demurely back,their pale shoulders bareabove bodies concealedby swathes of fur, velvet
and taffeta.
Philipponnat Clos des Goisses:
Jacques-Louis DavidOne of the greatest singlesite wines in Champagne
and one of its oldest. A
precarious south-facingsite yields an unexpectedly

white is defined by Côte
des Blancs chardonnay
with a rigid spine andformidable poise, the rosé
blends mostly Montagne
de Reims pinot with a dashof skinny chardonnay:
initially plump, cascading
and sensuous, it leaves theimpression of icy reserve,much like Whistler’sSymphony in Flesh Colorand Pink.
Georges Laval: Paul Cézanne
The much-admired organic
grower Vincent Lavalmakes sapid, bone-dry
wines of great characterand self-assurance.
Sometimes heavy on thegreyish “crack” aromas (hotsteel, fusel oil), there is asolidity of structure and aconfident modulation offlavours and textures thatseem at one with Cézanne’s
methods. The way the
post-impressionist masterwould feel out his still lifes,
landscapes, or figures insearch of a deeply subjective
truth rhymes with Laval’s
imperfectly perfect,
individualistic wines.

FULL BODY,
INTENSE FLAVOURS:Taittinger Comtes deChampagne:
James McNeill Whistler
The rare house run by
the family named on thelabel, Taittinger is hardto pigeonhole: muchof its range deliberately
combines the robust withthe dainty. Twin icons
Comtes de Champagne
and its rosé counterpart are
opposite poles. While the

Krug Grande Cuvée:
Rachel Ruysch
Krug’s flagshipis notoriously
blended fromdozens of individual
wines—
a typical Édition
might include
around 150—in ameticulous processthat unfolds
over monthsof careful
assemblage andtasting. The
prodigious
floral still
lives of
Dutch

Golden Age painter Rachel
Ruysch give a similar
sense of outdoing nature,ingeniously juxtaposing
exotic blooms that would
never bump stems in reality
into exquisite arrangementsof flaming colour andshimmering texture.
Bollinger: Peter Paul Rubens
Built on the flesh of pinot
noir, Bollinger’s wines area lusty cry of hedonism—
more lees, more oak, more
age—just kept in check by
a rigid but well-concealed
structure. They find astrong visual parallel in
Rubens’ baroque vortices ofluscious female curves andwrithing male sinews.
Pol Roger: Rembrandt
van Rijn
Although Pol Roger’s
most famous fan, Sir
Winston Churchill,admired the paintingsof Matisse, Cézanne andMonet, his tastes in wineran darker and morebrooding. Pinot-heavy,
deep-toned and oozing
finesse, Pol Roger’s wines
recall Rembrandt’s dense,
finely honed portraits
built of layered earth tones,
whites, blacks and flickers
of vermilion red.
Jacques Selosse: Pablo Picasso
Though he’s the originalevangelist for letting terroir
speak through champagne,
Selosse’s divisive creations
are perhaps more
recognisable than any otherproducer’s. Like Picasso’s
vibrating cubist canvases,
these wines deliver almost
an over-abundance of
information, both more
and less true to lived
experience than a morestraightforward portrayal;
like the Spaniard’s works,
they are unforgettable.

Tatler
Occasions47

| Last Word |The Memory Maker

Let’s match each celebration to comewith an extraordinary fragrance By Zoe Yap
identity, never staying the same. Opting for different
fragrances as we move through life’s milestones is agood way to signify change. It works the same withthe rooms in your home. With the end of the year
approaching, chase away staleness with a scent suited
to you. A fragrance diffuser or a scented candle is
the gateway to good times and the hope of more.
In essence, life is made of dazzling milestones andoccasions spent with family and friends. Cinnamon andgingerbread bring back festive baking, while the scent ofpine trees calls on a snowy vacation. Who would wantto let go of such treasured celebrations? Invite them tostay with fragrance, and they’ll stick around forever.

IMAGE COURTESY OF ESCENTIALS BY LUXASIAFor almost a millennia, people have sought ways tounderstand the power of smell. Scent is elusive; it dodges,
dances, and lingers ever so briefly before disappearing.
It doesn’t present you information like your eyes would,
but evokes emotion and memory in odd places. It
might be the comforting scent of the sweater you foundunder your bed, or the smell of jasmine that reminds
you of tea-filled sessions with your friends. Walk down
the street, and the aroma of roast coffee nearby will
have your brain playing a montage of your days in the
sunny, cobblestone-lined streets of Rome. In essence,
fragrance has the power of travelling you back in time.
We’re all in the constant process of phases inMobile and tablet editions are available via Magzter,
Zinio and PressReader digital magazine stores

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