Ciao Bella

t’s only right that a new year should be heralded by new ideas. We’ve kicked off 2017 by taking our annual Asia’s Most Stylish fashion shoot to a new level. The project brings together all the recipients of the Most Stylish Woman awards from eight countries and regions for an occasionally manic but ultimately enjoyable long weekend filled with photo shoots, costume changes, hair appointments and the obligatory quaffing of champagne.

The Asia’s Most Stylish gathering normally takes place somewhere in Asia, but for this edition we took the production to Europe for the first time. Working closely with our partner, DFS Group, we jetted the glamorous women to Venice, where the luxury retailer was launching its first European outlet in a stunning heritage building in the heart of the historic Italian city. The women not only took part in the photo shoots, but were guests at the week-long opening celebrations for T Fondaco dei Tedeschi by DFS, which included a gala dinner as well as exclusive shopping days.

Hong Kong was represented by Valerie Chow, who picked up her award at the Tatler Ball in September. Valerie, who was previously a model, actress and fashion marketing executive, was the perfect candidate and, as our cover story shows, completely in her element. “I love all the images,” she gushed. “Particularly the Like A Virgin shot,” she added, referencing Madonna’s seminal music video. Styled by fashion editor Justine Lee and with the production overseen by photography director Gillian Nadel, the images speak for themselves (p.114).

And with 2017 being a landmark for Hong Kong Tatler, our 40th anniversary year, we couldn’t think of a more glamorous way to kick off our celebrations.

—Sean Fitzpatrick Chief Creative Officer