20/22 Vision
The problem with having Visionaries as the theme for our June 2022 issue was never finding enough people to fill our pages; it was trying to convince the powers that be that it would make financial and logistical sense to green-light a 600-page tome this month, to showcase all the people who have inspired us so far this year. Well, that didn’t happen, but that doesn’t take anything away from those on our whittled-down wish list within these pages, who have—be it through focus and determination, innovative strategy or creative interpretation—astounded us with their clear and powerful vision.
Our cover star should need no introduction; Siobhán Haughey was making waves long before swimming in the Summer Olympics, but she definitely made a splash with her silver medal wins for Hong Kong last year. The ripple effect is evident: Haughey is a household name in the city, she’s getting nonstop attention from media and global brands—tatler also did a video interview with her in partnership with Chanel—not to mention practically every child now dreams of being a swimmer. It’s the last point, however, that resonates particularly strongly with the athlete.
“I especially want kids to know that they can achieve anything, and just because no one has done it before, doesn’t mean they can’t do it,” she tells deputy editor Lauren James in the cover story. “Our Olympic medallists are mostly female, which will hopefully motivate young girls to find a sport they like.” Her swimming career has already had a lasting effect on Hong Kong and aspiring athletes, but Haughey also aims to impact the city’s youth on a more intimate level with her plans to become a child psychologist. Flip to p.126 to get more insight into Haughey’s world. Water you waiting for?
One topic that’s always relevant is sustainability, and it was eye-opening to see how companies and individuals have made the effort to go beyond complacent greenwashing to do something truly innovative that would pave the path for a more eco-friendly future. Whether it’s fashion brands spreading the word on— and technology for—leather alternatives (p.74), auto manufacturers getting behind the drive for sustainability (p.152) or companies exploring how tokens on the blockchain can be used for green initiatives (p.56), these are powerful, brilliant ideas that are shaping our world right now.
Speaking of the blockchain, as we continue our foray into the metaverse and learn how NFTS are doing more than just being an annoying new acronym in our vernacular, we explore how creative types and food and drink companies are pushing the boundaries of what they do way beyond what could even be imagined before. Artists Brendan Dawes (p.134) and Alexis Christodoulou (p.146) take digital art in two completely different directions, but with similarly breathtaking results; meanwhile, our dining story this month, Let Them Eat Crypto (p.156), shows us how exactly NFTS can be used to great effect in the F&B world. If you, like me, have been picturing an NFT image of a bagel, then you need to read this.
As we bid adieu to the first half of the year, here’s hoping that we’ve inspired you for the second half of 2022 through the stories of these visionaries and their roadmap for the future.