Editor’s Letter
The subject of style has always been a big debate in the BAZAAR office.When discussing who makes the annual Stylish Women cut, the team considers so many factors, because who each of us considers stylish is very different. For me, my ultimate style icon has always been my mother. I know it sounds corny, but she has more style in her last finger than I will ever have in my entire body. There’s a confidence and flair that she carries herself with; always wearing something fitted to her slim, petite frame, accompanied by red lipstick.When it comes to her own style icons, she’s inspired by “the chic elegance of Audrey Hepburn, the theatrical flamboyance of Madonna, the over-the-top glamour of Elizabeth Taylor and the sophisticated, understated style of Jacqueline Kennedy.” Likewise, the women we celebrate in our annual list of Stylish Women on page 81 come from many different walks of life, each with a style that’s intrinsically her own. Adlina Anis, a woman of incredible grace, is a stylist-turnedentrepreneur with her own modest fashion line. Then there’s Grace Thomas, who likens her style to the glamour of yesteryear, combined with the sensuality of Helmut Newton’s photographs. For our shoot, Thomas wears her own Alexandre Vauthier dress, whose bold, sexy and dramatic designs have made him the go-to couturier for women as diverse as Rihanna, Kendall Jenner and Brigitte Macron.Talking about sexy, don’t miss our double cover fashion spread with Victoria’s Secret supermodels, Lais Ribeiro and Elsa Hosk (page 148). Hosk wore the coveted Fantasy Bra, which was covered with diamonds at this year’s VS runway extravaganza, and both models sizzle in the latest cruise collections.Taking fashion one notch higher in an issue that also celebrates decadence and haute couture, our Associate Creative Director, Windy Aulia, showcases the standouts from the fall/winter 2018 collections in “Grand Gestures” (page 136). Meanwhile, Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan reports from Paris on Asia’s new league of couture customers on page 68.They have no qualms mixing show-stopping gowns with trendy high-street pieces. Because style has less to do with money or the ability to buy the latest runway pieces—it’s about possessing that magical quality called taste. My mother recently told me,“I adore accessories, jewels, handbags and shoes to keep up with the changing trends. I love to read style magazines and people-watch. Now, you are my style guru.” Such compliments from the maestro herself. I just hope that this apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.