Excellence from Within
ack in my all-girls school, the topic of matching lingerie was once a subject of great debate. “Who cares if it matches? Who will see it?” the austeres scoffed. “We’d rather buy nice shoes.” “No one needs to know but you,” the sensationals drawled in retort. “It just makes you feel better knowing that what people can’t see is also well-put together.” At a training session conducted by Audi Singapore recently, I was briefly reminded of The Great Lingerie Debate when our trainer Richard Sorensen spoke of how Audis are so well made that they even pay attention to how the engine’s soldering must be neat and presentable. “It doesn’t affect the performance of the car,” he opined. “And no one opens the hood to look at the engine and says ‘look at that welding; what a beautiful car’. But to us, it’s important that even this detail is well done —even if no one sees it.” And that’s what luxury is about, really. Who designed it? Who made it? The unseen details and efforts that go into the production of a luxury product all add to its allure, authenticity and beauty. Ideally, taking time to create something would add to the item’s value, and reduce the need or urge to dispose of it when the next beautiful thing comes along. This is also true in the world of fashion today, where “Slow Fashion” has become a buzzword. Everyone, from discerning young online shoppers to seasoned couture collectors, is now paying attention to details beyond exterior packaging and design, and asking deeper questions such as where the brand sources its cotton and whether its production processes support fair trade. Read our story on p.194—it may make a difference to your next wardrobe overhaul. Speaking of brands, we are proud to showcase three fashionable young ladies on our cover this month who have made a name for themselves, quite literally. Rachel Kum, Katiana Sukamto and Kristine Wong all front businesses with their names on it. Will they become the next Jimmy Choos, Alexander Wangs or Estee Lauders of the world? Find out what their ambitions are, on p.188. Also in this issue are a whole line-up of fashion, exquisite timepieces and stylish marques. Enjoy the read, and see you at the Singapore Tatler Ball next month!
— jane ngiam Editor-in-chief