Living by Design
ne of my favourite channels on cable television is HGTV. I especially enjoy Property Brothers and Kitchen Cousins, but not just because it’s wickedly satisfying watching goodlooking men tidy up houses—their ability to make a living space functional yet visually pleasing speaks to the ataxophobic in me. These programmes are simple proof that design can change our lives. It’s not even a want these days; people need good design to rescue them from poorly organised spaces, to work faster and function more efficiently, and basically, get on with things. Just think how quickly we give up on a new mobile phone whose operating system lags, or how a faulty lift button raises our blood pressure levels, but you get the idea. Design is now ever more important, given the time-starved lives we all lead. Things need to work at first touch. And it’s not enough that they work, we expect things to look pleasant at the same time. Plus, if they make us feel clever, happy or inspired, they are deserving of our attention and use. Designer Patrick Reymond of Atelier Oï puts it best: “Form must follow a function. It is also really important to create emotion, and that form must follow emotion.” Reymond is one of several designers who have been commissioned by Louis Vuitton to design its new Objets Nomades collection (p.176). Celebrating all things design, this issue of Singapore Tatler throws the spotlight on how our lives are enriched and better for the beautiful and functional objects that we can surround ourselves with. Whether it’s art and stylish furniture for the home—as seen in the lush abodes of Lito and Kim Camacho, Francesco and Birgit Galli Zugaro, and Roy and Su-lin Teo (p.138)—sleek and luxurious cars, beauty products, or beautiful watches and jewellery, good design unifies them all. We also bring you highlights of the new Hermès homes range, with insights from the deputy artistic directors themselves (p.170). The Tatler Tribe is committed to bringing you not just good content and information, but all that in a consistently well-designed format— just check out our mobile-optimised website for proof. Enjoy this issue, and we look forward to continuing our conversation through our Instagram (@sgtatler) and Facebook page.
— Jane Ngiam Editor-in-chief