Latest from Tatler Asia
Tatler Asia
2 hours ago
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Pioneering surgeon Dr Harjit Kaur says this is what prioritising women's breast health looks like
Today, she is a firm proponent of more women pursuing surgical specialties—'Women often bring a meticulous, methodical approach to their work, and in specialties like breast surgery, patients find female surgeons more relatable and often feel comfortable opening up to them,' Harjit says. But sometimes, even razor-sharp focus and experience as a surgeon cannot fully prepare you for the tougher moments, from having to break the bad news to patients' families or make those unpopular decisions in the face of tremendous pressure. 'One of the most pivotal lessons I've learned in my career is that we, as doctors, are not invincible,' she admits. 'In the beginning, you believe that if you just do everything right, you can save your patients. But with time and experience, you realise that even when everything seems to be going well, cancer can return. And when it does, you're the one who has to help the family navigate that pain. Over the years, I've also learned the emotional cost of becoming too attached. As doctors, we build relationships with our patients—we get to know them and, often, their families too.' She recalls a particularly difficult experience caring for longtime patient whose cancer returned aggressively, eventually having to explain to the woman's two teen children that they were going to lose their mother. 'That moment taught me the importance of maintaining just a bit of emotional distance. Trying not to cry while saying those words was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.' See more: Using bioacoustics in conservation: How Malaysian researcher Dr Aini Hasanah is protecting our endangered gibbon populations Above Harjit says going for breast screenings should be routine, as common as other aspects of our wellness (Photo: Freepik) Balancing that fine line of caring deeply and supporting patients while knowing when to maintain emotional distance is not an easy task. Yet Harjit's priority remains the same—ensuring that she is there to walk that journey with her patients and offer honesty, support and presence through those tough times. 'We also learn that medicine is not just about doing everything—it's about knowing when not to. Some patients come to us with advanced disease where further aggressive treatment would offer no real benefit and only cause more harm. In those moments, the most compassionate choice might be palliative care and focusing on comfort and dignity rather than cure. That shift in thinking only comes with experience and maturity, and it's something I had to grow into over time,' she adds. 'Of course, as the science evolves, so must we. Breast cancer treatment has become far more holistic and personalised. It's no longer just about surgery—it's about understanding tumour biology, using targeted therapies, and choosing less invasive approaches where possible. We now know that 'less is more' in many situations.' Above Many women don't realise breast cancer can happen to anyone, not just older women or women who have gone through menopause, says Harjit(Photo: Getty) Touching on the evolving face of women's health and the gaps still apparent in how we approach breast cancer, Harjit shares these insights: 'Many women don't realise breast cancer can happen to anyone,' she says. 'There's a kind of blasé attitude, especially among younger women—they think they're too young, or that it's something that only happens after menopause. That may have been the case in the past, but not anymore.' 'We're now seeing breast cancer in women in their twenties and thirties—my youngest patient was just 19. That's why we really need to change how people think about breast health. It's not something you deal with only when you're older or once you feel a lump. In fact, in its early stages, breast cancer is completely painless. That's what makes it so dangerous, it can grow quietly for years without you even knowing it's there. By the time a lump becomes obvious or painful, it could already be advanced.' Being proactive, not reactive Knowing what we know today, what kind of mindset should younger women have about their breast health, even those with no family history of cancer? How do we as women normalise going for breast check-ups and screenings as casually as visiting our family doctor or getting a facial? 'I always recommend that women begin basic breast surveillance—like an ultrasound—every year from the age of 25, especially if there are any risk factors. And we need to normalise regular breast self-checks, so women are familiar with their own bodies and can notice even subtle changes.' 'Waiting for external prompts—like awareness campaigns or once-a-year screening events—before taking action is another issue. Breast health should be a personal priority all year round. It's your body, your life—investing that little bit of time each year could save it.' In a field that once offered women a grim 'mastectomy or nothing' ultimatum, Harjit's approach brings both precision and compassion. 'We're helping more women actually accept their diagnosis and go through with the treatment,' she says. 'When you tell a woman she has to lose her breast, and that's the only option, it's incredibly difficult—emotionally and psychologically. But when we're able to offer immediate reconstruction as part of the surgical plan, it changes how women respond. With proper counselling and the ability to present real options, they feel they have a way forward.' Her work has helped patients cope with the most difficult times of their lives, bringing dignity, choice, and emotional healing to the operating table. Still, she doesn't pretend any of it has been easy. 'You do face resistance or red tape,' she admits. 'It's about educating others, showing them the value of what you're proposing, and making sure it's a rational, well-thought-out idea. If you can do that, you'll usually find a way forward and things generally fall into place.' Dr Harjit attributes much of her unshakeable resolve to her mentor, Dato' Dr P. Kandasami. 'He is the person who truly made me a surgeon,' she says. 'He taught me that being a surgeon isn't just about skill—it's about listening, understanding, and being present for your patients.' Interestingly, Harjit's first career choice was law, and she spent three months at law school before realising that it wasn't for her. 'When I first chose surgery, even my father—who was a doctor himself—tried to dissuade me,' she shares. 'He said, 'You'll want to have children one day, how will you manage a career in surgery?'. Thankfully, I had a mentor who encouraged me to pursue what I was passionate about, and that support made all the difference. Women can thrive as surgeons and also have fulfilling personal lives—it just takes support.' She's living proof of that. Whether guiding patients through a diagnosis or inspiring the next generation of women surgeons, Harjit's presence in Malaysia's healthcare landscape is bold, compassionate, and enduring. 'I'm someone who needs human connection in my work,' she says. 'That's why I chose medicine—and why I've never looked back.' Front & Female Changemakers celebrates the extraordinary journeys of inspiring women who have emerged as powerful changemakers in a range of fields, offering a glimpse into their lives and showcasing their courage, vision and relentless pursuit of change and progress. From social entrepreneurs and business leaders to educators, artists, activists and scientists, Front & Female changemakers exemplify the ability to challenge the status quo and demonstrate the power of women to effect change.
Tatler Asia
2 hours ago
- Health
- Tatler Asia
Inside Women's Health in Focus: A global summit driving change in women's healthcare
Women's Health in Focus brought together medical professionals, researchers and wellness enthusiasts at the Asia Society Hong Kong Centre over two intensive days On June 16 and 17, Women's Health in Focus: A Global Summit brought together medical professionals, researchers and wellness enthusiasts at the Asia Society Hong Kong Center. Hosted by Tatler Front & Female Awards nominee Maaike Steinebach and founder of Femtech Future, a boutique advisory firm for women's health and femtech; and Gen.T honouree Anca Griffiths, CEO and co-founder of OM Health Hub, the gathering addressed the blind spot in modern medicine. 'Anca and I are here because we had a dream, where women truly understand their bodies and feel equipped to take control of their health. A dream where companies recognise that supporting women's health isn't a perk, but smart business and the right thing to do. A dream where investors stop calling women's health 'niche' and start seeing it as one of the fastest moving sectors in innovation.' The Women's Health in Focus's opening discussion featured Alyson J McGregor, author of Sex Matters , and Marjorie Jenkins, who exposed the gender bias embedded in contemporary healthcare with precision. Their panel set the tone for an event that refused to accept the status quo. It revealed that women spend 25 per cent more time in poor health than men on average, a gap which, if closed, could add more than US$1 trillion to the global economy annually by 2040. See also : How a billion-dollar dowry led Gigi Chao to fight for everyone's right to wed and why marriage equality in Hong Kong could finally be within reach Photo 1 of 17 Anca Griffiths and Maaike Steinebach (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 2 of 17 Marjorie Jenkins, Anca Griffiths and Alyson J. McGregor (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 3 of 17 Kristina Snaith-Lense, Maaike Steinebach and Claire Melwani (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 4 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 5 of 17 Fiona Nott, Yanie Soo, Sharmeen Shroff and Cassandra Szoeke (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 6 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 7 of 17 Christopher Asandra, Lindsay Jang, Isabella Daza and Jill Van Vugt (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 8 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 9 of 17 Iza Calzado Wintle served as the event's emcee (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 10 of 17 Jen Wannenmacher served as the event's emcee (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 11 of 17 Anca Griffiths (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 12 of 17 Sara Jane Ho and Maaike Steinebach (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 13 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 14 of 17 Elisabeth Sorrentino, Anca Griffiths, Maaike Steinebach and Sarah Vee (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 15 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 16 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak) Photo 17 of 17 Inside the summit (Photo: courtesy of Nicole Burak)
Tatler Asia
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Nicole Kidman at 58: 8 incredible fashion moments stitched with confidence and elegance
The feminine force Nicole Kidman's appearance at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards marked a departure from typical red carpet glamour. She arrived in an oversized, tan-coloured power suit from Saint Laurent's Spring 2025 collection, complete with exaggerated shoulder pads and matching wide-leg trousers. The masculine silhouette was counterbalanced with feminine details: gold jewellery, soft wavy hair and black slingbacks, creating a fusion of power and femininity. The sensual bombshell At the 2025 Golden Globes, Nicole Kidman delivered her most sensual look yet in a custom Balenciaga Haute Couture creation. The one-shouldered gown featured iridescent silver, crystal-and-rhinestone-embroidered mesh with a dramatically low back achieved through near-invisible transparent netting. Completed with a voluminous, sky-high ponytail inspired by the '60s and Studio 54 glamour, this 'sex kitten' look made a powerful statement about age, sexuality and confidence in Hollywood. The avant-garde artist Nicole Kidman's arrival at the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival was nothing short of striking. Her custom Loewe mermaid gown featured a handcrafted, sculptural bodice made of iridescent mother-of-pearl shell accents—a feat of artistry, with each shell shard carefully pieced together by hand. More than just a red carpet moment, it was a statement of intent: Kidman continues to embrace fashion as art, positioning herself as both icon and connoisseur. The ethereal heroine At the TIME 2025 Women of the Year Gala, Nicole Kidman embraced the emerging Boho 2.0 trend in a custom Chloé creation by creative director Chemena Kamali. The delicate, blush-hued silk gown featured an intricate lace-trimmed bodice and cascading tiers of ballerina-like tulle. The brilliant styling moment came when she later layered a black cropped jacket over the ethereal gown, creating a compelling visual narrative between romantic femininity and modern authority. The vintage vixen During promotion for her series Expats , Nicole Kidman demonstrated her ability to reference fashion's past without looking costume-y. Her retro Balmain ensemble featured a black bolero jacket over a top with rose-shaped buttons paired with a flouncy, high-waisted white mini skirt adorned with polka dots. The look expertly navigated the delicate line that polka dots present, avoiding childishness while landing squarely in elegant territory. Styled with classic black pumps and a chignon, it was a modern tribute to mid-century glamour. The modern minimalist Nicole Kidman's appearance at the Omega Her Time event in Paris proved her savvy understanding of influence. Her crisp white Valentino two-piece set—a boxy crop top and voluminous A-line midi skirt worth nearly US$6,000—was strategically paired with US$73 Charles & Keith slingback pumps featuring whimsical red rose-shaped heels. This high-low styling wasn't accidental but brilliantly calculated, creating a viral fashion moment that democratised glamour. The romantic lead For the Babygirl Los Angeles premiere, Nicole Kidman was abloom, wearing a custom Balenciaga Haute Couture strapless gown covered in pink and ivory organza petal flowers and cinched with a black bow belt. The unabashedly feminine look, which paid homage to Cristóbal Balenciaga's Spring 1964 collection, challenged conventional notions of what a seasoned actress should wear, proving her status as a true fashion provocateur. NOW READ Your next read: 8 provocative books curated by Natalie Portman Angelina Jolie turns 50: 9 movies that crown her as true Hollywood royalty 5 millennial songs from film and TV that shaped the rhythm of our lives Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
11 films with love triangles to get you ready for ‘Materialists'
Past Lives (2023) Above The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro (Photo: IMDb) In Materialists director Celine Song's feature film debut, two childhood friends contemplate the nature of their relationship as they grow apart, live separate lives and finally reunite. The film stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro. The Notebook (2004) Above The film stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden and James Garner (Photo: IMDb) A young couple in the 1940s falls passionately in love despite obstacles trying to keep them apart. Directed by Nick Cassavetes, the film stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Marsden and James Garner. The Dreamers (2003) Above Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film stars Eva Green, Louis Garrel and Michael Pitt (Photo: IMDb) Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Paris student riots, a young American student becomes entangled in a strange dynamic with a French brother and sister. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film stars Eva Green, Louis Garrel and Michael Pitt. Y Tu Mamá También (2001) Above The film stars Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Maribel Verdú (Photo: IMDb) In this seminal coming-of-age drama, two teenage best friends embark on a road trip with an older woman across rural Mexico. Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, the film stars Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Maribel Verdú. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001) Above The film stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant (Photo: IMDb) Bridget Jones, a thirty-something single woman in London, decides to start keeping a diary while she searches for love. Directed by Sharon Maguire, the film stars Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997) Above The film stars Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz (Photo: IMDb) A New York City food critic attempts to sneakily sabotage her lifelong best friend's wedding to a wealthy college student. Directed by PJ Hogan, the film stars Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz. The Age of Innocence (1993) Above The film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer (Photo: IMDb) Based on the novel by Edith Wharton, this Gilded Age romance follows a wealthy lawyer drawn to a mysterious countess despite his engagement to her cousin. Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder and Michelle Pfeiffer. Sabrina (1954) Above The film stars Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden (Photo: IMDb) A chauffer's daughter returns home from Paris and catches the attention of both a playboy bachelor and his business-minded brother. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film stars Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. The Earrings of Madame de… (1953) Above The film stars Charles Boyer, Danielle Darrieux and Vittorio de Sica (Photo: IMDb) An aristocratic woman sets off a series of unexpected events after she sells a pair of earrings given to her by her husband. Directed by Max Ophüls, the film stars Charles Boyer, Danielle Darrieux and Vittorio de Sica. Gone with the Wind (1939) Above The film stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Leslie Howard (Photo: IMDb) This historical epic follows a manipulative Southern belle and a roguish bachelor as they endure the collapse of their high-class society during and after the American Civil War. Directed by Victor Fleming, the film stars Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Leslie Howard. NOW READ 12 best Hollywood films about Hollywood 10 inspirational sports films to watch 7 times that 'Oscar baiting' worked for films
Tatler Asia
7 hours ago
- Business
- Tatler Asia
Wind back to Bvlgari's outstanding debut at Watches and Wonders 2025
Bvlgari's inaugural showing at Watches and Wonders 2025 was a declaration of disruptive intent and prowess. Within a fair increasingly dominated by legacy and nostalgia, it brought something bold and entirely new It was about time. After seasons spent exhibiting just outside the Palexpo convention complex, the annual site of Watches and Wonders Geneva (WWG), Bvlgari finally debuted at the most important horological fair on the calendar in a manner that felt both overdue and undeniably fitting. WWG set the perfect backdrop to showcase a journey that started in 2014—the evolution of the Roman jeweller into a Swiss watchmaker, since adorned with ten world records, 13 revolutionary movements and a veritable lineup of groundbreaking novelties. Also fortuitous that this year would see Bvlgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin's appointment to the helm of LVMH Watches, succeeding Frédéric Arnault. Such a move affirms the brand's place at the forefront of the market, propelled by its distinctive DNA that blends Swiss innovation with Italian creativity. More from Tatler: The Arnault effect: how LVMH defines global luxury, indulgence and desire This inherent duality is profoundly expressed in its headline pieces at Geneva: a compelling study in contrast and harmony. Babin remarks, 'With the Octo Finissimo and Serpenti watches, we continue to explore new territories, to push the boundaries of design and fine watchmaking, and open new perspectives in horology.' Above Each watch reveals the prowess of watchmakers and engineers at Bvlgari (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) Above The Serpenti is transformed once more (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) Breaking a new record was simply inevitable for a Maison so devoted since 2014, when it launched its quest towards extreme thinness with the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon. With a hand-wound movement at 1.95mm thick—the world's slimmest flying tourbillon at the time—this piece propelled the collection that would become Bvlgari's calling card in modern timekeeping. With a slew of world records, the line has consistently fused minimalist design with micro- mechanical wizardry. 'Each record has been a stepping about redefining what's possible in mechanical watchmaking,' Babin comments. 'With each challenge, we've had to rethink not only traditional techniques but also how watches are designed and developed.' The latest chapter to this saga has now arrived with the new Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon. Measuring 40mm in diameter and just 1.85mm in thickness, it is the thinnest piece there's ever been with the desirable complication, and a fitting 'full circle' moment to the watch that started it all. Above The Octo collection has consistently broken world records (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) The heart of this feat is the manual-wound BVF 900 tourbillon movement with a 42-hour power reserve. The degree of precision in the skeletonisation is integral and deliberate; with light expertly diffused throughout, nothing is hidden, and the margin for error is razor-thin. Exacting craftsmanship is not just expected but essential—a testament to Bvlgari's engineering prowess. Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, product creation executive director for the Maison, explains, 'Every detail, from the indexes to the tourbillon skeleton, bears witness to our commitment to excellence.' This is evident in the novelty's interplay of innovative materials. The calibre is housed within a tungsten carbide main plate, while the bezel, case middle and lugs are crafted from microbead-frosted titanium. Also in titanium, the seamlessly integrated bracelet is engineered to just 1.5mm in thickness, including the folding clasp, to ensure the ultra-thin profile remains uncompromised. Read more: Watches and Wonders 2025: 3 record-breaking timepieces Above Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon at just 1.85mm thick (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) Above Key designer Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) The two planar crowns, subtly integrated into the case at 8 o'clock for winding and 3 o'clock for time-setting, are fashioned from circular-grained stainless steel; as is the ratchet, which features intricate geometric engraving that adds visual and tactile depth. For optimal legibility, rhodium-plated hands sweep over the sandblasted brass base in DLC anthracite coating, a matt finish that sharpens clarity while reinforcing the modern, high-performance aesthetic. Unlike its regulator-style predecessors, the Octo Finissimo Ultra and Ultra COSC, this execution unifies time display on a single dial, elevating both function and form. With this harmonious mix, Bvlgari delivers a watch that embodies mechanical complexity and minimalist sophistication in equal measure. Pure Elegance And what of its other release? Bvlgari continues to speak in the precise language of modernism, but also reveals its ancient tongue of seduction and perpetual rebirth. Serpenti Aeterna sees the Maison's iconic motif undergo its most daring transformation yet, distilled to its purest form. Above Serpenti Aeterna in rose gold (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) No eyes, no scales, no artifice—only the serpent's most elemental form remains, in exquisite high jewellery. It's certainly a bold move for the Maison, while affirming its determination to always bring something new to the table. With the Aeterna, Bvlgari shows the world its glorious dance between yesterday and tomorrow, capturing the rich Roman heritage that precedes it and skillfully projects it into the future. 'I like to design in a pure, contemporary style, with few decorative elements—to draw lines that speak the language of eternity,' muses Stigliani. 'Octo Finissimo is a perfect expression of this quest for the absolute through form, which now transforms Serpenti.' Embracing the wrist in a single gesture, the Aeterna's fluidity is like a second skin with even greater sophistication. See also: Watches and Wonders 2025: Best jewellery watches from Chanel, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and more Above Serpenti Aeterna in white gold, a fully pavé model with green hands (Photo: Courtesy of Bvlgari) No detail slips past the brand's visionary modernity. The ingenious clasp mechanism, which demanded two years of development, achieves perfect aesthetic integration and comfort. Invisible from the outside, the iconic hexagonal scales are subtly etched into the inner contour of both variants: one in rose gold, kissed by a spattering of diamonds, and the other fully pavé-set in white gold. Precious gemstones illuminate the snow-set dial, extending along the spine to the very tip of the tail. The name 'Aeterna' evokes timelessness, a fitting moniker for this era when horological connections are more emotional than empirical. In the years ahead, the question won't be whether Bvlgari belongs in Geneva—it's how the rest of the industry keeps up. NOW READ World Watch Day: Horology celebrates global recognition on October 10, 2025 MB&F reimagines Bvlgari's iconic Serpenti LVMH Watch Week 2025: The best new watches
