“I have always believed that style is more than just about what you wear,” says Philippine Tatler editor-in-chief Anton San Diego. “It’s an innate quality that seeps through your everyday life—from the way you walk, talk, look, and even how you treat people. Tootsy is stylish, no doubt, and looks good in anything, but she’s also a woman who’s beautiful inside. She possesses that added flair that goes beyond appearance.”

Photography by Sara Black | Styling by Monique Madsen | Hair and Make-up by Ryan Medrano and Patrick Rosas | Location: Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar | Dress and pearl necklace from Lanvin

Crystal Mu | Taiwan

If there’s a maxim Crystal Mu swears by, it’s that “Cashmere just makes everything better.” The 38-year-old Taiwanese beauty would know. She moved to Vancouver, Canada, in her early twenties to study English at the University of British Columbia and had to get used to sub-zero temperatures. She quickly learnt to layer up with cosy, premium wool garments—a style she continues to flaunt today back in balmier Taipei.

Bitter winters enhanced, not tainted, her innate sense of style and beauty. In 1999, Crystal won the Miss Chinese Vancouver Pageant, the annual beauty competition organised by Canadian-Cantonese broadcast channel Fairchild TV to select the city’s representative for the Hong Kong-based Miss Chinese International Pageant. She was second runner-up in the latter and has been in the limelight ever since. She has hosted TV shows and modelled, become a regular fixture on Taipei’s social scene, and is one of Taiwan’s most admired public figures for her fashion savvy.

Outfit by Fendi; jewellery by Bulgari; helmet and aviator goggles by Vrider; Smartscooter by Gogoro

“With her stunning figure, Crystal can pull off any kind of style,” says Taiwan Tatler vice editor-in-chief Tracy Huang. “She always looks amazing. Not to mention she’s a joy to talk to: she’s smart, informed, and deeply involved with the community. That, to us, is the quintessence of style.”

Besides her public role, Crystal has reinvented herself in recent years as an author, publishing two bestselling books: Toffy’s Diary, about her pet, and a short stories collection, Those Who Have Seen Love, the rights of which have been purchased by a Taiwanese TV network for a future series. Crystal is also an active champion of animal rights.

Photography by Kenny Yang | Styling by Camille Chang | Hair and Make-up by Janet at Four Hair and Chia Wen Liu | Outfit by Gucci; Smartscooter by Gogoro

Fatimah Syahrini Jaelani | Indonesia

Her angelic voice may have propelled her to fame, but it’s Fatimah Syahrini Jaelani’s impeccable sense of style that has always helped her stand out among Indonesia’s A-list. Whether she’s starring in one of her music videos, or hosting a TV show, Syahrini’s hair is always coiffed, her make-up unfailingly flawless, and her outfits consistently bold.

Since she exploded onto the national stage in 2008 with her first solo album, My Lovely, Syahrini has released 13 singles, starred in three films, and hosted her own reality TV show, Princess Syahrini.

She’s particularly fond of oversized diamond rings, striking diamond necklaces, and sparkling tiaras. So perhaps it’s not surprising that when she’s asked to give a piece of style advice, she simply says, “Always wear diamonds.”

But beneath Syahrini’s outfits and dazzling jewellery is a heart of gold. “Syahrini is one of Indonesia’s most fashionable musical icons, but she’s also a talented TV personality who is humble and hardworking in everything she does,” says Indonesia Tatler Managing Editor Maina Harjani. Syahrini recently used her star power to raise funds for cancer sufferers and is also funding roughly 20 Muslims who lost money in a recent online travel scam to travel to Mecca on the hajj.

Photography by Raja Siregar | Styling by Adi Surantha | Hair and Make-up by Anda Lestari and Archangela Chelsea | Location: Tugu Kunstkring Paleis | Dress and shawl by Hian Tjen; jewellery by Syahrini

Karen Ong-Tan | Singapore

Statuesque. That’s the first word that comes to mind when Karen Ong-Tan enters the room. This is why she was inducted into Singapore Tatler’s Fashion Hall of Fame in 2016, and picked as its Most Stylish Lady for 2017. This fashion maven knows how to cut a striking figure in daring ensembles, topping the best-dressed list at most events she attends. Her demeanour, too, exudes pure elegance, but also strength—the mark of a woman supremely comfortable in her body.

“Karen is the epitome of elegance,” says Singapore Tatler Editor-In-Chief Kissa Castañeda. “Whatever the occasion, she is always impeccably dressed and polished. This, however, doesn’t mean that she is predictable. Far from it. The corporate consultant and mother has a flair for adding unexpected elements, resulting in looks that are timely and timeless at once.”

In Karen’s words, “Style is the way a person chooses to approach the everyday. It’s inherently rooted in a person’s disposition, and his or her outlook on life. Fashion is just a small part of it, but it’s certainly a fabulous way to express it. So I like to play with it.”

The daughter of prominent society maven Lilian Ong, Karen, a lawyer by training, is the co-founder and corporate director of professional services consultancy Stockbridge, which advises clients in areas such as company and project structuring, asset purchase and finance. She also supports charitable causes focused on the elderly and palliative care.

Married to Samuel Tan, she credits her five-year-old daughter, Kara as her biggest inspiration in life and style.

“After having Kara, I have learnt that fashion has a practical aspect that cannot be ignored,” Karen says. “Since becoming a mother, I’ve expanded my wardrobe to include an extensive playground and playwear section, and realised ball gowns are fabulous hiding places. I have also learnt that mishaps happen. Like getting your beautiful clothes torn and stained, or even having milk spilt in your crocodile Birkin bag.” But it’s all worth it. “Kara has given me a new perspective on life, but also made me look at material things for what they are: ephemeral objects we are blessed to have but that, at the end of the day, do not matter.”

Photography by Darren Gabriel Leow | Styling by Desmond Lim | Hair and Make-up by Grego/Indigo Artisans | Outfit and shoes by Fendi

Adrienne Hui | Hong Kong

“When Tatler told me I was going to receive their Most Stylish Woman award, my first reaction was, ‘Are you sure you’ve got the right person?’ I was stunned, because I don’t think of myself as stylish. I just wear what I want and set my own dress code, always. I simply see fashion as a reflection of my personality. I like to have fun with it.”

Adrienne Hui is delightfully direct and straightforward when discussing matters of style. Even in cut-off denim shorts and a plain blouse she looks amazing, but it’s this blasé attitude that makes you instantly covet anything she’s wearing. And yearn to peek into her closet too (she has two), because chances are it’ll be the stuff fashion dreams are made of. Cool without trying is, after all, the secret recipe for real panache.

A regular on Hong Kong’s social scene, the former private banker and mother of two often sports laidback-but-so-on-it outfits that exude body confidence and a killer fashion sense well beyond fads. “I believe in looks that appear effortless, even if a lot of effort has been put into them,” Adrienne says. “I know what I like and what I look good in. It’s all about how I feel. It has to be me.”

Jacket, top, skirt, shoes, and accessories by Versace

On the red carpet, that translates into looks that are bold and free-spirited—like the stunning macramé lace dress by Versace she wore to this year’s Hong Kong Tatler Ball—but also timeless. “I only purchase gowns I know I can wear again,” she says. “That’s a rule I apply to everything in my closet, actually. I am quite a savvy shopper.”

Away from the limelight, comfort and premium quality are of the utmost importance: “Hermès, Chanel, Max Mara are my goto for cashmere and coats,” she says. “I like things to stand the test of time.” “Adrienne embodies the edgy face of style—ballsy, understated, and sleek, regardless of the situation,” says Hong Kong Tatler Editor-In-Chief Jakki Phillips. “She always looks well put-together yet is willing to take risks. She can pull off any style, from short, tight sequin dresses to long, flowy chiffon gowns. She’s also really great at styling looks for herself that mix high fashion and street wear.”

Photography by Jason Capobianco | Styling by Justine Lee | Hair and Make-up by Dickey Blue and Megume Sekine | Location: Aqua Luna | Outfit by Versace

Orawan Setabandhu | Thailand

Fashionista, entrepreneur, designer, wife, and mother of two young boys: Orawan Setabandhu is one busy woman. The petite Thai beauty is the owner and mastermind behind Olivia Diamonds, one of the first jewellery brands in the country to present cuttingedge designs focusing on coloured stones and sculptural shapes.

A graduate of the London College of Fashion, Orawan has a great deal of panache, which she shows not only in her bright gem creations but also through her sartorial choices. Favouring classic over trendy, Orawan’s look is simple, understated elegance. Her favourite designers are Balenciaga and Alber Elbaz, although her wardrobe would not be complete without Chanel tweed jackets. “Effortless” is the way she describes her style, and from a glimpse at her up-to-the-minute, always on-point outfits, we can only agree.

“Good things come in small packages,” says Thailand Tatler Editor-In-Chief Naphalai Areesorn. “Orawan may be petite, but she has a strong presence that makes her stand out anywhere.”

Top by Dior; trousers by 3.1 Phillip Lim; jewellery by Cartier

Photography by Tada Varich | Styling by Daneenart Burakasikorn | Hair and Make-up by Dechachai Kerdphoi and Sukhon Srimarattanakul | Location: Tha Maharaj | Jacket by Saint Laurent; trousers by Emporio Armani; shoes by Roger Vivier; jewellery by Cartier

Nadia Nasimuddin | Malaysia

The youngest daughter of the late SM Nasimuddin SM Amin, one of Malaysia’s most successful tycoons, Nadia Nasimuddin fell in love with fashion the moment her father gave her her first Prada bag at the age of 12. Since then, she’s become a regular at New York, Paris, and London Fashion Weeks, and developed a style that’s both minimalist and classic. She has assembled a remarkable collection of couture pieces over the years, spanning Chanel, “anything from Raf Simons,” Tom Ford, and Victoria Beckham. “Fashion evolves constantly,” she says, “so what’s really important is to love what you wear, regardless of trends.”

Nadia has applied this no-nonsense attitude beyond the realm of clothes. With her three older brothers and one older sister, she works to continue her father’s legacy as director of the family’s hospitality and food and beverage companies (the Nasimuddin clan runs a business empire that stretches from the automotive industry to property management and F&B).

Photography by Aaron Lee / Lenswork Production | Styling by Andrea Kee | Hair and Make-up by Angeline Law; Irene Adam using La Mer | Location: The Majestic Malacca Hotel | Dress by Prada; jewellery by Chanel

She has also steadily nurtured her own entrepreneurial ambitions: Nadia is the creative director of Portluxe, a digital platform for buying and selling authentic branded pre-owned luxury fashion items. What’s more, she and her sister co-founded MySmink, a portal purveying local beauty brands. “I think entrepreneurship runs in my DNA,” she laughs. When she isn’t running two start-ups or jet-setting around the world for fashion shows and business meetings, Nadia spends time at home with husband Hamzah Alang—of the Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts empire—and their two young children.

“Nadia is the stylish personification of a woman who has it all,” says Malaysia Tatler Managing Editor Elizabeth Soong. “She manages to successfully and graciously divide her time between family, work, and herself, and she’s at a place where she seems to be very comfortable with herself. We really admire her for who she is and what she’s achieved, and cannot think of anyone else more deserving of the Most Stylish Woman title.”

Photography by Aaron Lee / Lenswork Production | Styling by Andrea Kee | Hair: Shaun Yap/Hairplay | Makeup: Linda Scholer using Lancôme | Panthre de Cartier watch in pink gold and diamonds, and a Panthre de Cartier ring in yellow gold, tsavorite gems and onyx from Cartier; top by Chanel

Wendy Yu | Mainland China

To Wendy Yu, style is about individuality. “Whether it’s a dress or a pair of shoes, make it your own,” the young fashion maverick says, “and really have the confidence to be yourself.”

Sensible words. At 27, Wendy knows exactly what she wants.

Born in Zhejiang province, the daughter of Mengtian Group founder Jingyuan Yu, Wendy developed a penchant for couture while attending boarding school in the UK, and later honed it by studying fashion management at the London College of Fashion and interning at Vogue China.

Her acquaintance with the sector’s upper echelons both as a student and young professional spurred her to launch her own endeavour in 2015, venture capital company Yu Capital, to support high-potential, high-growth fashion, lifestyle, and technology enterprises. Over the past two years, the company has invested in the likes of fashion brand Mary Katrantzou and Tujia, the Chinese equivalent of Airbnb, and granted Wendy plenty of visibility in the industry. “Wendy is a pioneer, both in style and business,” says Shangliu Tatler Editor-In-Chief Paris Kuo. “She’s driven in everything she does and sets her mind to, while always staying glamorous. That, to us, is the essence of style.”

Such determination extends to her philanthropic work as well. A patron of the arts, Wendy is a founding member of the V&A Museum Young Patrons’ Circle and a supporter of cultural organisations such as the British Museum, the Design Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery, and her philanthropic interests include amfAR, the Naked Heart Foundation, and the British Fashion Trust.

Photography by Li Haiyan | Styling by Teresa Tsai | Hair and Make-up by Da Bao | Location by Yihe Mansions | Clothes are Wendy's own; jewellery by Garrard