32 HARPER’S BAZAAR JULY 2018
KENNIEBOYEditor-in-Chief
KENNETH GOH
PHOTOGRAPHY: YU TSAIyou were to look at the Oxford
ictionary for the definition of
power”, it would read:A) The ability
r capacity to do something or act in a
articular way; B) The capacity or ability to
irect or influence the behaviour of othersWWW.HARPERSBAZAAR.COM.SG HARPERSBAZAARSG HARPERSBAZAARSINGAPORE HARPERSBAZAARSGor the course of events. Which goes some way to explain why I chose Constance Wu to front
our power issue this month. Not only is she the spirited actress who entertains us on the
small screen in Fresh off the Boat, she also headlines the upcoming Hollywood movie,
Crazy Rich Asians, which shines the spotlight on Singapore’s ultra-wealthy.
Plus, this firecracker of outspoken beliefs, opinions and attitude doesn’t suffer fools
gladly. Read her take on whitewashing in Hollywood and why it’s ok if you hate her
movie on page 110. I applaud such bravado and chutzpah because it is such a rarity in an
industry where competition is tough and everyone is keen to please. Thank goodness for the
#MeToo and #TimesUp movements that are sweeping across the world—fueled in part
by celebrities who are supporting this cause sartorially, be it the colour of their dress at a
gala or choosing to going barefoot on the red carpet. See what Annabelle Fernandez says in
her dynamic discourse on page 71. In our style pages, we continue the conversation with
modern-day options such as jackets, mini skirts, summer leather and even pretty peplums.
It’s a far cry from the time I lived in London during the early ’90s. I remember seeing my power
woman, a.k.a. Mum, dash out to work in her Joseph pantsuits that had shoulders so wide you
could land airplanes on them. Her no-nonsense bob was always flawlessly maintained, her Butler
& Wilson brooches were gleaming pieces of armour on her lapel, and she always finished
with sheer black polka dot stockings and matching pumps from Robert Clergerie. If you
look at the five prominent women of influence in Singapore we have profiled on page 52,
it’s clear that power dressing 2.0 is much gentler, softer and altogether more eclectic. These very women
are impacting change in their respective fields of fashion, finance, food and funeral services! Also,
don’t miss our Hair Awards on page 86, which covers all the best services, products and tools
that let you carry out your daily mission without a strand out of place. We have you
covered from head to toe, and from inside-out. Now, go forth and rule the world!