A brand new year always brings with it the promise of clean slates and fresh starts—even more so when the Lunar New Year follows closely on the tails of the Gregorian calendar. Much like Christmas, it’s a chance for people to gather with family, friends, and other loved ones to make merry around food.
As cover star Chantalle Ng tells us, she plans to spend the Chinese New Year having hotpot with her bestie (and our other cover star) Tasha Low and her family. “They don’t call us Dai Di [a popular Chinese card game] queens for nothing,” she laughs. “It’s the only time we are social.” Having spent the day on set with her and Tasha, we find it hard to believe her last statement. As vivacious as she is chatty, she seems the opposite of Tasha, who is more reserved and contained—which explains the enduring friendship and complementary chemistry that these two actresses share. Read about what makes their relationship work and what excites them about their anticipated Peranakan period drama series, Emerald Hill, which is set to air in March.
To help you prep for the festive days ahead, we’ve also filled our pages with almost everything you need to put forth your best self. Our Shopping section has lots of colour-rich suggestions for your CNY wardrobe. We’ve even spotlighted fashion labels that you can trust for ethnic-chic picks. Elsewhere, “On Repeat” champions the liberation (not to mention cost-effectiveness) that comes with creating new looks from old items in your closet. Why not? As the feature shows, A-list stars like Cate Blanchett are all for it.
Over in the Beauty section, we have a select array of beauty products that will help bring out every atom of your inner goddess. From skincare and make-up to nails and perfume, the ELLE International Beauty Awards presents the best products as nominated by ELLE beauty editors from across the globe. And for the perfect finishing touches, delve into our Watches & Jewels pages. We have a treasure trove of choices that will add that pop of auspicious red to your ensemble—and get those relatives’ tongues wagging. Because, as Lady Gaga once said: “People will always talk, so let’s give them something to talk about.” What stronger way is there to start the year?