RIP Terri Holladay: Remembering the first lady I ever asked for a quote for my newspaper column

On this day, two years ago, I heard about the untimely passing of Terri Holladay and was immediately taken back to my intern days at SCMP, when I first wrote about this staggeringly beautiful lady for my Society and then "Lai See" column [which was shared with other writers].

Terri Holladay, born Teresa Anne Holladay in 1968, was a vibrant Vietnamese American model, designer, entrepreneur, and prominent Asian socialite whose life blended glamour and grace as she hopscotched over the pitfalls of fame and great fortune. She rose to prominence in the fashion world, was one of the first few Asian models who graced the cover of Vogue, before capturing headlines in Hong Kong tabloids for her scandalous, high-profile relationship and engagement to billionaire Cecil Chao Sze-tsung in the early 2010s. The couple welcomed a son together named Roman [Roman Holladay-- geddit?!], adding a deeply personal chapter to her public persona. Known for her elegance, passion for travel, cooking [think she had a cookbook out a la Nigella], love of animals, grace and glamour, Terri described herself as a multifaceted woman: a mother, creative force, and lover of life's finer experiences. 

After stepping away from the spotlight, despite several high-profile relationships [including a well-documented one in the papers with HK/Sindhi entrepreneur Dino Lalvani] that played out in print, in later years, Terri lived more privately in Hong Kong, focusing on family and personal pursuits. When she disengaged from the media, she completely cut off the trappings of fame, burnt by what the press was writing in the wild wild west days of tabloid sub-culture in the city; I remember a local colleague saying their newspaper office had more lawyers than reporters as the notorious press, pre-social media, sold millions of copies on the back of local celebrities. A friend featured in print often, famously told us in the magazine office, about the daily rags and tabloid hacks, "the story doesn't have to be truthful, it has to be interesting."   
Well, Terri was always truthful and interesting. 
She passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 55 in Hong Kong, but her tragic death remained largely unnoticed until February 2024, when an online memorial page surfaced, drawing media attention and tributes from those who remembered her warmth, remarkable spirit and red-carpet elegance. 
Terri was one of the first few ladies I featured—an early highlight in my Society column, that showcased her poise and charisma. She left an impression as someone who navigated fame with grace, embracing both its thrills and being perturbed by its challenges. I was chatting with a friend at The Mandarin Oriental, facing the buffet table (as usual!), when she tapped my shoulder and said something kind about what I had written about her in an earlier column. I remember being 19 and flabbergasted at how gorgeous and glamorous she was. Didn't even respond like a human being and made some strange esophagal sound and she quickly swanned away. #FacePalm  
Scrolling through the tributes online, friends and admirers recall her as a beautiful woman who led a full life filled with love, and resilience. She was deeply cherished as a mother and friend; her kindness and effortless elegance remains in the memories of many. 
Though she shunned the limelight later on, her legacy as a trailblazing, multifaceted celebrity will be her enduring legacy, along with the love she had for her beloved son, the young entrepreneur Roman. 
RIP Terri.

A stylist, a photographer, and a dream team

Looking across the table in the office and watching my dream team make cover shot selections, stylist Tasha Ling and photographer Olivier Yoan.

 

Valentine's Day: Lols tho

 Well... 

Richard Mille: Time Honoured

Born on February 13, 1951, in Draguignan, France, I've been writing about Richard Mille watches since... a time I cannot remember. 

So when Richard Mille Hong Kong office hosted a VIP luncheon, got a rare opportunity to sit across him and get an exclusive chat for... I think I was working at Prestige magazine at the time. 

They liked the interview so much, the brand fully sponsored one of my 40 under 40 editions. And went on to do the same until I left. 

Richard Mille turns 75 today - bonne anniversarie indeed. 

Frank Binder on record

Was a pleasure to interview Frank Binder. Full feature out at Robb Report.HK

Part of my last few series of interviews for Leaders of Luxury. 

 

Arsenale’s Paolo Barletta on the Resurgence of Luxurious Rail Journeys

Arsenale’s singular approach to luxury train travel is poised to revolutionise the way we experience the world—one languid, opulent locomotive at a time.

In Asia, the iron horse is all about velocity—the region’s swiftest operational trains include the Shanghai Maglev, Indonesia’s Whoosh, and Japan’s Shinkansen.

In Hong Kong, the MTR whisks commuters from workplace to hearth (and back) with minimal fuss and immaculate carriages. If you’ve endured the New York City Subway or London Underground, the contrast is cause for celebration. Luxury is an empty cabin and a seat that isn’t damp. We seldom spare a thought for railways unless a delay derails the day.

Enter Paolo Barletta, the visionary founder and CEO of Arsenale, intent on persuading us that slow travel is the ultimate indulgence. In a world where haste eclipses panache, the romance of the rails has receded into the shadows of modern frenzy. Barletta, however, is resolute in resurrecting this timeless conveyance, lavishing it with luxury and refinement. In an exclusive conversation with Robb Report Hong Kong, he unveiled his audacious blueprint to redefine travel, drawing on his family’s storied legacy in hospitality and real estate.

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

Ulyssia’s Frank Binder on Navigating New Horizons, His Vision For Sustainable Luxury Living at Sea, and Building a Floating Community

 

We explore the innovative world of Ulyssia, where luxury meets sustainability aboard a residential ship designed for the discerning few—very few.

Frank Binder stands at the forefront of a maritime revolution with his most ambitious project to date: the glamorous and grand Ulyssia. As founder and chairman of Ulyssia Residences AG, Binder is crafting a unique experience that merges the opulence of high-end residential living with the dynamic lifestyle of a luxury yacht. His pioneering venture promises not only to elevate the standards of luxury travel but also to foster a deeper connection with the world’s most breathtaking locales studded around the planet.

The genesis of Ulyssia can be traced back over two decades, when Binder first encountered the concept of a residential ship. His vision has since evolved into a magnificent project that aims to provide an unparalleled living environment for its residents. “When I first came across the idea 25 years ago, I was captivated by the notion of having a home at sea,” Binder recounts. “Since then, I have explored various similar projects, but none met my standards. I knew I had to create something extraordinary.”

Read the entire feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong.