Runway cover shoot outtakes: Taner S

Taner S, (Agency Model One in Hong Kong) in one of a dozen shoots.

As budgets dwindled, ended up doing this shoot in my then living room. My usual dream team behind the scenes, Karen, Tasha, etc.  

Taner from Turkey is the most successful male model strutting around the island (he's also a DJ now) and shows no signs of slowing down with 20+ years in the biz.  For an advertorial, had to create a deck and pitch the man to an advertising client - so you can read up on him here.

 

Stefano Ricci in Hong Kong: A Pinnacle of Ultra-Luxury Menswear at the top of The Ritz no less!

Stefano Ricci, the Florentine luxury powerhouse founded in 1972, is a fine example of Italian craftsmanship and opulent masculinity - when you enter their premises (at The Peninsula or The Ritz for example), there's none of that hushed, whispered quiet luxury that been trending over the past few months. Forget the humble brag, hit the slots with the elevated elegance, power player symbolism, and the dazzling accessories. 

Renowned for its exquisite menswear, accessories, and lifestyle offerings, the brand has cultivated a devoted following among the world’s most discerning elites. Its presence in Hong Kong, with two flagship boutiques - one at The Peninsula Hotel (opened 2018) and another at The Ritz-Carlton, ICC (opened 2024 - underscores its strategic importance in Asia’s luxury landscape.

But what makes the brand really interesting in Asia is the brand's early adoption of China - long before it was trendy to do so. The brand’s early entry into Greater China was sincerely... in a word, pioneering. Visionary Stefano Ricci opened its first store in Shanghai in 1993 (following initial explorations around 1991), when very few Western luxury names dared venture there. This bold move positioned it ahead of many peers, capitalizing on China’s rapid economic ascent. Until 2017, China was its largest market; post-pandemic, it has rebounded strongly, with steady sales growth amid a broader luxury recovery. In 2023, the company reported record revenues of €215 million (up 46%), with continued positive momentum into 2024, including a notable 3% year-on-year increase in China despite market challenges. Hong Kong serves as a vital gateway and showcase, blending local sophistication with international appeal.

In Hong Kong, the two locations exemplify the brand’s preference for iconic, ultra-luxe venues. The Peninsula boutique in Kowloon offers timeless elegance in the hotel’s prestigious arcade, while the sky-high Ritz-Carlton outpost on the 103rd floor delivers breathtaking views alongside refined collections. These sites are chosen for their proximity to high-net-worth clientele - captains of industry, VIPs, and global tastemakers - who appreciate discretion and unparalleled service. Hong Kong’s role as a fashion and finance hub amplifies Stefano Ricci’s impact, reinforcing its status as a symbol of success and refined power in the region.

What sets Stefano Ricci apart from many a flash in the pan, is its uncompromising commitment to quality. Its casual and ready-to-wear lines are top-tier, featuring the finest Italian fabrics - often sourced from historic mills like the acquired Antico Setificio Fiorentino (est. 1786) - with meticulous hand-finishing that ensures exceptional drape, durability, and comfort. Everything is 100% Made in Italy, blending tradition with innovation.

Accessories elevate the brand to stratospheric luxury. Crocodile leather - often Nubuck, matted, or Himalayan varieties - dominates, prized for its rarity, texture, and masculine allure. Other exotic skins and precious materials feature in bags, wallets, shoes, belts, and portfolios, frequently accented with ruthenium or gold hardware. A single crocodile piece can command tens of thousands of euros, embodying exclusivity and tactile excellence.

The brand enjoys critical acclaim for its flawless execution and cultural resonance. It is hailed as the tailor to the 0.001%, favored by powerful figures for its blend of Florentine artistry and global vision. Its ultra-luxe positioning - think hand-engraved details, limited editions, and bespoke services - transcends trends, offering heirloom-quality pieces that signal quiet confidence.

Stefano Ricci’s campaigns - a personal favourite - rank among the world’s best, particularly through the SR Explorer Project. These cinematic expeditions - spanning Iceland’s glaciers, the Galápagos, Mongolia’s steppes, India’s palaces, and Patagonia - highlight the brand’s nomadic spirit. They capture the modern Stefano Ricci man: dynamic, adventurous, and culturally attuned. By shooting in remote, awe-inspiring locations with masters like Steve McCurry and National Geographic photographers, the campaigns embrace international cultures while celebrating Italian heritage - drawing parallels between Renaissance Florence and ancient civilizations. This narrative of exploration, self-discovery (“Explore the world to explore ourselves”), and conservation adds depth, making the brand’s storytelling immersive and aspirational.

In Asia, in Hong Kong and beyond, Stefano Ricci represents more than fashion; it embodies a lifestyle of excellence, vision, and timeless sophistication. Its two landmark stores continue to thrive as temples to this ethos, drawing Asia’s elite while reinforcing the brand’s pioneering legacy in China. 

Credits:

Original photography: Dino Busch
Model: Taner S at Model One
MUA: Karen Yiu and co.
Location: Island Shangri-la, Hong Kong
Full look: Stefano Ricci 

Taner in a Tux at Island Shangri La Suite at The Island Shangri-La Hong Kong

Trust the process. Shooting in one of the most gorgeous suites in Hong Kong - the Shangri-La Suite at The Island Shangri-la in Hong Kong, was a bit iffy about taking the shot in the large bathtub in the largest private bathroom in the city. 

Pacing up and down like a lunatic, sent out panic smoke signals to frequent collaborator, photographer Dino Busch. The phrase trust the process came to mind. Once we all emptied the room, the final shot came through. Impeccably. 

Like I said, trust the process!  

Full look; Dunhill. 

In February 2024, at the National Portrait Gallery, a new chapter of Dunhill - now more than 130 years in - unfolded as Simon Holloway presented his debut collection for the Richemont-owned brand. As the latest creative director of Dunhill, Holloway didn’t just revitalise the polished British icon, he reinvented modern menswear for a contemporary market. Full feature in my Best of Style column. 

Photography: Dino Busch @dinobuschphotography

Stylist: Bhisan Rai @styledbybhisan

Hair and Make-up: Karen Yiu @karenyiumakeupart

Model: Taner from Model One @tanersc @modelonehk

 

The Armoury in Central, Hong Kong, with Model One's resident supermodel Taner S

 

Suit Up! 

 Brunello Cucinelli, Ralph Lauren (Purple label!), Hermès, Tom Ford, Loro Piana are just regulars in the column. But over the past two years, I seem to have written the most about The Armoury, esp the Central branch in Hong Kong [have yet to visit its New Yorkian avatar!]. Would love to do a shoot on location there, high ceilings, natural light, the arches, the controlled environs, the cityscape, to be in the heart and chaos of Central and yet be above it all, far from the madding crowd. One fine day...

Another day, another year, another shoot with Hong Kong's resident Turkish super-duper-model, Taner S. The fittings pre-shoot were a breeze. 

Oh to be sample size... 

Taner in classic Berluti

Berluti accessories shine under the spotlight perhaps a tad more than its refined menswear. After all, Berluti is famed for its leather finishings, so gorgeously presented in a vast collection of shoes, boots, belts, and bags. Established in 1895 by Alessandro Berluti, the brand is based in Paris and under the LVMH umbrella.

With materials as varied as calfskin, kangaroo leather, and alligator skin, perhaps the bespoke suit jackets and ready-to-wear garments don’t get as much love in the press as the accessories do. Well, let’s change that. We are all in for this sophisticated look from Berluti, featuring a Scritto double-face jacket in pebbles grey with matching trousers and an Alessandro shirt in cold night blue. Nothing screams money—it whispers.

Photography: Dino Busch

Stylist: Bhisan Rai

Location: Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

Hair and Make-up: Karen Yiu

Make-up assistant: Bonnie Cheung

Styling assistant: Galvin Chi

Model: Taner from Model One

Read the entire feature with the full list of the Best of Style--particularly in menswear--here at Robb Report Hong Kong.

 

Model Citizen: Profile of top Turkish model Taner Sığırtmaç

Taner Sığırtmaç, the Turkish supermodel, exudes a magnetic blend of charisma, versatility, and raw talent that has cemented his status as a global fashion icon. Based in Hong Kong, Taner’s striking physique and chiseled features make him a standout in high-profile editorials, with his work gracing the pages of FACTORY Fanzine and campaigns for luxury brands like Versace, Calvin Klein, and Emporio Armani. His ability to embody diverse aesthetics—from retro 90s cool to sophisticated business chic—showcases a dynamic range that captivates photographers like Baldovino Barani, with whom he frequently collaborates.

Beyond his modeling prowess, Taner is a multifaceted entrepreneur, DJ, and personal trainer whose passion for music and fitness infuses his work with vibrant energy. His Instagram (@tanersc ) offers a glimpse into his world, blending sultry black-and-white shoots with glimpses of his Hong Kong lifestyle, from beachside workouts to electrifying DJ sets spinning house and afro house beats. His disciplined approach to fitness, evident in his sculpted physique, inspires fans and clients alike, making him a sought-after trainer.

Taner’s Turkish heritage adds depth to his global appeal, effortlessly bridging cultures through his art. Whether he’s channeling a poetic American vibe or embodying Versace’s bold nostalgia, his presence is commanding yet approachable. With a growing social media following and a portfolio that speaks volumes, Taner Sığırtmaç is not just a model, represented by Model One, one of Hong Kong's top agencies, but a cultural force redefining modern masculinity.

NOTE:

For a shoot had to pitch model Taner S, write a blurb and send pics for client approval. You can really slap something together when in a pinch...