The wild and whimsical creations of Joanna Laura Constantine, one of Beirut’s best-known jewellery designers, adorn such celebrities as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Jessica Alba, and regularly grace the pages of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle and, of course, Asia Tatler. The 36-year-old Lebanese American launched her eponymous brand in New York in 2008 after studying fashion at Parsons School of Design. When Joanna returned to Beirut after graduating to set up her studio, she began to develop designs inspired by the sights and sounds of the Middle East. One of her early collections was titled Byblos after the ancient city in Lebanon, and another, Petra, was inspired by the famous ruins in Jordan. Ten years on and her mood boards continue to reflect her life in Beirut but now have a more urban aesthetic. Last year’s edgy industrial collection, Organised Chaos, saw chokers and cuffs designed using metal nuts and bolts, while the playfully cool Urban Chic range was influenced by streetwear. Here Joanna recommends her favourite places to work, rest and play.
LEBANESE ZEN
From its hilltop perch on the outskirts of Beirut, the charmingly retro family-owned Al Bustan Hotel offers great views over the city but the star attraction is its spa. Housed in a restored 200-year-old stone mansion that sits within the lush hotel gardens, L’Espace is a sanctuary of Lebanese Zen, with grand archways, intricate mosaic tiling, ornate screens and glowing glass lanterns. Recharge with the help of ancient Middle Eastern cleansing and purification rituals or steam away stress in the luxury hammam. “I love having a glass of wine in the garden after a treatment and soaking up the serenity of the place,” says Joanna. hotelalbustan.com
SHOPPING FIX
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THE LAST WORD
Every issue, we ask our cover star a round of quickfire questions that give us a little more insight into their personalities. This month: Gulf Kanawut lays it bare
WOMEN AT THE WICKET
Asia's women's cricket teams from outside the Indian subcontinent have been rapidly rising up through the ranks, creating opportunities, breaking barriers and changing the game as they go
TIME TURNER
A 2024 Turner Prize nominee, British Filipino artist Pio Abad talks to Tatler about carrying on family legacy, unearthing historical connections and why the Philippines is always at the core of his work
ROYAL RICHES
Ahead of the opening of Prince and the Peacock, Black Sheep Restaurants' latest establishment, Tatler joins the hospitality group on a culinary pilgrimage to India
MAKING HER POINT
Foil fencer Daphne Chan is happy to see the rising interest in her sport since Cheung Ka-long's historic win, and is headed to the Games with impressive wins behind her. But she's not allowing the pressure to get to her, and is most excited about who she might meet in Paris
IN IT TO WIN IT
Hong Kong freestyle swimmer Ian Ho, whose Instagram handle @Amphlb_ian playfully alludes to his aquatic prowess, competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and won silver in the men's 50 metres freestyle at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. This month, he will represent Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics. He talks to Tatler about making Hong Kong proud, life as a student and professional athlete-and why relaxing is the way forward
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Two-time Olympic swimmer Camille Cheng thought Tokyo 2020 would be her last Games, but competing in Paris was too big a draw for the French Chinese athlete
INTRIGUE AND INTRICACIES
Parisian artist Ugo Gattoni takes us through his elaborately designed poster for the Olympics and Paralympics in his home city this month
Crafting a New Legacy
Nicholas Lieou, creative director of high jewellery at Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, is reimagining jewellery, as the brand celebrates its 95th anniversary
A Lasting Legacy
Tatler explores Cartier's latest Watches and Wonders novelties with the maison's image, style and heritage director, who explains how the luxury house continues to create designs that are relevant today, yet rooted in legacy