It was in the troughs of the Covid‑19 pandemic that Kyla Zhao rediscovered her love of storytelling. Facing loneliness as well as lingering imposter syndrome on the cusp of a career pivot in 2021 from the fashion industry to a more technical role in Silicon Valley, she channelled her vulnerabilities into writing, using it as an outlet to grapple with negative emotions.
The Fraud Squad, Zhao’s debut novel published in 2023 by Penguin Random House, and Valley Verified, launched earlier this year by the same publisher, were the unexpected results of this judgement‑free penning of thoughts. The latter, which Zhao calls “a book of her heart”, tells the tale of Zoe Zeng, who leaves her dead‑end job as a fashion writer to discover the cut‑throat world of tech. Zhao crafted the fish‑out‑of‑water narrative from personal experience and it was her friends’ initial reactions to the early draft of this book that made her realise that many felt the same way, but never voiced their fears.
Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra March 2024-utgaven av Tatler Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
