THE HEART OF THE MATTER

Discover the driving forces behind Bulgari's success with Regional Managing Director Jeffrey Hang, as he shares his perspectives on the brand's philosophy and direction.

- COLIN GOMEZ

At this point, I've been to The Exchange TRX a fair few times. From launches to openings and dinners, the sprawling confines of the shopping centre have grown to become rather familiar territory. This day, however, that I was to arrive for Bulgari's boutique unveiling was the first time I'd set foot there.

As much as I looked forward to exploring the magnificent new location, the bejewelled baubles, and ornate oeuvres housed within, I anticipated even more my appointment beforehand—an exclusive interview with Jeffrey Hang, Bulgari's South Asia Pacific Regional Managing Director. Having been with the LVMH group for around three decades at this point and having covered all manner of the group's interests from cosmetics to fashion and beyond, his years at LVMH have taken him from North America to Southeast Asia and just about everywhere else in between. Simply put, there couldn't have been a more knowledgeable person from which to get a grasp on what makes Bulgari, Bulgari.

Arriving at the grand, sweeping doors of the boutique, its facade immediately seizes my attention. But there's no time to admire my surroundings, that can wait for later. I arrived just in time for my interview with Jeffrey, who's no doubt on the tightest of schedules that day. Despite this, he made the time to tear himself away from the demands of the day to give our conversation his full attention.