Linn Mashannoad Is Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore’s August 2024 Cover Star

“Power is having influence with integrity. It’s the ability to effect change and to inspire action. True power comes from using your influence to uplift others, to create opportunities, and to drive positive change,” says Dr Ayesha Khanna, of the artificial intelligence (AI) solutions firm and incubator, Addo AI. Never have truer words been spoken. Leading our portfolio on women who are game changers, a key annual feature we do, Dr Khanna epitomises someone who is forward thinking, and personifies the adage of wisdom. Our selection of the women in power who effect change and difference in Singapore is hotly contested as our team has strong views about who defines power—from the fields of AI to medicine, finance and fashion. Read the inspiring stories of these movers and shakers on page 36.

And change is what we embrace every day at BAZAAR. Of course, that starts with our wardrobe. We took inspo from the trend report on page 46 to dress our power women in everything from skinny suitings, to modern versions of Le Smoking and lots of earthy tones. I’m excited about the return of ultra femininity—lingerie dresses, waisted everything, ’50s “Swans” and the abundance of bows. It’s a welcome celebration of feathers, colour, print and a sartorial positivity so needed in today’s troubled climes. And positivity is what I saw in our BAZAAR Man cover star, Gulf Kanawut. I first met “Gulfie” (as he is affectionately known to his fans) in Singapore a few years ago when he was here for a Burberry event.
He made such an effort to connect with his fans, many of whom stood for hours just to catch a glimpse of him. It was at the very height of BL (boys’ love) dramas. I met him again when we were in Sydney for Gucci a couple of years ago and realised that his warm, friendly demeanour is truly natural. He’s always smiling, never irritated with delays or ardent fans pulling at him. He’s engaging, despite his hesitation in speaking English and will never say no to a selfie. It is refreshing to see such warmth and affection coming from this shy Thai guy. With his new venture into singing, I can’t wait to see what Gulfie brings to his millions of adoring fans. He’s certainly converted me into one.

Before I sign off today, I am about to make the biggest positive change in my life. This will be my last editor’s note that I will sign off as a single man. When you read this, I will be married— to my partner of 17 years. Our wedding in Sydney is a celebration of that journey in love. A wedding was something I’d always dreamt of and never thought possible in my lifetime. But a global fight for a more inclusive world allowed me and my partner to be registered and recognised as a married couple. I am so happy that I can make that a reality today, and celebrating this occasion with my dearest family and friends. I hope that everyone gets an opportunity to live and enjoy their love in whatever form they see fit. My dream as a young boy came true today, proving there’s nothing greater than the power of love.

-Kenneth Goh, Editor-in-Chief

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Editor-in-Chief: Kenneth Goh
Photographer: Naruebes Vadvaree
Stylist: Windy Aulia
Fashion: Prada
Model: Linn Mashannoad / Very Model
Makeup: Jcquelyn Charoenkiatkong
Hair: Luckasia Yodmaingam
Producer: Tharida Diloksongtham
Retoucing: Nutcha Harnpukdipatima
Photographer’s Assistants: Jeerasak Kaysee, Nattapong Amkham, Arnon Boonro
Stylist’s Assistant: Phil Ritwiwat