The call time for this cover shoot is 7am. Vicky Hwang is convivial despite the early start, though it’s perhaps little surprise when she is in the business of making people feel welcome. Atlas’ founder and CEO is a master of the hospitality game, a trait reflected in a cover shoot so seamless it wraps hours ahead of schedule.
Beyond the practiced ease in front of the lens, there is a flash of something exclusive on her wrist: two brand new Audemars Piguet timepieces. As one of the first in the world to debut the new references, she offers a silent nod to her status as a global tastemaker.
Between shots, Hwang is a candid storyteller, tracing her trajectory from the shadow of her late grandfather, the tycoon Hwang Chou-Shiuan, to the helm of a family empire. She speaks with refreshing honesty why she sees accolades as double-edged sword—even as her newly-launched Atlas London Dry Gin has already picked up a gold award—and why she is more interested in the long game of preservation than the frantic race for expansion.
Hwang answers a couple of questions posed by her 14-year-old daughter, Sienna.
When did you realise you wanted more than one child?
From a young age, I always imagined myself having three children. I grew up with just one big brother. I remember looking at my cousins’ families—most had three or more kids—and feeling envious. Their family dinners felt louder, busier, and more like parties. Our family of four seemed a bit boring.
But now that we are a family of five, it feels like having our own little gang. Although it can be chaotic at times, I love it so much that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
If you could go back in time, what is one thing you would have done differently?
I would have spent some time working outside the family business after finishing my master’s degree. I’ve been very fortunate to work in many different roles, projects, and locations within our family business, and I’ve learnt a great deal.
However, I sometimes wish I’ d experienced how other organisations operate with different cultures, leadership styles, and ways of thinking. Since I own my own business now, that’s no longer feasible but I have reflected on it quite a bit over the years because I believe outside exposure would have been beneficial.
If you were 13 again and someone told you this was your future, how would you react?
Knowing what a wonderful life I have ahead with my three loving and kind children, as well as my supportive and handsome husband, I would have felt very blessed.
From a professional standpoint, I would be very surprised if I’d ended up in the bar business, but I’d also be super excited.
One of my favourite games growing up was playing make-believe restaurants with my brother and cousins. For hours, we would create fake menus, set up the dining room and kitchen, and take turns being the guests, waiters, and chefs.
I loved it, so I think my 13-year-old self would have been pretty thrilled about one day running one of the best bars in the world.
Photography Joel Low
Styling Chia Wei Choong
Hair Rick Yang/Artistry Studios using Goldwell StyleSign
Makeup Keith Bryant Lee using Tom Ford Beauty
Photography assistant Eddie Teo
Fashion assistant Megan Lim
