by Jing Ramos

Sir Cecil Beaton (1904–1980) was long known as a society photographer since 1926. Beaton’s fascination with glamour and high society led him to become court photographer for the British Royal Family in 1937. He also progressed into successful stage and film productions, most exceptionally My Fair Lady (1964) and Gigi (1958). His career, however, took off earlier in the mid-1920s when he began to contribute photographs and illustrations to Vogue magazine.

Nancy and Baba Beaton by Cecil Beaton, 1926

Cecil Beaton’s photographs defined a glittering generation of eminent artists, royalty, bohemians, actors, and actresses. Beaton’s inimitable elegance brings to life a deliciously eccentric and creative era of British cultural life.

Truman Capote by Cecil Beaton 1948

Mick Jagger by Cecil Beaton 1967

Queen Elizabeth the Second, bromide print by Cecil Beaton 1968. National Portrait Gallery,London

Cecil Beaton remained an arbiter of fashion throughout his career, from the 1920s to the 1960s. His flair for theatricality and elegance captured both celebrities and royalty in his signature, highly stylised compositions. In his long and diversified life, he flourished in creating a persona for himself—snobbish, confident, and often dismissive. As writer Truman Capote once said, “Cecil was that rare creature—a total self-creation.” He succeeded in rising to a position where his opinion was valued and respected, particularly in matters of taste.

The National Portrait Gallery of London honored Cecil Beaton with a retrospective in year 2020

Evelyn Waugh by Cecil Beaton 1920

Nancy Mitford by Cecil Beaton 1929

Cecil Beaton’s influence on portrait photography remains pivotal and lives on today in the works of contemporary photographers. He was celebrated by the National Portrait Gallery in London in the spring of 2020 for his portfolio of a rebellious group of artists, writers, and socialites from the 1920s through the 1930s. Bright Young Things captured that spirit, reflecting a dramatic imprint on social mores of the epoch. Among the impressive cast were Stephen Tennant, the Mitford sisters, Siegfried Sassoon, Evelyn Waugh, and Daphne du Maurier. This exhibition charted Beaton’s transformation from a suburban schoolboy to a member of the glitterati. More than a photographer, Beaton turned himself into a society fixture in his own right.

Cecil Beaton and Stephen Tennant, Riviera Wanderers photographed by Maurice Beck and Helen McGregor 1927, National Portrait Gallery, London

by Jing Ramos

Richard Avedon had photographed every single important personality in the cultural landscape of the last century. Long known for his images of stylish and urbane women decked out in Balenciaga or Dior, under Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland’s mentorship, he made his mark with the iconic photograph of Dovima with the elephants, evening dress by Christian Dior, Cirque d’Hiver in Paris, 1955.

Dovima with elephants, Cirque d’Hiver Paris, 1955

And yet, in spite of Richard Avedon’s mammoth commercial success, he pined for loftier ideals. The photographer craved gravitas—portraits that remained pure and unvarnished and had a universal appeal. Always in black and white and photographed against a white background, Avedon’s portraits were often viewed as clinical, stone-cold, and sometimes unflattering. Think of the ones he did of artist Louise Nevelson and writer Isak Dinesen.

Duke and Duchess of Windsor New York, 1957

Other than their historical significance, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were trailblazers in the cult of celebrity. The couple left the UK following Edward VIII’s abdication from the throne of England in order to marry the American divorcée, Wallis Simpson. The scandal shook the world while cultural depictions of the two most pursued celebrities behind the camera lenses continued to spur interest and influence.

Andy Warhol, New York, 1968

Andy Warhol was likened to the “enfant terrible” of the international art scene. A pivotal pop artist famous for his silk-screened portraits of celebrities and pop figures ranging from Chairman Mao to actress Marilyn Monroe, Warhol drew imagery from advertising, mass media, and celebrity culture, and was regarded as the most important artist of the second half of the 20th century.

Countess Jacqueline des Ribes, 1955

Jacqueline de Ribes did not make her signature cultural identity until she became actively involved as manager of the International Ballet of the Marquis de Cuevas, following the death of its founder, George de Cuevas. The Countess received from the French state in 2010 the Légion d’honneur, the highest national order of merit established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.

Rudolf Nureyev, 1962

The Soviet-born ballet dancer and choreographer is regarded as the pre-eminent male ballet dancer of the 20th century. In 1961, he defected to the West after a Kirov Ballet performance in Paris and instantly became a “cause célèbre,” known for his technical brilliance, particularly in his performance of Swan Lake in 1964. His lavish personal life added to his bravado.

Jorge Luis Borges, Buenos Aires, 1975

The Argentine poet, essayist, and short-story writer whose notable works include Dream Tigers became one of the literary giants of the 20th century, though he eventually suffered from total blindness. When General Perón was deposed in 1955, Borges became director of the National Library, along with an honorary position at the University of Buenos Aires. Richard Avedon personally flew to Buenos Aires for a special photographic sitting with the celebrated blind poet, and he would later recount that his portrait of Borges turned out to be stillborn—a death mask.

by Jing Ramos | photography Doro Barandino

Modern Indian cuisine is a departure from traditional Indian dishes through innovative techniques, elevated presentation, and inspiration from international flavors. This culinary movement shifts away from overly complex dining toward a more comfortable yet refined experience. It moves away from heavy cream-based sauces in favor of lighter, healthier options using local and seasonal ingredients. The process often involves deconstructing classic recipes and incorporating cultural diversity.

Smash samosas are influenced by traditional Indian street food served on lotus design plates.

Executive chef Luis Cipriano created a modern Indian menu with clever and playful twists.

Goa Nights has its roots in Old Taipa Village in Macau, where it drew in both local residents and members of the expatriate community. Its prominent address became known as one of the area’s hottest cocktail bars, offering a uniquely hip and varied experience. When one hears of Goa, it typically conjures images of a laid-back beach destination with Portuguese colonial heritage—but Goa is, in fact, a culturally rich Indian state. This multicultural blend has fueled the brand’s expansion as a destination that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Goa.

Onion and okra fritters pair perfectly well with chai masala served in blue ceramic teapot with tea cups and serving plates.

The interior design of Goa Nights borders on the minimalist with a striking use of contrasting color hues.

In February 2024, Goa Nights found a second home in Cebu, bringing the same dauntless spirit with its modern Indian dishes and curated cocktails. Owners Gagan Sethi and Gwen Trott set out to create a rarefied yet relaxed atmosphere, blending current twists on Indian gastronomy with distinctive beverage pairings.

The menu, created by Chef Luis Cipriano, finds its voice by shedding labels and categorizations. Instead, it embraces bold, creative, and globally influenced flavors. “We wanted to keep things fun and a little cheeky, so you’ll find playful twists and the unexpected. It’s still Indian cuisine—but reimagined, new, and highly unpredictable,” the executive chef explains. The food ethos focuses on new techniques and fresh interpretations for an upbeat vibe. Classics are still honored—like the popular set lunch thali, Indian street food bites, comforting favorites like chicken tikka masala, and more dishes from the tandoor—for a clever balance of tradition and innovation. The authenticity of each dish, rooted in its history and culture, transforms every plate into more than just food—it becomes a full experience.

The tall ceiling allows a dramatic entrance to the powder room partitioned by linen damask drapes.

Curated cocktails are served on a well -stocked bar featuring a polished marble counter top.

Modernist aesthetics showcase blue -upholstered dining chairs and veneered wooden tables against a visually charged mural.

Blue colored steel beams support glass windows that afford street views from a pink colored banquette setting.