We explore a different side of society personalities – who spill the beans on their lesser-known obsessions both past and present.
Tatler Asia

Marilyn Monroe would only wear the legendary Chanel No. 5 fragrance to bed while footballer David Beckham has admitted that he actually has so many tattoos on his famous body because he enjoys the physical pain of the needle piercing through his skin! Determined or insane?

Perhaps it’s best not to judge others on the depths they go to for the object of their obsession, lest we ourselves be judged. For in some way or another, we all have that one thing (or two) we’re so hung up about, be it Star Wars, racer bikes, stilettoes or thrice-daily workouts. Besides, pursuing one’s passion with fervour shows a relentless spirit, no doubt an enviable quality.

Jamie Chua, 40, private investor and mother of a 19-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl 

Tatler Asia

1. What’s your secret obsession?

Leather. I'm on a relentless quest for that perfect biker jacket.  

2. Why are you obsessed about it?

There is a rocker side of me. Rock and roll epitomises free spirit and rebellion, traits I often embrace. 

3. When did it start and for how long has it been going on?

It started with my first-ever Versace leather jacket with gold medusa buttons in the early 1990s, and I haven't looked back since. 

4. To what depths have you gone to get the object of your obsession?

I have about 50 leather jackets from various parts of the world including Paris, Milan, Tokyo, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. I like the feel of leather and as I'm always in air-conditioned places, I wear my jackets pretty often. Maintenance-wise, I clean them using my own body lotion and wipe the lotion off using a dry soft cloth. This keeps the jackets moisturised and smelling good.

My favourite biker jacket is a sublime work of art from Yves Saint Laurent that I had been obsessing over for the longest time. I finally slayed the dragon with a click of a mouse! A couple of months ago, I bought all the ones I had my eye on this season. 

I'm now eyeing a red Yves Saint Laurent biker jacket. I already have it as a vest but I’m tempted to get the jacket version.

5. How does this passion influence your work?

I don't mix passion with work.....period!  

6. A day without it is like …

My life without Hermès!