From The Straits Times    |
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Most women don’t understand men’s fascination with Taiwanese model/presenter Lin Chi-ling. Besides her ultra femininity, ballerina-like grace and delicate good looks, what’s there to like, really?

It must have been one of the better assignments for the male photographers who saw Chi-ling in the flesh on November 12, when the Longines’ ambassador specially flew in with brand president Mr Walter von Känel to grace the opening of the Longines flagship store at The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands. 

The 36-year-old looked nearly a decade younger in a champagne coloured dress by local designer Keith Png, whose designs Chi-ling described as modern and contemporary.

“The colour matches my favourite Longines watch, the Prima Luna, which I’m wearing today,” said Chi-ling at the press conference.

It’s easy to see why Chi-ling has been selected to be Longines’ Ambassadress of Elegance since 2006. From her trademark soft, girly voice to the way she seems to glide from point A to point B, her mannerisms exude sophistication and daintiness like no other.

But the 174-cm beauty insists elegance must “stem from within”. “To be elegant, it really depends on education, the people surrounding you and the environment you allow yourself to be in,” she said in her eloquent English.

When asked if she would like to turn back time, she surprised us (or rather, me) further with her well thought out answer: “Every step you’ve taken and every moment you’ve been through make you who you are today. Time doesn’t come to a standstill; neither can you turn back time. So, never regret and just move on.”


Lin Chi-ling (right) with Longines president Mr Walter von Känel

Yes, I admit I was like most women who just did not get Chi-ling’s appeal. But after the press conference, I have accepted — albeit grudgingly — that she seems genuinely sweet and she does, indeed, fulfil many men’s prerequisites for an ideal girlfriend.

Remember, denial comes before acceptance.

READ: Longines and The Singapore Turf Club in a 3-year partnership

Longines Boutique is located at #B1-18 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Tel: 6634 9893.