Career journey andbalance pursuit, Chuando Tan delves into the realm of empowered aging
"Embrace the allure of age, my friend," Chuando Tan asserts with a quiet confidence. "Not for the satisfaction of others, but for yourself."
At 59, this iconic figure of Singapore's fashion scene embodies the spirit of empowered aging. Initial fame struck Tan in the '80s and '90s, where he graced magazine covers and campaigns across Asia as a top male model. Then, he repositioned himself behind the lens, emerging as a renowned fashion photographer, distinguished by his compelling lighting and intuitive sense for mood.
But, it was in 2017, at the ripe age of 51, that Chuando Tan reclaimed his worldwide fame on social media platforms such as Instagram. He swiftly became a beacon for aging gracefully, not just physically, but with style, modesty, and grace. "I've never wrestled with age-related insecurities," he confesses. "Going viral at 51 didn't shake up my world. I was simply living my life as I always had."
Tan exudes an air of spiritual comprehension. He speaks deliberately, often dipping into the philosophical. When questioned about the preceding year, he bypasses achievements and milestones. Instead, he contemplates loss - the departure of cherished friends and collaborators who've recently left him.
"The realization that life can be snatched away in an instant has become stark," he admits. "No matter how stunning your accomplishments, when it's time to go, you're gone. The world keeps spinning; nature continues its course. We're merely temporary embellishments in this world."
This outlook has fostered a deep appreciation for presence over perfection within Tan. He began his photography journey in his late twenties, shifting from model to photographer after over a decade beneath the glare of the spotlight. "Those formative years entailed relentless effort. Days, evenings, till midnight, I labored, unable to perceive the march of time," he recalls, chuckling.
Throughout his decades-long career, Tan has been a trailblazer, being one of the first to incorporate digital imaging and advanced retouching into Singapore's fashion photography. His aesthetic - clean, sensual, expressive - has molded a modern, aspirational image of Asian masculinity that resonates uncommonly in mainstream fashion.
However, Tan remains quite private. "Public speaking is a challenge, but being myself in front of a camera? No worries," he concedes.
Tan's comfort in his own body stems from a lifelong exposure to art and the human form. His father was a painter; Tan grew up observing his renditions of nude figures. Later, as a competitive swimmer and eventually a model, the human body ceased to be taboo and instead became familiar. "It's just flesh and bones, lah, no big deal," he laughs, grinning.
At this juncture, Tan concentrates on harmony - healing from joint issues, reconnecting with fitness, and attending to his health. He's also working diligently on a coffee table book, collecting more than thirty years of his work from personal archives. For the future, Tan seeks to preserve his equilibrium - mainly, to ensure his self-contentment persists.
In doing so, he redefines what it means to be compelling - no longer tied to youth, but rather as something golden: hard-earned, internalized, and enduring.
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Can't wait to delve into an insightful publication? If you're curious about Tan's early career as a singer under the name Chen Yufei, or his work with the photography firm, ChuanDo & Frey, don't fret! Check out additional information in our enrichment section.
- Chuando Tan, at 59, is a global icon of empowered aging, merging fashion, art, and personal growth in his lifestyle.
- As a top male model and renowned fashion photographer, Tan continues to influence trends in the fashion-and-beauty industry with his unique style and design.
- In 2017, Tan went viral on social media, becoming a beacon for health-and-wellness and education-and-self-development, inspiring people to age gracefully.
- Despite his accomplishments, Tan understands the futility of perfecting one's appearance, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and awareness in his work and philosophy.
- Tan's skincare routine plays a crucial role in maintaining his youthful appearance, reflecting his commitment to health-and-wellness and personal-growth.
- Through his photography and lifestyle, Tan highlights the aging process, deconstructing traditional beauty standards and advocating for the acceptance of aging.
- In his photography, Tan integrates digital imaging and advanced retouching, pioneering trends in global fashion trends and contributing to the evolution of the art of photography.
- Simultaneously, Tan remains reserved, prioritizing his privacy while sharing glimpses of his life, influences, and artistic journey, making him an enigmatic yet captivating figure in the fashion scene.
