Chaundo Tan on finding balance and the art of empowered aging
'Even as you grow older, you have to keep the sexiness in you,' says Chuando Tan with a quiet certainty. 'Not for others, but for yourself.'
Model, photographer, viral sensation and one of the most recognisable faces of Singapore fashion, at 59, Tan is the very epitome of empowered ageing. First rising to fame in the '80s and '90s as one of the city's top male models, Tan graced magazine covers and campaigns across Asia.
Later, he transitioned to the other side of the camera lens, becoming a sought-after fashion photographer known for his cinematic lighting and sharp instinct for mood. Tan wears Brunello Cucinelli shirt; Boss black pants; Piaget watch; suspenders and tie, stylist's own Tanya wears Fred earrings and bracelet; dress, stylist's own. Chuando & Frey
But it was in 2017, at the age of 51, that Tan unexpectedly found global fame again—this time on Instagram. Overnight, he became a poster child for ageing well—not just physically, but with style, humility and presence. 'I've never felt insecure about my age,' he says. 'When I went viral at 51, everything still felt the same. I was just enjoying life as I always had.'
There's something profoundly grounded about Tan. He speaks slowly, thoughtfully, often turning philosophical. When asked about how the past year has been for him, he doesn't begin with milestones or achievements. Instead, he reflects on loss—close friends and collaborators who have passed in recent years. Brunello Cucinelli jacket and top; Coach jacket; Boss pants, bag and scarf; tie, stylist's own. Chuando & Frey
'It made me realise that life can be taken away in a minute,' he says. 'No matter how great you do, when time's up, you're gone. But the world still continues. Nature still continues. We're just a decorative element in this world.'
His words reveal a person who has come to value presence above perfection. Tan started photography in his late 20s, after over a decade in front of the camera. 'Those early years were all about hard work. I would grind every day, often till midnight. The moment when I stopped, I realised I was actually 50, pushing 51,' he says with a laugh.'Time has passed so quickly.' Hermès pants; Fred necklace and ring. Chuando & Frey
In the decades in between, Tan quietly became a pioneer as one of the first to bring digital imaging and high-level retouching into Singapore fashion photography. His aesthetic—clean, sensual, expressive—has helped shape a modern, aspirational image of Asian masculinity that still feels rare in mainstream fashion.
Yet, he remains incredibly private. 'If it's public speaking, I definitely wouldn't do it,' he admits. 'But to be myself in front of a camera? No problem.' Coach jacket and pants; Brunello Cucinelli shirt; Ralph Lauren Purple Label bow tie; IWC Schaffhausen watch. Chuando & Frey
Tan's ease in his own body comes from a lifetime of exposure to art and the human form. His father was a painter; Tan grew up watching him sketch nude figures. Later, as a swimmer and then model, the body became familiar rather than taboo. 'It's just a body, lah . No big deal,' he says, smiling.
Today, Tan's focus is on balance: recovering from joint issues, getting back to the gym and taking care of his health. He's also working on a coffee-table book that chronicles 30 years of his work, drawing from personal archives. As for what the future holds, Tan is content to stay true to himself. 'I just want to keep myself happy,' he says. In doing so, he's redefined what it means to be sexy—not as something tied to youth, but as something golden: earned, embodied and enduring.
Editor-in-chief Desmond Lim
Styling Nicholas See
Hair and make-up Rick Yang/Artistry Studios using Alyscamps Skincare and AntiCollective
Hair and make-up assistant Cadix Yang
First photography assistant Colin Wee
Second photography assistant Daniel Peh
Stylist's assistants Lance Aeron and Kuan
Producer David Bay
Model Tanya/Ave Management
Location Exclusively listed by Christie's International Real Estate Singapore with interiors designed by Valternative
Special thanks Space; Hassan's Carpets; Aston Martin Singapore; and AOE Pte Ltd.
Pre-order your copy of the Vogue Man 'Gold' issue online or pick it up on newsstands from 13 June 2025.
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