Out Now, Lifestyle, Cover Issue

On The Cover: Amelia Henderson and Aedy Ashraf front our Mar 24 issue

 
On The Cover: Amelia Henderson and Aedy Ashraf front our Mar 24 issue

Actors Amelia Henderson and Aedy Ashraf “clicks” in a language that can only be understood by each other. “When you meet someone who understands you without explanation, love becomes effortless because understanding comes naturally,” says Henderson.

Relationships — cliched or not — typically begin with a “spark”. Yet as endless bingeing on K-dramas would foretell, a “spark” is only a momentary feeling. So when Henderson describes her relationship with Aedy as one that “clicks”, she is not talking about the jittery, butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling one gets when first meeting someone they like, but that secured sense of being; as though knowing the ins-and-outs of that person long before meeting them for the first time.

(On Aedy) Jacket, vest, pants, shoes, all Dolce&Gabbana; B.zero1 pendant necklace in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 necklace with small round pendant, both in 18kt white gold, B.zero1 one-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 18 kt white gold three-band ring set with demi-pavé diamonds on the edges, B.zero1 18 kt white gold ring set with pavé diamonds on the spiral, B.zero1 four-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 three-band ring in 18 kt white gold, all Bvlgari

(On Amelia) Dress, heels, all Prada; B.zero1 necklace with chain and small round pendant in 18kt rose gold, B.zero1 rose Gold bangle all Bvlgari; Stockings, Stylist’s own

But connections between two humans — as natural as it may be — is still a mystery. Why does it exist for some and not for others? How does it arise seemingly out of thin air — almost tangible — that draws individuals like an invisible magnetic force. Yet — more importantly — how does it emerge, and why does it fade away? Perhaps, when you know, you just know. As an infuriating explanation as that may be, sometimes that it is all it takes.

Aedy Ashraf echoes this sentiment, recounting his own experience with love at first sight with Henderson because she is “incredibly professional and keeps her personal life separate from work”. He reminisces the past while drifting towards his girlfriend across the room, who perks up upon hearing her name. “Well, I used to do that too, but that changed the moment I met her,” he says. He further explains how their initial connection deepened with each conversation. “I’m a very introverted and reserved person,” he admitted. “But when I met her, I wanted to tell her everything, right from the start. It just felt right. I think, for me, it’s about how much of myself I am around her.”

(On Aedy) Vest, pants, boots, all Bottega Veneta; B.zero1 necklace with small round pendant in 18 kt white gold and pavé diamonds, B.zero1 18 kt white gold bangle bracelet with BVLGARI logo on the spiral, B.zero1 four-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 three-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 18 kt white gold three-band ring set with demi-pavé diamonds on the edges, all Bvlgari

(On Amelia) Top, skirt, boots, all Bottega Veneta; B.zero1 Rock Chain necklace with studded pendant in 18 kt rose gold set with pavé diamonds, B.zero1 rose Gold bangle, B.zero1 18 kt rose gold ring set with pavé diamonds on the spiral, B.zero1 three-band ring in 18 kt rose gold, all Bvlgari

However, Amelia sees a different perspective. “The familiarity I have with Aedy is like looking into a mirror,” she shares.

“It’s in our arguments, conversations, even the mundane — choosing dinner or planning dates. The deeper I get to know him, the more shocked I am by our similarities. Even our differences seem to fit perfectly, like puzzle pieces.”

So for Henderson, connection feels natural and immediate when mutual understanding is present.

Henderson was a child actress at 10 months old, a television host at 11, and a Mensa member by the age of 14. By her 20s, Amelia was known for taking charge of her career, her personal life, and the things that surrounded her. Yet, she reveals a surprising truth — “Aedy is the first person I trust with taking the driver’s seat.” It may not be a relinquishment of control — she clarifies — but a welcome change for her overtly polished life. “It’s just nice to know that sometimes I don’t have to — just sit down and it’s all figured out.”

Through Amelia’s words, it is clear that she sees Aedy as the steady hand, offering a sense of calm amidst her whirlwind life. This glimpse — filtered through love’s lens — promises an intriguing exploration of their dynamic. “As a career woman who has my values ingrained like bedrock, finding a man who shares my worldview is a rare gem. Aedy surpassed my expectations, his intelligence constantly surprising me, sometimes even catching me off guard,” shares the actress.

Jacket, loafer shoes, all Miu Miu; Skirt, Sacai; B.zero1 one-band ring in 18 kt rose gold, B.zero1 four-band ring in 18 kt yellow gold, B.zero1 one-band ring in 18 kt yellow gold, all Bvlgari; Stockings, Stylist’s own

A chameleon at heart, Aedy has inhabited countless characters since the age of thirteen, each with their own story. This wellspring of experience has granted him a unique perspective, a quality that Amelia deeply admires. “I respect actors who play such profound characters that are etched in people’s minds,” he said. “My next upcoming role is a new one I’m both proud of and anxious about exploring. But I guess this is just another one of my experiments.”

Aedy is also smitten with Amelia’s unwavering character. “It’s truly fascinating,” he says, “how grounded she is in her convictions. In an industry obsessed with chasing approval through inauthenticity, Amelia remains remarkably genuine.”

(On Aedy) Jacket, pants all Saint Laurent; B.zero1 necklace with small round pendant in 18 kt white gold and pavé diamonds, Bvlgari (On Amelia) Dress, Jacquemus; Boots, Louis Vuitton; B.zero1 Rock 18 kt yellow gold pendant necklace with studded spiral set with pavé diamonds on the edges, all Bvlgari

Amelia, meanwhile, can’t help but smile at her boyfriend’s description, playfully crinkling her nose. Their bond — forged through four years of friendship that turned into love a year ago — appears as fresh as ever.

Many scroll through the seemingly picture-perfect lives of celebrity couples online, a seed of doubt often planted. Are they truly happy? Is there a darker truth lurking beneath the carefully curated image? Amelia shatters this illusion, offering a dose of reality — “there’s a misconception that celebrity relationships are inherently dramatic,” she says.

Jacket, pants, all Versace; B.zero1 pendant necklace in 18 kt white gold, Bvlgari; Gloves, Stylist’s own

“Ours is pretty ordinary. We snowboard, we joke around — nothing newsworthy, I’m afraid.”

The public often assumes the role of armchair relationship experts, freely offering unsolicited opinions — especially when two stars spark a romance. However, it is crucial to remember that the carefully crafted personas seen on screens are just that — facades. Judging their off-screen lives based solely on these limited glimpses is an exercise in futility.

(On Aedy) Vest, pants, shoes, all Louis Vuitton; B.zero1 necklace with small round pendant in 18 kt white gold and pavé diamonds, B.zero1 18 kt white gold ring set with pavé diamonds on the spiral, B.zero1 four-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 18 kt white gold bangle bracelet with BVLGARI logo on the spiral, B.zero1 18 kt white gold three-band ring set with demi-pavé diamonds on the edges, B.zero1 three-band ring in 18 kt white gold, B.zero1 18 kt white gold one-band ring with openwork logo spiral, all Bvlgari

(On Amelia) Dress, Ferragamo; B.zero1 four-band ring in 18 kt yellow gold, B.zero1 one-band ring in 18 kt yellow gold, all Bvlgari

Six hours into the shoot, the clock chimes midnight — yet Aedy and Amelia’s playful energy seems as unfaltering as their connection. The question that first piqued the curiosity of love remains unanswered still — what is your definition of chemistry? Aedy smiles, “there are two types of connections — those built over time and those where the spark ignites instantly, fueling the foundation. Amelia and I fall into the latter category. We felt the chemistry, and everything else blossomed naturally.”

Their experience reflects the inherent complexity of human connection. There is no equation for that initial spark, no formula to identify “the one”. Perhaps the most valuable guide lies within — to follow one’s heart.

Photography Chee Wei

Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah 

Grooming Cat Yong 

Hair Keith Ong

Styling Assistants Liew Hui Ying, Manfred Lu and Joseph Cheng

Photography Assistant Max Ong