Art Agenda
THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF SOCIETY UNITED IN SPECTACULAR FASHION FOR THE PARTY OF THE YEAR, THE HONG KONG TATLER BALL
A striking array of artwork in a variety of disciplines is up for grabs this month
Jaime and Benedict Ku
KC Chow and Monica Wong
Allan and Carol Murray
Stephanie Cheung and Vincent Cheung
Zita Ong
Aron Harilela Sally and Robert Lo
Sally and Jim Thompson
The air was electric with anticipation as guests arrived at the Grand Hyatt dressed to the nines for the Hong Kong Tatler Ball, an annual reunion of sorts for the city’s glitterati. Some of society’s best-known couples were chauffeured to the door of the five-star Wan Chai hotel in gleaming Audi A8s. The evening kicked off with cocktails before guests headed into the lavishly decorated ballroom. The signature cocktail of the night, the Tatler Teaser, was a mix of The Macallan 12 Years Old Fine Oak, Harveys Bristol Cream sherry,
lemon juice, honey, and orange and lemon peel—and the flame fluttering atop the glass was a hint of the drama ahead. Modelphotographer Crazy Rouge wove through the gathering in her trademark red gown, creating a frisson as she clicked away—see page 110 for her stunning shots.
Eventually the dinner bell rang and guests moved into the ballroom, releasing delighted gasps as they set eyes on interiors guru Silvio Berge’s creation. Featuring towering black lamps, vivid white orchids and mirror-topped tables, it was the perfect arena for a night of decadent fun.
Magicians Sean Macfarlane and Lawrence Sullivan moved from table to table performing tricks as the scallop carpaccio appetiser was served. During the main course, the evening’s master of ceremonies, Sean Lee-Davies, took to the stage to introduce Edipresse Media’s chairman and CEO for Asia, Barrie C Goodridge, who welcomed guests and kicked off the highly anticipated Tatler Awards Ceremony. Eric Fok was named Entrepreneur of the Year and, in a departure from the norm, there were two recipients of the Most Promising Young Lady award—sisters Amanda and Jennifer Cheung. Sean Lee-Davies had the pleasure of presenting the trophy for Most Stylish Woman to his mother, Olivia Lee-Davies. Purviz Shroff received a standing ovation as she accepted the Philanthropy Award, and love was clearly in the air as Stephen and Deborah Hung, their hands clasped, accepted the trophy for Couple of the Year. The Tatler Diamond Award went to Jim Thompson, who gave a touching
acceptance speech and drew a round of enthusiastic applause for his wife, Sally, by thanking her for her unwavering support.
As the five-course meal drew to a close, popular Abba parody act Björn Again launched into their opening number, Waterloo, which was followed by a string of the Swedish stars’ greatest hits. Allan Murray lit up the dancefloor, inspiring many guests, including Carmen and Samuel Lee, to let their hair down. Dancing Queen saw the everflamboyant Peter Cheung mount the stage to dance and sing along with the band.
As the clock struck midnight, sumptuous snacks were served to keep up the energy of those keen to boogie the night away. The Grand Hyatt even provided fluffy slippers so those in heels could kick them off and strut their stuff in comfort.
It was a memorable night indeed—and we can’t wait until next year.