COCKTAIL HOUR

Photographers lined the red carpet leading to the Grand Hyatt’s ballroom to capture the arriving guests, who posed against a striking “40” logo before following the carpet to the cocktail reception. There, they were greeted by Edipresse Media Asia executive chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière and his wife, Tamara. As the champagne flowed and trays of delectable canapés made the rounds, the room buzzed with excited conversation. The New Caledonian blue prawn nigiris, foie gras macaroons and bite-sized cod cakes were a hit, as was The Macallan 12 Years Old Double Cask whisky, served courtesy of one of the night’s generous sponsors, The Macallan. Arthur de Villepin, David Lee and their friends made a beeline for The Macallan bar, where they spent most of the cocktail hour.

The spectacular fashion on show was a major conversation point. Adrienne Hui, Emily Lam-ho and Angie Ting stood out in figure-hugging dresses by Versace, another of the ball’s sponsors. Striking colours also drew the spotlight, with Eleanor Lam shimmering in a blue sequinned Christian Dior gown, Tansy Lau-tom in a bold dress by Delpozo and Sabrina Fung-lam in a blue-and-white gown by Chinese couturier Guo Pei. And let’s not forget the gentlemen. Aron Harilela, Jonathan Cheung and Brandon Chau shone in classic bow ties, crisp shirts and fashion-forward white tuxedo jackets.

The sponsorship of Clé de Peau Beauté was popular, as the restrooms were well stocked with the luxury brand’s products for guests’ use. Stephnie Shek and Carmen Yim were among those spotted touching up with Clé de Peau Beauté lipstick before their red-carpet interviews with Hong Kong Tatler fashion director Justine Lee.