THE HOT LIST

Party season is in full swing, and Spy’s inbox is crammed with invites.

There are copious Melbourne Cup parties to kick off November, while the Tiffany & Co store opening and ASB Tennis launches, the VNZMAs and the Moet Ice Q4 Party all early stand-outs so far.

So who are the hottest VIPs on the invite lists? We asked some of Auckland’s best party planners, and here’s who they say are the most sought-after: Fashion Designer Jessica

Grubisa of Harman Grubisa takes the millennial top spot — for the respect in which she is held by the IT crowd and her authentic and on-brand social media following. He may be Wellington-based but All Black Beauden Barrett beats out every other male sport star for a ‘must have’, if in Auckland, where girlfriend Hannah Laity already has a firm hand in the social scene. No one ever gets tired of having glamazon Silver Fern Maria Tutaia, whose personality and charm equal the scene-stealing glamour she provides on entry. After a lukewarm reception hosting at last year’s VNZMAs the man who has touched the hammer of Thor, director Taika Waititi and anyone in his circle are “in demand”. Michelle Blanchard was already an “in demand” socialite before