Swiss luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer opened their 2nd stand-alone boutique in Hong Kong on Thursday 23 February, 2012. To mark the opening of their IFC boutique, TAG Heuer invited celebrity model Lynn Hung and Chang Chen, and installed a VIP lounge in the mall with non-stop free flowing Moet & Chandon.
Manolo Blahnik Cocktail Party February 23, 2012
Manolo Blahnik made a rare appearance in Hong Kong on Wednesday 15 February, 2012. The exclusive cocktail party was held in honor of Blahnik’s latest collaboration for Lane Crawford, including the reissue of 10 famed shoe styles from over 40 years of his designs.
What struck me, is this limited edition reissue is for Hong Kong only and more specifically Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong, exemplifying the strong spending power from the SAR state.
A small VIP group of female guests (and a handful of stylish men) nibbled on prawns and ice cream balls while sipping the always stylish Veuve Clicquot champagne, as the impeccably groomed Blahnik - dressed in a pale purple suit and pink suede shoes - mingled with the crowd and signed copies of his illustrated children’s book.
I was lucky enough to get a photo with the eponymous shoe stylist, and he even recognised the Manolo Blahnik shoes I was wearing! Remarking that they were from 2007 he said “this is what my shoes are designed for, no wear and tear, they are for life!”
Mini Coupe Launch Party February 20, 2012
On November 2, 2011, buses departed from Central to far reaching Tseung Kwan O in the New Territories for the launch of the new Mini Coupe at Shaw Studios (site of the recent multimillion dollar nuptials between Coco Lee and Bruce Rockowitz).
With expansive grounds to theme up, including (naturally) the new car, mega lamp-post balloons and every type of Mini branded thing you could think of, guests noshed on mini ice creams and drank champagne while watching some entertaining free running entertainment before a lengthy unveiling ceremony.
Dim Sum & Then Some 4th Anniversary Party February 14, 2012
The Dim Sum girls threw a gold and glittery bash at members-only KEE Club to celebrate their 4th year of business. With glitter stars all over the floors and tables, gold star balloons, gold vodka cocktails and gold glitter body tattoo artists, the only reason I didn’t adhere to the gold glitter dress code was because the event was held on Thursday 17 March, 2011 – St Patrick’s Day!
Armani/Aqua Opening February 14, 2012
Giorgio Armani, the famous fashion designer, and Hong Kong hospitality giant Aqua group have forged an alliance like no other, forming Armani/Aqua – a hybrid, flashy restaurant of Italian and Japanese specialities and Armani/Prive, a nightclub attached to the restaurant section.
Trying to be a venue in which is seen to be the be all and end all of the fine dining, toast worthy drinks, sophisticated night club and fun and relaxing lounge experience right in the heart of Central, Hong Kong, it remains to be seen whether both concepts will endure the notoriously fickle Hong Kong landscape.
Having their grand opening on Thursday 15 September, 2011, both restaurant and club where heaving with a variable assortment of finance and socialite types. The champagne ran out very early on, but this did not stop those in attendance from (gasp) taking part in the cash bar.
Armani/Privé’s terrace in particular is a wonder to behold and my best bet to withstand any foreclosures. It spans 5,000 square feet in the heart of the city famed for its skyscrapers and would be a perfect after work drink venue for the many cashed up bankers in town looking to impress out-of-town clients.
Armani/Aqua, meanwhile, has one of the most glorious entrances I’ve ever seen with a hall of mirrors restaurant entrance complete with your own red carpet, perfect for all the narcissistic souls in Hong Kong.
