Cover Inside The Tatler Ball at The Londoner Macao on November 24 (Photo: Paul Ching/Tatler Hong Kong)

Bringing together the region’s most impactful individuals, as well as international stars, the stunningly swanky event was an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition

Stars aligned on November 24 for The Tatler Ball at the Londoner Macao, the most ambitious event in Tatler history, and the first region-wide rendition of the social event of the season. Bringing together Asia’s most influential individuals, as well as international stars, the black-tie soirée was an unforgettable evening of celebration and recognition.

The guests included some of the region’s biggest luminaries and influencers, as well as David Beckham— international football legend, Inter Miami president and co-owner, and long-standing global ambassador of Sands China, which operates The Londoner Macao. Beckham also presented awards on the night to three impact-makers who are leaving their marks on their respective fields and inspiring future generations: Thai actor Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree, Japanese model and songwriter Kōki, and Hong Kong scientist Professor Dennis Lo.

Other A-listers invited to the exclusive event included actor Stephen Fung, fashion darling Ayla Sham and stylist Tina Leung, of Hong Kong; Taiwanese showbiz icon Van Ness Wu; entrepreneur Marion Caunter, actor and model Scha Alyahya and actor Awal Ashaari, from Malaysia; Thai stars Thanaerng, Jaylerr and Poyd Treechada; and Indonesian actress Aurélie Moeremans; plus social media superstars including Singapore’s Yoyo Cao, South Koreans Jeongjin Park and Sera Song, Small Laude from the Philippines, and mainland China’s Sharon Kobler and Shi Ting.

Read more: Inside the Tatler Ball at The Londoner Macao: All the moments you might have missed

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 7 Inside the Shades of the Extraordinary tunnel (Photo: Humphrey Ng/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 2 of 7 Inside The Londoner Arena (Photo: Paul Ching/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 3 of 7 Michel Lamunière, David Beckham and Tamara Lamunière (Photo: Jeffrey Hui/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 4 of 7 David Beckham with regional talent including Stephen Fung, Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree, Van Ness Wu, Eric Fok, Ayla Sham, Myolie Wu and Kōki, (Photo: Zed Leets/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 5 of 7 Michel Lamunière and Dr Wilfred Wong (Photo: Humphrey Ng/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 6 of 7 Xavier Asensi (Photo: Paul Ching/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 7 of 7 Caroline Scheufele (Photo: Paul Ching/Tatler Hong Kong)

The theme for the evening, Shades of the Extraordinary, was expertly crafted by Hugo Belloy, the co-founder of Hong Kong-based experiential brand Surprise Surprise. The theme was the embodiment of the ball, emphasising excellence, celebration, community, culture and impact. Beautiful features designed and created for the ball included a striking orange-coloured carpet that welcomed guests and where they posed for photos; light installations, in the same shade, in the dining room; and a backdrop emblazoned with “Shades of the Extraordinary” that proved to be a popular spot for selfies.

Kicking off the evening with a rousing speech, Tatler Asia’s chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière expressed his gratitude to the inspiring attendees. He highlighted the transformation of Tatler from a high society magazine to a luxury brand with a purpose, reflecting and fulfilling the aspirations and needs of the most discerning individuals across the region, and also shared the mission behind Tatler Asia’s flagship campaign Asia’s Most Influential, the latest list of whom was revealed at the event.

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 4 Guests were treated to an exquisite five-course menu showcasing dishes from top restaurants at The Londoner Macao (Photo: Humphrey Ng/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 2 of 4 Bukhu Ganburged (Photo: Derry Ainsworth/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 3 of 4 A performance by Hong Kong-based dance group, Chestroll (Photo: Roman Olinchuk/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 4 of 4 A performance by Hong Kong-based dance group, Chestroll (Photo: Roman Olinchuk/Tatler Hong Kong)

“Asia’s Most Influential is a community, celebrating entrepreneurs, captains of industry, philanthropists, artists and athletes, whose drive and passion have pushed boundaries, inspired others and have had a huge impact in their respective fields,” he said to applause. “Our vision is to make Tatler the go-to global platform for everything that represents the best of Asia.” Lamunière also announced the launch of Tatler Macau, which officially launched on the day of the ball, as well as the December relaunch of the Thailand edition in December 2023, while hinting at further expansion to more markets in 2024.

Dr Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China, also addressed the glamorous crowd. “As the co-host for the first regional Tatler Ball at The Londoner Macao, Sands is delighted to play a key role in this spectacularly successful evening,” he said. “With our heartfelt hospitality, delightful gastronomy and curated moments throughout the evening, I hope every guest truly enjoys this glamorous and unforgettable Sands Lifestyle experience.”

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 5 Sean Fitzpatrick announces this year's award recipients (Photo: Roman Olinchuk/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 2 of 5 Kiera Chaplin (Photo: Billy Chan/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 3 of 5 Kiera Chaplin, Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree and Michel Lamunière (Photo: Billy Chan/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 4 of 5 Kōki, (Photo: Billy Chan/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 5 of 5 David Beckham and Professor Dennis Lo (Photo: Billy Chan/Tatler Hong Kong)

There were many highlights, but perhaps the most inspirational was the awards ceremony. The Style Award was given to Japanese style icon Kōki, in recognition of her style, elegance and ability to stay ahead of fashion trends, as well as for her influence and impact. Thai superstar Bright Vachirawit Chivaaree took home the Golden Cane Award, presented by Kiera Chaplin, who is the granddaughter of the cinema legend Charlie Chaplin and the founder of the Chaplin Awards, which recognises the excellence of actors and filmmakers; the new award recognises the entertainer of the moment.

Last but not least, the Global Impact Award, which honours an individual from Asia who has made significant contributions in fields such as philanthropy, community development, science and health, environmental conservation or social innovation, was presented by Beckham to scientist Lo for his groundbreaking work on the Fragma technique, which allows for the development of blood tests capable of detecting early-stage cancer; as well as non-invasive prenatal testing, which he introduced in 2011 and is today the standard for prenatal screening for more than ten million expectant mothers per year.

Above (Video: Samuel Chan, Faith Ma, Chan Ho Shun)

Naturally, the food was another pinnacle of the event. Guests were treated to an exquisite five-course menu showcasing dishes from top restaurants at The Londoner Macao. An appetiser featuring northern Chinese flavours, from Huaiyang Garden’s senior chef Jack Xiao, delighted guests, while The Mews’ senior chef Nongnuch Sae-eiw presented a delectable sunflower chicken tom kha soup as the second course. The third course, Carabineiro red prawn rice with herbs, was crafted by Chiado’s celebrity chef Henrique Sá Pessoa, and the fourth course, a Beef Wellington, was a signature of the Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill. The culinary adventure concluded with a delicious 72 per cent single-origin chocolate dessert from Churchill’s Table.

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 Phil D and the Band rock the afterparty (Photo: Jeffrey Hui/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 2 of 2 Inside the afterparty (Photo: Jeffrey Hui/Tatler Hong Kong)

The entertainment for the evening was nothing short of extraordinary—and a reflection of the diversity and talent of Asia. A set by Bukhu Ganburged, a Mongolian Australian throat-singer who also plays the morin khuur—a string instrument that has been recognised by Unesco as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity—enchanted the audience, moving some to tears. Later, the Hong Kong-based dance troupe Chestroll, who won the prestigious World of Dance competition, mesmerised guests with their boundless energy.

Later, the event’s emcee, Tatler’s head of VIP content and community Tara Sobti, brought Tatler’s chief experience officer Sean Fitzpatrick to the stage to conduct the awards ceremony. After diving into the story behind the awards and why the honourees were chosen, Fitzpatrick invited Chaplin and Beckham to the stage to present them.

arrow left arrow left
arrow right arrow right
Photo 1 of 2 Tina Leung got the dance floor moving (Photo: Jeffrey Hui/Tatler Hong Kong)
Photo 2 of 2 The venue for the afterparty (Photo: Humphrey Ng/Tatler Hong Kong)

The success of the event was made possible by the support and sponsorships of Sands Lifestyle, The Londoner Macao, HSBC, Helena Rubinstein, Moët Hennessy Diageo and Chopard. Chopard, a long-standing sponsor of the Tatler Ball, designed the beautiful trophies the winners took home. The house is also behind a captivating showcase at the ball, where stunning models donned haute jewellery and eveningwear by Caroline’s Couture, which is the brainchild of Chopard’s co-president and artistic director Caroline Scheufele.

At the afterparty, the beautiful crowd worked the room while sipping on tipples such as Don Julio 1942, courtesy of Moët Hennessy Diageo. Phil D and the Band performed a set, while DJ Rork and DJ Ivan Sit took to the decks, with guests hitting the dance floor in a flurry of movement and laughter. The celebrations continued well into the night, with attendees revelling in the joyous ambience and the fulfilment that comes from being one of a company of the most influential individuals from across Asia.

Read the December issue here.


Topics