Astrale bodies
Diamond lovers were transported to a rather tropical St Petersburg for Italian jeweller Bulgari's celebration of its latest collection, Astrale. Scenes from the March international launch of the collection in the snow-covered city formed a backdrop for guests at the extravagant poolside dinner.
'We chose St Petersburg because the snow and ice of its winter wonderland is like the glitter and reflections made from the diamonds and platinum of the new collection,' says Hazel Leung of Bulgari.
More than 270 guests dined at the new Plateau at the Grand Hyatt, including: Stanley Ho Hung-sun and his fourth wife, Angela Ho; Pansy Ho Chiu-king; James and Jane Louey; Ronald and Johanna Arculli; James Tien Pei-chun and wife Mary Tien; Michelle Cheng; Kenneth Fok Kai-kong; Cecil Chao Sze-tsung and Peggy Liu.
The lavish five-course Russian dinner of caviar, smoked salmon terrine, Russian borsch, seafood platter, steamed surgeon, washed down with vodka, certainly hit the spot, as diners happily parted with $150,000 in aid of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund.
Didier and Michelle Li, Boya Mohindar, Tony Cruz, Yolanda Choy and Hamilton Tang, Gilbert Yeung, Michael and Vanessa Kwan, Lumen Kinoshita, designer Barney Cheng, Reina Chau and Judy Hong were among those who enjoyed the spectacular show. Nineteen caucasian models in elegant Valentino outfits from the spring/summer 2004 collection dazzled guests with the 26 pieces of Bulgari jewellery.
The finale was a simple black dress with a cutaway midriff, which had been specially designed to show off the unique Astrale diamond vest.
The night ended with guests working off the calories to US-based DJ John Robinson's skilful mixing on the decks.
