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Star power lights up Derby day

Star power lights up Derby day

A night fantastic for fans of metallic plastic

LIFE

The first BMW Hong Kong Derby took place on a warm Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin racecourse. Up for grabs was HK$16 million in prize money and the honour of being crowned the inaugural winner.

Guests included ambassador for the BMW Hong Kong Derby Donnie Yen Ji-dan (right), his wife Cissy Wang, Brandon and Jenny Chau, and actress Ankie Beilke and her mum Ankie Lau.

Yen said he enjoyed the odd flutter. "On occasion when my friends place a bet, I might join them. A little bet is like a pastime, you'll be happy if you win, and if you lose the money goes to a charitable cause."

The well-fancied Akeed Mofeed raced away with the Derby for owner Pan Su-tong who was presented the trophy by Edmond Kwok, managing director of the BMW Division of Sime Darby Motor Group (HK), Newman Tsang, managing director of BMW Concessionaires (HK), along with Yen.

Earlier in the week, BMW unveiled the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman at the AsiaWorld-Expo. On hand was legendary rally driver, the "Flying Finn" Rauno Aaltonen, who drove a Mini Cooper S to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1967. The 75-year-old showed he still had it by first racing the Countryman around a makeshift racetrack, then a Mini JCW Coupe. Aaltonen confessed he didn't like the modern Mini when it was launched a decade ago. "I thought it was too big compared to the original," he said. "But then I tried it and I was happy because it performed just like the original."

Moiselle store takes Central by storm

Local fashion chain Moiselle opened a new store on Tuesday night near Lan Kwai Fong, not only stopping traffic but also bringing thunder and lightning. The Wellington Street store is designed by US firm Leong Leong Architecture and features three levels with a VIP zone in the basement.

Officiating was model Lynn Xiong Dailin (girlfriend of Canto-pop singer Aaron Kwok Fu-shing). Her curve-hugging lime green dress from Moiselle's spring-summer collection made her the centre of attention. Also officiating were vice-chairman Shirley Tsui How-kiu, and chairman and CEO Boby Chan Yum-kit.

Asked what was important for the brand, creative director Harris Chan Pak-hei said: "Identity. Because identity creates the brand value and creates customer desire and market attention." He said Moiselle is launching a new men's line in September with 60 designs. "The look will be educated, very clean, very neat and professional."

We can hardly wait to see it, this correspondent is in dire need of a new wardrobe.

 

A night fantastic for fans of metallic plastic

Citibank launched its invitation-only "Ultima" credit card for VIP customers in the appropriately named grand ballroom of the Four Seasons hotel.

The festivities kicked off with a performance by Japanese dance troupe ENRA, featuring their signature style combining projected graphics and live action.

To help celebrate the launch, retired actress Cherie Chung Chor-hung, a long-time Citibank customer, was given the very first Ultima card by Christine Lam, country business manager of Citibank Global Consumer Banking, Hong Kong. Chung, dressed in a striking Burberry pant suit and a pair of sparkly Jimmy Choos, accepted an "ultima" sized version of the new credit card. The pair were later joined onstage by Maria Leung, head of Citigold Private Client, Weber Lo, Citi country officer and CEO of Hong Kong and Macau, and others.

After the presentation, Chung said she was looking forward to the dedicated "Lifestyle Manager" service that the card provides. Asked what she thought of the card, which is made from a brushed hybrid metal, she said: "It is so stylish!" We don't think anything can be as stylish as her, especially in those Jimmy Choos.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Star power lights up Derby day
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